February 14. 2010 - John Sprecher - Steps to Intimacy

February 14, 2010
Steps to Intimacy 
Pastor John Sprecher

 

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STEPS TO INTIMACY
Text: Psalm 91:1-2 with Matthew 23:37-38
Introduction: Last week we shared some of the enemies of intimacy- isolation, secrets and unforgiveness.  Today we will look further at some ways we can enhance our intimacy with God and those we love.

  1. TIME
    1. The greatest gift we have is time
      1. We all have the same amount of it
      2. Quality time
        1. Defined as undivided attention
        2. Not distracted by tv or other encroachments
    2. Time away when it is too busy (Mark 6:30-46)
      1. Did not have time to eat
      2. Crowds found them
      3. Jesus fed them
      4. Jesus went alone to the mountain to pray
    3. An hour to pray (Matthew 26:36-46)
      1. Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him deep into the garden to pray
      2. As Jesus was in agony the disciples slept
      3. His call to them was an hour to stand with Him, but they missed out
    4. Busyness that causes us to miss the important things
      1. The wedding feast (Luke 14:16-24)
        1. Going to a farm
        2. Trying out a purchase
        3. More important relationships
      2. Time to share devotions together 
        1. 5-2-2-1
    5. Spend time in the secret place
  2. COMMUNICATION
    1. Steps of communication
      1. What I think I said
      2. What I actually said
      3. What you heard
      4. What you think you heard
      5. What you say about what you heard
    2. An open heart (Judges 16: 4-21)
      1. Samson was motivated by love
      2. Delilah was motivated by money
      3. Samson reveals his heart by degrees, but does not realize that he is being set up
      4. His loss of intimacy with God causes him to sell out his commitment to God
    3. Sharing facts or feelings?
      1. What is happening on our schedule or with the family revolves around facts with no intimacy
      2. Intimacy is to share in a way that we are known and know (Psalm 139:23-24)
    4. See face and hear voice (Song of Solomon 2:14)
      1. We are too easily distracted
      2. Quality time is undivided attention
  3. REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
    1. Primary cause of depression
      1. Unmet expectations
    2. You will not change another person as much as you think you will
      1. Don’t marry someone who you expect to change much from who they are now
      2. Accept the differences
        1. The things that attracted us may become the things that irritate
        2. Thankfulness for differences
    3. Provoke to love and good works (Heb. 10:24)
    4. God is our refuge and fortress– we can depend on Him
      1. He will always protect and preserve
      2. He knows the future and what is best for us
 
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