Open Ourselves To God

Where can you go where God is not? Nowhere. One of the attributes of God is His omnipresence – that God exists in all places at all times.

Jeremiah 23:23–24 ESV

“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.

God is everywhere. Even in the most destitute “God-forsaken places – God is there.

Acts 17:24–28 ESV

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

The truth is that if any person at any moment can seek and find God, then God must be present in all places at all times. But we have a problem don’t we. If God is omnipresent, then why do we not always sense His presence? How does this work?

Pastor Robert Morris explains it like this. Image our church full of people and a millionaire walks in unnoticed and sits down. This person is present, but very few know it – probably don’t know this person is a millionaire. This is general presence. Now image at some point the millionaire stands up, waves their hands and yells, “Hello everyone! I’m here and I’m a millionaire! I’m the CEO of ______.” Now we’re aware of this person’s presence. That’s revealed presence. This millionaire proceeds to say, “I’m giving away a new car to somewhere here.” That’s manifest presence. That’s kind of a good picture of how God shows up in the world.

Regardless of how God reveals Himself, we will miss Him if we’re not paying attention (e.g. nature). This is where spiritual disciplines come in. Remember,

Spiritual disciplines are the intentional practices to experience the loving and transforming presence of God.

If you want more of God (which should be everyone), spiritual disciplines are essential. Spiritual disciplines go way beyond occasional church attendance, Bible reading and a 5-minute prayer.

Remember, we’re using the acronym WORSHIP. This morning is the O of WORSHIP - Open Ourselves to God. “I’m a Christian, of course I’m open to God.” Not necessarily. We can be in any relationship and closed. Just because you go to church and accepted Jesus as Savior doesn’t mean you’re open to God. Opening ourselves to God must be intentional.

So, what are we talking about?

Calhoun says this -

“Intentionally learning to notice when God shows up is a huge part of the spiritual journey. After all, we cannot open ourselves to someone we do not notice.”

“The opening disciplines specifically address how to make space in a crowded life to notice the movements of the Spirit of God.” ~ Adele Calhoun.

In other words,

The follower of Jesus needs to learn how to see and recognize the presence-activity of God (Father, Son, Spirit).

God is always present and He is always working – presence-activity – got to learn to see.

Some of the “opening” disciplines include setting aside specific time for Contemplation or Journaling (intentionally looking back to see where God was present, or where we missed Him, so that in the future …). Practicing the Presence (Brother Lawrence - learning to experience every moment as a gift from God). Practicing Simplicity(uncluttering life … less distractions). Unplugging (setting specific times to unplug from electronics / TV / social media …). The one we’ll talk about today is

TEACHABILITY

Curious -

How teachable am I?

Honestly think about your answer. How open are you to new ideas? How open are you to listening to and considering the opinions and perspectives of others (especially ones that are different)? Do you have a “This is just the way I am” attitude (don’t see a need to change)? Do you resist learning from certain people or groups? How open are you to learning from circumstances? How desirous are you about exploring a deeper life with Jesus? When was the last time you tried a new method or practice or experience to deepen or increase your knowledge and love of God? How often do you truly practice the art of listening to others and resist talking about yourself? It’s easy to say we’re teachable, but are we?

Calhoun says,

“Teachability is a propensity [inclination] and openness [desire] to learn from God no matter who the teacher or what the experience may be.” ~ Adele Calhoun.

Notice there is a desire to learn and an openness to learn regardless of whom or what God uses. The two go hand in hand. Does this describe you?

Think about this. Do you have a desire and openness to learn from God regardless of the color of someone’s skin, political affiliation, social status, cultural or religious background? In our world of polarization are you open to learn from others who may be way over there on that side? Can gays learn from straights and straights from gays? Can a Christian learn from a Muslim and a Muslim from a Christian? We could go on. Are we truly teachable and open if we’re selective? “God, teach me, but don’t use them. God teach me, but don’t do that.”

Are we truly teachable if we view our salvation and what Jesus did on the cross merely as a means of going to Heaven rather than living a sanctified surrendered life that’s holy and pleasing to God?

Let’s shift the question a little.

Am I, as a follower of Christ moldable?

- truly open to being shaped by the Potter no matter who or what He uses?

Isaiah 64:8 ESV

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

The Potter can’t work with resistant stiff clay. Clay must remain malleable, soft, and pliable. Our mantra should be, “Break me, mold me, fill me, teach me, use me.” See,

Teachability shapes our lives into the restored image of God that God desires.

So,

The emphasis of teachability is not on knowledge, but on being.

- becoming (molded) the men and women God designed us to be. Knowledge is knowledge – may or may not change my life – but being teachable …. I believe

The serious Christian should endeavor to remain a lifelong student of Jesus Christ.

What kind of people does Jesus look for? He never looks for someone who is fully capable, who has it all together, or is perfect. Calhoun says,

“Jesus was passionate about those with ears to hear. People who could lay aside their prejudices and entertain something new were often the recipients of Jesus’ transforming word. Jesus is still looking for teachable disciples.” ~ Adele Calhoun

Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Psalm 86:11 (ESV)

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

So, what do we do with all this? First, check your heart. Are you teachable? If yes, great. If not, what’s hindering – pride, fear …? Confess? Repent? Secondly, I rarely use acronyms, but thought it would be useful for us ….

Try a new spiritual practice

– devotional, spiritual discipline book, pastor …

Enlarge your vision

– intentionally practice looking for God during the day.

Ask God to give you a teachable heart

- Open yourself to God to maybe something new that He wants to do in you, your neighborhood, this church ….

Converse with someone outside your echo chamber

– people like to talk with people who will agree with their perspective

Humble yourself before God and others

Accept your need to learn

– admit you don’t know everything. God is infinite / sanctification

Believe God is omnipresent

– His presence-activity can teach us anywhere anytime

Listen deeply to others

Educate yourself

The Gospel