Scripture:
Exodus 40:38 “So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.”
Observation:
When I initially read this, I thought “How could this nation walk away so frequently with God’s presence in such plain sight – especially as a cloud of fire.” Then I remembered a post that Seth Godin made a couple days ago titled something like “Expected and Amazing” regarding the things that were once amazing, but now expected, and now replaced by other temporarily amazing sights. I wonder if this happened? As awe inspiring as this is to me, did the Israelites become so accustomed to the cloud that it was a run-of-the-mill pillar of God?
Application:
There are things in my life that are awe-inspiring, but I’ve become so accustomed to them, that I hardly pay attention. Some things I can think of offhand … two sets of parents with strong enduring marriages, an engaging and thriving church, and a Christian community of friends
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all of these, please help me make the most of them.
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.”
Application:
This verse jumped out at me pretty quick today. It’s been a while since I’ve been to church now. My devotions are, and should be, my main source of growth. However, church is an essential part of Christianity – of being a part of the body of Christ. It’s more difficult with kids, but countless people somehow make it to church each week. I just need to decide beforehand that I am going and do whatever it takes to get there. I know I should be going.
Prayer:
Lord, help me make this happen.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 5:20 “Anyone who sins should be rebuked in front of the whole church so that others will have a proper fear of God.”
Observation:
I wonder what Christ thinks of this. Does he look at the way we do church today and think “you’re messing it up!” Or would he have said to Paul “what are you thinking?! Don’t do that!” Whichever the case, the fear of God is such a healthy view for any Christian. It’s the acknowledgement that in all things he is greater. It’s the same “fear” that makes a child obey their parents. However, it’s just not a “popular” topic to discuss in church – how do we teach the fear of God, or is it our responsibility to?
Application:
Whether it comes from the pulpit, I want to live a God-fearing life in a way that encourages others to do the same – what does that look like? The best start, of course, is to fear God. I think the next step for me is about being bold with my faith – an indicator that I fear God more than man.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being a God worth fearing – a God who is bigger than I.
