Your New Normal

Only God can satisfy our soul's hunger and thirst.  

The more that you experience God.  The more you want to experience God. 

Matthew 5:6 (NIRV)

6 Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right.

    They will be filled.

The person who has a hungry heart will always reach God's heart because Jesus will make sure of it.  

Psalm 107:2-9  (ESV)

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5 hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9 For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Remember to..

1. Stay humble at the feet of Jesus. 

James 4:10  (ESV)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

2. Step out in faith.   Take one step and see what God will do. 

Hebrews 11:6  (ESV)

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

3. Believe God for greater things and better days.

Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

4.  Make your request known to God. 

Mark 11:24  (ESV)

24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

5. Never give up.  

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Dino Rizzo, Church of the Highlands

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/hunger-and-thirst

Big Idea

 Pastor Dino’s message uses the example of our physical experiences with hunger and thirst to help us understand the hunger and thirst in our spirits that can only be filled by God. 

While we may seek satisfaction in the natural, only God can truly satisfy us. In fact, the more of God we get, the more of God we want! 

Jesus always responds to those who are hungry and thirsty. This is evident throughout Jesus’ ministry, and can be seen in the story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30. 

The person who is humble and has a hungry heart will always reach God’s heart. 

Pastor Dino concluded with five steps to stay hungry and thirsty for Jesus. First, we need to stay humble at the feet of Jesus. 

Next, we need to step out in faith and live by faith and not by sight. Then, we must believe for greater things and days to come. 

Also, we need to make our requests known to God. 

Finally, we must never give up! We must always remember that Jesus is the bread of life and He is all we need. 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6

Group Discussion Questions 

· Think of times when you tried to satisfy your hunger or need with worldly things. Also think about times you turned in faith to Jesus to satisfy you. Share your experience with the group, discussing the difference it makes when you turn to Jesus to satisfy your needs rather than seek fulfillment in the world.

 · Read Mark 7:24-30. Think back to what Pastor Dino shared about this Gentile woman’s encounter with Jesus. What traits did she display when interacting with Jesus? How we can use this Biblical account in our own prayers and appeals to Jesus when we are spiritually hungry and in need? 

· Pastor Dino said that we are created physically hungry and spiritually hungry. Share with the group something you are hungry for now. What steps can you take now to have your hunger filled by God? 

Prayer Focus 

Thank you, God, for giving me a hunger and thirst for You. I pray to be humble and persistent in coming to You in faith to fulfill my needs and satisfy my hunger. I need more of You, Jesus, in my life. Help me to remember to always live by faith in You and not by what I can see or what I can do. I know I can’t do things alone. You are the bread of life and all that I need.

Next Step 

Make a decision to satisfy your hunger through faith in the Lord rather than the world. Some “spiritual food” to consider includes: reading and studying the Bible daily; praying in faith daily for needs to be met; and taking a next step in your spiritual journey such as Baptism, joining a groups of Jesus followers, leading a Small Group, helping out, and participating in group prayer.

Leader Tip 

Encourage your group members to identify a spiritual hunger and the “food” to satisfy it and help them grow. 

As a leader, it is important that you are growing too. For resources that help you develop as a small group leader, visit: 

www.churchofthehighlands.com/groups/leadership-development.