Exodus 40:38

Scripture: 

Exodus 40:38  “For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.” (NASB)

Observation:

It was beautiful. Walking amidst God's creation. Enjoying nature. While camping, you get to see the beauty of what God created (if you take the time to stop and enjoy it). But then night comes, and you sit in the cabin. To keep warm, you have to keep adding wood to the fire. Today's verse speaks of God leading His people in Exodus with a cloud by day and fire by night. As I put the log into the stove, I couldn't help but remember how some of us have let our guiding fire start to die out. We find other things to do and other reasons to keep busy. Slowly, the fire begins to go out; it becomes colder and darker than we could have ever imagined.

The Israelites could follow where God wanted them to go by His cloud and pillar of fire. I wonder if maybe we need to add some wood to the fire of Christ in our lives so we too can once again follow where He leads. It will take some work to get the wood (time spent in prayer), putting it into the stove (being doers and not just hearers of God's Word), and slowly the fire will begin to burn warm and light our paths again. Check your fire and add some wood. God wants to take you on a great adventure and will lead you by His fire! 

Application:

1) Think about what you just read.

2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight.

3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it.

4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.