The cloud

In all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the Israelites went onward; But if the cloud was not taken up, they did not journey on till the day that it was taken up. Exodus 40:36-37 AMP

The Israelites were blessed to have the cloud, the Shekinah, God's visible presence, to direct them each day. The cloud showed them when they were to go, and where they were to go.  How much easier would it be for us if we had God's visible presence leading us each day? I wonder if we would be more obedient to His leading?

What we do have today to guide us in our daily decisions is God's written word, the Bible. However it is our responsibility to read or hear God's written word. It is our responsibility to make time each day to ensure we are available to receive revelation from God by immersing ourselves in His written word. Jesus reminds us in Mark, that to keep on the right path we need to know the Scriptures and the power of God.

Jesus said to them, Is not this where you wander out of the way and go wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 12: 24 AMP

Thankfully in today's world we have many ways to meditate on the word of God. We can do it the 'old-fashioned' way and read the paper book form of the bible. We can read the electronic book form of the bible (which I absolutely love for it's search capabilities). We can read a myriad of different versions of the bible to suit our writing style preference. We can listen to the bible as it is read to us from CD or podcast etc. The key thing to remember, is to do it!

I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live; and I will observe Your word [hearing, receiving, loving and obeying it]. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law. Psalm 119:15-18 AMP

Hearing, receiving, loving and obeying God's word. That is the place we want to be at. A place where we hunger for more and more of His truth for our life. A place where we are not second guessing what we are to do with our lives. A place where we have assurance in our hearts that we are exactly where God wants us to be, doing exactly what He wants us to do. What a blessed place! 

This place is available to all of us, if we surrender our entire lives to Jesus, including our busy schedules, and make time to meditate on His word. Earnestly seek a way in your life to daily hear His truth. Each day expect to receive a fresh revelation. Learn to love His truth for the freedom it brings. Submit and obey His truth, knowing it will bring you life.

Question for today, are you daily hearing, receiving, loving and obeying God's word? Do you have that assurance in your heart that you are exactly where God wants you to be, doing exactly what He wants you to do? If not, ask God to put a deep longing in your heart for His truth and to help you make a way to hear it, receive it, love it and give you the strength and courage to obey it.

Instead you thrill to GOD's word,

you chew on Scripture day and night.

You're a tree replanted in Eden,

bearing fresh fruit every month,

Never dropping a leaf, 

always in blossom.

Psalm 1:2-3 MSG

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to chew on Scripture day and night, so we can be replanted in Eden, bear fresh fruit each month and always be in blossom. In Jesus Name, Amen.