A Two-Week Sermon Series & 14-Day Renewal Plan
As we begin a new year, we're not starting with hurry, we're starting with preparation. Preparing for His Presence is a two-week sermon series paired with a 14-day renewal plan, designed to awaken our awareness of God’s nearness and prepare us for a year-long journey through Exodus centered on the theme of Presence.
Why God’s Presence Matters
From the opening pages of Scripture to the life of Jesus, the Bible tells the story of a God who refuses to stay distant. We were made for His presence. Without it, we wander. With it, we walk in life, purpose, and hope.
God’s presence steadies us in the wilderness, shapes our hearts, and empowers our obedience. This is why preparation matters. Not because God is far, but because our awareness often is.
The Sermon Series
Week 1
Preparing for His Presence: Awakening
Genesis 28
Jacob sleeps in the wilderness convinced he is alone—only to wake up and discover that God was there all along. This message calls us to slow down, open our eyes, and recognize the God who meets us in ordinary places and turns common ground into sacred space.
Week 2
Preparing for His Presence: Responding
Psalm 27
When God awakens us to His nearness, how do we respond? Psalm 27 shows us a heart that seeks, trusts, and waits on the Lord with a single desire—to dwell with Him and walk in His ways. This message prepares us to move forward with clarity, courage, and expectation.
The 14-Day Renewal Plan
Running alongside the sermon series is a 14-day spiritual renewal plan designed to help us practice what we’re learning together. Each day includes Scripture, a short reflection, and a simple prompt. Slow your pace. Make room. Listen for God’s voice.
Week 1: Removing What Blocks Awareness
“Take off your sandals.” (Exodus 3:5)
Cleansing • Awareness • Repentance
Week 2: Rekindling Desire & Walking in the Spirit
“Show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)
Longing • Filling • Obedience
(Exodus 3:1–6)
Reflection: God meets Moses in an ordinary place, yet His presence transforms the ground beneath his feet. Awareness begins when we slow down enough to recognize that God is already near.
Prompt: Pause three times today. Set reminders if needed. Whisper, “You are here, Lord,” and let that simple confession reshape your pace and posture.
(Psalm 46:10; Exodus 14:13–14)
Reflection: Silence cuts away noise so you can hear God’s voice again. Israel was told to “stand still” to see God move. You may be surprised what God clarifies when you stop striving.
Prompt: Set a timer for five minutes. No phone, no music, no words. Sit before God and notice how your mind begins to settle.
(Exodus 19:10–11; 1 John 1:9)
Reflection: Before meeting God, Israel was told to wash and prepare. Purity isn’t perfection; it’s clearing what dulls our sensitivity to God. Confession cleans the inner window so His light can shine on us.
Prompt: Name one lingering sin or attitude. Write it down, confess it honestly, and receive God’s forgiveness.
(Exodus 32:1–8; 1 Corinthians 10:14)
Reflection: Idols are rarely statues; they are anything we trust more than God. They promise relief but steal affection. Removing them rekindles desire for God.
Prompt: Fast from one meal (or more). As hunger rises, ask God to expose any “golden calves” and redirect your desire toward Him.
(Exodus 16:2–4; Hebrews 3:12–14)
Reflection: The wilderness exposes unbelief. Complaints reveal a heart that has forgotten God’s faithfulness. Gratitude retrains the heart to trust what God will do.
Prompt: List five ways God has shown His presence in your past. Read them aloud and let gratitude reshape your outlook.
(Exodus 5:1–9; Ezekiel 36:26)
Reflection: Pharaoh’s oppression hardened Israel’s hearts. Hardness often grows through disappointment, fatigue, or self-protection. God promises a soft, responsive heart.
Prompt: Pray, “Lord, give me a tender heart today.” Notice His nudges and choose softness instead of resistance.
(Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 2:27–28)
Reflection: Sabbath isn’t inactivity; it is intentional rest that reminds us God—not productivity—sustains life. Creating space invites renewal.
Prompt: Choose a block of time to rest. Put away your phone, go slow, worship, and let God reset your soul.
(Exodus 33:7–11)
Reflection: Moses met God in a designated place and rhythm. Setting aside space signals availability and expectation that God will meet us there.
Prompt: Choose a spot this week as your “meeting place”—a chair, corner, or room where you come to listen and receive from the Lord.
(Exodus 33:12–23)
Reflection: Desire awakens delight. Moses had seen miracles yet prayed, “Show me Your glory.” The more we see God, the more we long for Him.
Prompt: Fast from one meal (or more). Pray, “Lord, increase my hunger for Your glory.” Let physical hunger deepen spiritual desire.
(Exodus 13:21–22; Romans 8:14)
Reflection: God leads His people through uncertainty with presence, not explanations. His guidance brings peace, not always answers.
Prompt: Ask God to guide you in one decision today. Pay attention to where His peace rests.
(Exodus 25:8; John 1:14)
Reflection: God does not merely give blessings—He gives Himself. From the tabernacle to Jesus, His heart has always been to dwell with His people.
Prompt: Thank Jesus for coming near. Meditate on one way His presence impacts your life today.
(Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:24–26)
Reflection: Every sacrifice and priest pointed to Jesus, who brings us into God’s presence by grace, not performance.
Prompt: Reflect on Christ’s finished work. Pray, “Thank You that I stand before God covered by Christ, not myself.”
(Exodus 34:29–35; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Reflection: Being with God leaves a mark. We are transformed by beholding His glory, and joy, peace, and love grow in His presence.
Prompt: Write down reasons you have to rejoice and ways your life reflects time spent with God.
(Exodus 40:34–38; Revelation 21:3)
Reflection: God filled the tabernacle with His glory to show He was with His people. Through Christ, He now fills us.
Prompt: Pray with your household: “Lord, fill this house with Your presence.” Invite Him into your rhythms, conversations, and year ahead.
Stay Connected
To receive reminders and resources during our year-long focus on God’s presence, text presence to 94000.