22 July 2023
Scripture
Exodus 33:7-11 NLT
It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.
Devotion
It was the regular ‘practice’ of Moses to spend time in God’s Presence, talking to Him as a friend- face to face. These were inspirational moments for the Children of Israel as well. They would all watch Moses enter the tent as God’s Presence, in a pillar of cloud, would descend upon it. They would watch in awe, wondering what was going on in that meeting place between God and Moses.
Today, because of what Jesus has done for us, we too can meet with God as a friend. We can come into His Presence anytime we like and spend time talking with Him. What a wonderful privilege, yet many people struggle with this practice and allow other things to draw their attention away from these opportunities to connect with God.
Our practice of meeting with God can also be an inspiration to others because when anyone talks with God on a regular basis, there is always something supernatural that takes place. People may not see a cloud of God’s glory descend upon our residence, but they will definitely notice God’s influence on us. The more time we spend with God, the more of Him radiates from us. We start to be influenced by God’s nature and as a result, become more loving, more patient, more kind and more wise. Instead of being influenced by what is going on in the world, we are influenced by God, so instead of being fearful, we are full of faith. Instead of being stressed, we are calm. Instead of being grumpy, we are filled with joy!
Prayer
Dear Father,
I love spending time with You and I know I’m a better person when I do. I ask that You would stir a passion in my heart to make this a practice in my life and that I would continue to take opportunities to spend time with You. Thank You Jesus that You made a way for me. I know I will never be the same because of it.
Amen.
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