GOD’S PRESENCE
Today’s Reading: Exodus 33-34
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The Tabernacle of Moses. This life-sized replica is situated at Timna National Park in Southern Israel.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Exodus 33:15
Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here…”
How did Moses know that God’s Presence was with him? First of all, God promised that “My Presence will go with you and give you rest” (31:14). Moses was so very human. God had just promised His Presence, and now Moses uses that little word “if.” God gives grace in spite of our unbelief. Secondly, God allows Moses to experience His Glory. The Word comes first and then the experience. All we really need is His Word. He says to us, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). This is His promise to us at all times. He also says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). We should not require more proof. Nevertheless, Jesus, with great emphasis promises He is “confirming His Word with accompanying signs. Amen” (Mark 16:20).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
I praise and worship You, Lord God, for Your Presence. If You don’t go with me, I won’t go anywhere. I know according to Your Word that You are with me. Therefore, I will boldly move into this new day and into the rest of my life with excitement, knowing that You will work all things after the counsel of Your will (Ephesians 1:11).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I was waiting on God during a week of fasting and prayer about 14 years ago. I would show up in the Chapel very early each morning to petition God for His directions. Always I would think of Joshua, who was there with Moses every day in the tent of meeting. “…Joshua…did not depart from the tabernacle” (33:11). Joshua was there faithfully. It’s obvious why Joshua was to occupy a place of leadership.
One of those who would sometimes show up to pray with me in the chapel in the early morning was my co-host, Lorna Dueck, now Crossroads CEO. Lorna needs us to rise up, pray, and do our best to give generously this month…and then just to let her know you are solidly with her.
Yours to help us all to know God’s will through His Word,
David
The human mind (as opposed to ‘spirit’) can’t imagine what Moses experienced ‘face to face’ with God.I know there is another interpretation of those words for it repeats at least twice that ” …… no one may see me and live.” I will take that up with my pastor friend when we have coffee again.
We also see that God has human qualities (or,do we have these Godly qualities??) whereby Moses could change His mind,speaking friend-to-friend.Could you or I even approach God,let alone talk to Him and,as Moses did,change His mind??Wow !
Yall have a great day.God bless
Mighty Tower
You created all,thus,all is yours,
And only You have supreme power,
For You alone open our doors,
And you are the mighty Tower.
You judge most fairly in truth and love,
For Your goal is for all to receive
Their mansions in Your home above,
Abundant to those who believe.
We see the stars,as yet unnumbered
And You know what each is called by name,
When You placed them unencumbered
And gave them light with holy flame.
Your creation is more than we see,
For we are Your children in school
Who will pass to eternity
Guided by Your holy Jewel.
(G W) Bill Marshall/20-Jan-16
Beautiful and so true! Thanks Bill. God’s blessings.
yes, Amen William!
I have a vision..somewhere there are 2-3 young guys wanting to become Pastors and they will be coming to my community working and studying in the evenings and they require a place to stay and somehow the Lord would bring our paths to cross and I have space for such a situation.
I used to do this many many years ago,, I met terrific young people and it was good for my children to meet these people, we used to have Bible studies in the evening and sing songs and most of the people could play guitars, it was great!
So Lord I am ready for something like this again, I ask Lord that You would bring all this to pass, that I would know it is from You and it would be very healthy and very uplifting to have people like that around again. nothing is impossible with You Lord, I pray this in Jesus Name amen
I pray SAH that the Lord would give you the desires of our heart!
Your big heart comes through in each of your posts SAH, I so enjoy your comments, may God Bless you and your family!
I echo your words Anne, blessings to you both and all the saints.