Half Time devotion: With Us - Exodus 13:22

Exodus 13:22             Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

It must have been an amazing thing to see: the presence of God signified by a pillar of smoke during the day and by fire at night. For most of the Israelites, it must have been a comforting sight. For some of them, however, it must have caused some anxiety. The proximity of God would have affected all of their lives in ways that either inspired the people, or filled them with awe.

How close is God in our lives? Are we aware of His presence through Christ’s Spirit each and every day? Do we take that presence for granted, or do we wish that God was a wee bit further away? As Christians, we believe that God is always with us, but is that fundamental belief evident in what we say and do?

I wonder what would happen in each of our lives if we could see a similar pillar of cloud and fire before us every day. How would our choices be changed? How would our decisions be re-directed? Part of the problem about our faith today is this: as Christians, we say that God is with us, but people don’t see us acting or behaving as if we actually believe it.

Perhaps today, we can take time to think about God’s real presence in our lives and how we can help other people to see Him through what we say and do. It won’t be easy, but if God is with us, it won’t be difficult either.

Questions for personal reflection

When do I actually feel God’s presence in my daily life? How can I show that His sacred presence is real to other people?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You came among us to show us that God’s presence is real in the world. We have given our hearts to You, but sometimes we hold back from our lives. Help us to be more aware that Your godly presence is with us at all times, so that we may positively witness to Your reality to all whom we meet, encounter, and interact with today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest digital glass drawings for Pentecost. It’s called “Spirit Window” and features the Holy Spirit descending to earth as a dove. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8362180359_aa1d71b4fd_b.jpg

Daily devotion: Dream On - Genesis 28:12

Genesis 28:12             Jacob had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 

            I had a dream last night that troubled me. It was a mixture of the past, present, and future. When I look back on it this morning, I realize that there were many symbols in the dream of what I care about most. I won’t go into details because I’m still pondering over what it means, but it has left me unsettled.

            I’m no interpreter of dreams, but I know that they have a way of bringing our hopes and fears to the surface. I can still remember a few dreams from childhood that terrified me, as well as a couple of dreams from adolescence that solidified my faith in God. Even although it has been decades since those dreams occurred, they are still with me, which mystifies me at times. Why would something that didn’t really happen still stay within my heart and mind?

            Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:10-15 was amazing. He was on the run from his brother who wanted to murder him and from his father who would have cursed him. He didn’t have a place to call home and no doubt he was carrying a lot of fears and troubles within him. We can only guess how those traumatic circumstances affected his faith in God. He was at the lowest point in his long life. If ever he needed a sign or a symbol of reassurance, then this was the time that God had to show Jacob that He was real.

            So Jacob dreamt of a stairway to heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it. He was apparently at the mystical point where Heaven and Earth actually meet. And then he heard the great voice of God confirming the covenant that had been made with his father and grandfather. God was personally reassuring Jacob that his life had a purpose and that the LORD’s promises would be fulfilled through this runaway. It was the most important crossroads in Jacob’s life. From that point on, he personally knew that God was always with him.

            I believe that God still speaks to us in dreams, simply because the world cannot interfere or cause distractions in the middle of them. I firmly believe that God also takes a deep personal interest in each of our lives, so that when we ask Him for guidance, assurance, and a calling, He will listen to our hearts and speak to us in our dreams. Perhaps, in the midst of all of the pressures, stresses, and troubles that we presently endure, the best advice may just be this: sleep on it.

Questions for personal reflection

When and how do I hear God speaking to my heart and mind? Do I really listen to what He is saying to me?

Prayer:            Lord God, through the blessing of Your Son Jesus Christ, we know that You are with us each day until the fullness of our lives and the end of all Time. Speak to our hearts and minds this day and help us to actually hear Your voice. Give us a calling of our hearts and a mission of Christ’s work. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest sunflower drawings. It’s called “Garden Glory.” A larger version can be viewed at the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7607009436_906976cd09_b.jpg