Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hear it On Sunday, Use it On Monday: God's Holy Pursuit

I'm not sure if my Pastor ever reads my blog, but I am certain he stole my private notes for his sermon this morning. 

Either that, or we are listening to the same voice.

Remember my Hebrew study of Genesis 1:1-2 for a section in one of the chapters of the book I'm writing?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

Before man was even created, the Spirit of God was hovering (brooding, fluttering) over the very thought of Adam and Eve.  He was in pursuit of man before man was even here.

In Deuteronomy 32:11, the same word is used by Moses to compare God's hovering over the children of Israel in the wilderness to an eagle hovering over its young. The side notes in my Bible call it a divine overshadowing.

As my Pastor spoke during the morning service, this word was confirmed in my spirit. God- the creator of the universe- is in continual pursuit of His children... of me, of you. He is not only watching over us, He is watching for us. Watching and waiting in anticipation for us to accept His invitation, reciprocate His love, and pursue Him Who is pursuing us.

In Genesis 3:8-9 the Spirit of God again pursues Adam and Eve for an evening stroll in the garden. Ready for a time of fellowship, an intimate conversation, a strengthening of their personal relationship, He enters the garden and searches for His children.

"Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?'" ~Genesis 3:9

Instead of meeting God as they had before, Adam and Eve were separated from His presence. A breach in their relationship occurred because sin had entered their lives.

How many times has God had to call out to us?

He desires to manifest His presence in our lives continuously, not just a moment here and a moment there. He wants to take up residence in our lives. In order to experience the continual manifest presence of God revealed in the Holy Spirit in our lives, we must reciprocate the love He lavishes upon us.

The evidence of our love is not found in what we say but in what we do.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments..." ~1 John 5:3a

Do not misinterpret this as meaning we have to earn our salvation by works. But are our actions reflecting what we believe? (Click here to read a recent post on Believing, Speaking, Living).


God pursues us because He is madly, passionately and completely in love with us, His children.

As we walk throughout our day, the Spirit of God is hovering over our lives. Even now.

Can you hear the sound of God hovering? Can you feel the breath of His Spirit? Can you sense His Holy presence?

Is He searching, calling out to you...Where are you?

Or has He been met by your own pursuit of Him?

(Part two of this sermon and more evidence of my Pastor tampering with my notes...coming soon.)

Linking today with Michelle at Nebraska Graceful:


and counting my gifts with Ann V:

#56-65 of graces embraced and gifts undeserved by given anyway...

56 confirming words

57 words that empower

58 God revealed in us by the Holy Spirit

59 God's pursuit of me

60 Sunday evening service twice a month

61 days when I can't seem to tear myself away from the Word of God

62 three more logs on the fire burning in my soul

63 God's desire to manifest His presence in my life

64 an evening stroll in the garden

65 a Pastor who hears from God




8 friends had this to say:

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

Hey I think you are on to something! All pastors need to do is read the congregation's blogs and they will know exactly what to speak on!! Could be a pretty scary thought for some huh?

Amy Sullivan said...

Hey, friend,
Your first line made me laugh...I love when a sermon speaks to me right where I am.

Have a good week.

Michelle DeRusha said...

I absolutely believe this: "God- the creator of the universe- is in continual pursuit of His children... of me, of you. He is not only watching over us, He is watching for us. Watching and waiting in anticipation for us to accept His invitation, reciprocate His love, and pursue Him Who is pursuing us." My faith story is a living testament of that fact! And I am thankful for a patiently pursuing God who didn't give up on me!

starla said...

will He be met by our pursuit of Him when he comes for us....LOVE THAT! Great post! I have been met with HARD DISTRACTION OF NEEDS, TASKS and DOINGS!! Help me GOd to set those things down and sit with you at your feet.. this martha way needs a mary moment!

Unknown said...

This: But are our actions reflecting what we believe?

Yes is many areas and others...I am realizing that there are some places in my life where I am not practicing the way I should be.

Melissa Bradley said...

That is so funny. I thought the same thing over the last several weeks at church. "Dude, are you stealing the cliff notes", lol except that he usually takes the same passage that struck me so deeply and heads in a different direction, so I don't think he's cheating ;) Great Post! I have never known that hoovering connection. What a beautiful, Awesome thought! :) Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Doesn't it fill funny when we are confirmed from the pulpit. God is funny like that! God bless you.

Blue Cotton Memory said...

I love this - that God hovers over us like an eagle over her babies. I see that. Even more to my heart, as one of my sons is starting hsi 2nd week of basic training, how comforting this has been to know that as he is being broken apart and rebuilt - that God is pursuing him, calling to him - hovering over him. You have so comforted this mama's heart today! Thank you!