Your Personal Holy Ground
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of humility and brokenness in reaching a personal encounter with God on holy ground.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that 'holy ground' is not a physical location but a spiritual state of being receptive and open to God. He illustrates this through Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where Moses had to remove his sandals, symbolizing the shedding of his reputation and pride. This act of humility allowed Moses to be in a position where God could truly work in him. Wilkerson encourages believers to pursue their personal holy ground by being honest with God and letting go of their worldly influences, leading to deeper revelations of God's presence. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to prioritize a relationship with Jesus above all else.
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When God called Moses from the burning bush, he commanded him: "Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). Holy ground is not a physical place, but a spiritual one. When God commanded Moses to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground, he was not referring to a two-by-four plot of real estate. He was talking about a spiritual state.
The place was holy! What place? The spiritual condition Moses had finally come to. His spiritual growth had brought him to a place where God could get through to him -- receptive, open to listening, mature, and ready to be dealt with by a holy God. Holy ground is a place of no reputation and, as we know, the Lord himself stood in this same place: "He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant" (Philippians 2:7).
At one time Moses was held in high esteem, respected in high government places, prestigious and privileged. But God could not use him until he tore away all that popularity and esteem and brought him to a place of no influence. Moses came to that place where he was broken and truly no longer cared about his work or his reputation. He was stripped of all his rights -- because that is what was meant by the removal of his shoes. And that is when the great "I AM" was revealed. Thank God for that cleansing moment when by faith the old flesh is done away with and the hand of ministry is purified.
Getting to your personal holy ground will require complete honesty before God -- and perhaps some pruning. But when you come to the place of giving up your reputation, you will find revelation. Choose to pursue the Lord with all your heart and say with our fathers in the faith, "Take this whole world, but give me Jesus."
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Holy Ground
- Spiritual vs. Physical Places
- God's Call to Moses
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II
- The Significance of Taking Off Shoes
- Symbolism of Humility
- Preparation for God's Presence
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III
- Moses' Journey of Brokenness
- The Role of Reputation
- God's Use of the Humble
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IV
- The Process of Spiritual Growth
- Receptiveness to God
- The Revelation of the 'I AM'
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V
- The Importance of Honesty with God
- Pruning for Spiritual Growth
- Pursuing God Wholeheartedly
Key Quotes
“Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” — David Wilkerson
“He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant.” — David Wilkerson
“Take this whole world, but give me Jesus.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on areas in your life where pride may hinder your relationship with God.
- Practice humility by serving others without seeking recognition.
- Commit to pursuing God wholeheartedly, prioritizing spiritual growth over personal reputation.