The Red Sea parted, then unparted. Gone are their enemies. Buried in a death trap of water. The Israelites, a million strong, make their new home in the wilderness. Dependent. Driven. Desperate. Wondering if it would be better to die in the walls of water. And God speaks: Make me a Sanctuary "that I may dwell among them" in this wilderness. Exodus 25:2. Bring the finest. Pressed olive oil to light the lamp for all generations. Fine twined linens to guard the entry. Purple scarlet yarns to adorn the tables. A Mercy Seat of Gold. Build it from what you have in this wilderness. And what about us---what about our own wilderness? Will we make space, a place for Grace in our hearts. Will we move over in this parched place and allow God to dwell with us?
This is a Visible Sign to these nomads with no permanent home. A God Who will live with them right there in their wilderness. A place to worship Him. A place to serve Him. A place to be with Him. A place to find God's Presence and God's Protection. The Highest Proof He is real. A Dwelling Presence. And what is my Highest Proof this day?
Find that hallowed place. That He may dwell in us. No greater privilege in life. No greater place. God in us.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Hallowed be Thy Name. Every day, LORD, we bow before You. You have invited us to dwell with You. No safer place on this earth. No greater love of our lives. No better help from anyone. Father, You Alone are Holy---we are not and never will be in this life. Yet, You embrace us with Your Presence and Power just the way we are. Nothing to deserve it. Nothing keeping it going. Only You. Dwell in us this day, our Father, for all the places we venture.
PHOTO: Puget Sound. An incredible walk in a wilderness place. A walk in my own wilderness. Will I praise Him Here?
This is a Visible Sign to these nomads with no permanent home. A God Who will live with them right there in their wilderness. A place to worship Him. A place to serve Him. A place to be with Him. A place to find God's Presence and God's Protection. The Highest Proof He is real. A Dwelling Presence. And what is my Highest Proof this day?
Find that hallowed place. That He may dwell in us. No greater privilege in life. No greater place. God in us.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Hallowed be Thy Name. Every day, LORD, we bow before You. You have invited us to dwell with You. No safer place on this earth. No greater love of our lives. No better help from anyone. Father, You Alone are Holy---we are not and never will be in this life. Yet, You embrace us with Your Presence and Power just the way we are. Nothing to deserve it. Nothing keeping it going. Only You. Dwell in us this day, our Father, for all the places we venture.
PHOTO: Puget Sound. An incredible walk in a wilderness place. A walk in my own wilderness. Will I praise Him Here?
Praying for Jan. God is the Highest Proof of all that is beautiful in her life. She brings much beauty as she passes! Love you Jan! Bev
ReplyDeleteBev is right. You radiate His beauty through your heart, your art, your vulnerably. He is very near the broken hearted. Bless you this day and in the coming weeks!
DeleteI have lost, misplaced my Come Boldly book. I didn't post last Sunday. So sorry. Annette is computerless---not a word! We'll post about Come Boldly s-o-o-n. Keep thinking I'll find it. You know.
ReplyDeleteI'll work on Come Boldly at work today if I have a few moments. Meanwhile, the theme is prayers so watch for prayers in our readings and all we can learn from them. Hugs!
DeleteThe care He took to get the tabernacle as close as it could resemble the real one in heaven is breathtakingly beautiful. Now we are that tabernacle where His Spirit dwells. Keep Oil in the lamp of my heart, Lord. Burn brightly for the eyes of my heart to see You. And shape the desires of my heart, Lord. You are the Creator, the Creative One. Make us beautiful in Your time.
ReplyDeleteThere is a beauty of the soul that He gives that makes a face radiant. Shine in and through us, Lord.
"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us!" Psalm 90:17
I have no words, broken and bruised. Please pray for my husband, Mike. He isn't sleeping, so beaten by circumstances, a truly crucial situation for us.
ReplyDeleteStill praying....
DeletePraying for you and your husband, Jan!
DeletePraying Jan.
ReplyDeleteAnnette H
God is in the details and for that I'm so grateful. If you feel led, please pray God shows up big-time tonight and tomorrow morning as my husband and I attend a marriage conference at our church. We spent our whole day today just "waiting" for this evening, while barely speaking. I'm really not sure how to pray, except for God to come in and take over this household and invade ever part of our relationship. I love you, Pearls! xoxo
ReplyDeletep.s. Bev, if you don't find your book let me know. I'm happy to get one to you! Whatever it takes! Hugs!
Angie, praying for you both to be fed, led, straight to His Feet; that your lives settle in to a powerful, entertwined partnership with God at the head. May He speak directly to you this day, encourage your heart, and melt away any old walls that have formed because of the pain. Much blessing, dear friend. Hugs and love.
DeleteAng, praying for this conference. Deut 32:2. May God's Word fall like rain on both of you. God's Grace all over you! So worth fighting the good fight of faith and you are! Love your heart! That Boldly book just walked right out my door. I have no idea where it is. You're so kind, so thoughtful to offer---thank you. Praying for you tomorrow too.
ReplyDeleteOh Jan! May God's Presence and Power that we are reading about be so abundant toward you and your husband. Hold fast!
ReplyDelete