Not Commonplace

We are studying the book of Exodus in our Sunday morning Bible study. We were discussing the Israelites seesaw attitude, one minute rejoicing, the next complaining, and we all had trouble understanding how while they could physically see the cloud and pillar of fire in front of them, they could lose their faith so easily.  And yet, don't we sometimes act the same way.  I know I do.

Perhaps the cloud and fire eventually become commonplace to them.  Perhaps they let their troubles, or what they saw as lack get bigger than the God in front of them.  Those wants took up more space in their hearts than the One who led them out of slavery with signs and wonders.

Fast forward to my own heart.  The one where the Holy Spirit lives.  Follow that path to the dozen Bibles I have around the house, in my car, and if one adds in the Scripture available on the internet......Do we not have the same God that was in the cloud and the fire with us all the time?  If we truly believe that the Bible is "The Word" and the Word is Christ Jesus, we have Him at our fingertips!  1 John 1:1 We proclaim to you the One who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen.  We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands.  HE IS THE WORD OF LIFE.   And the Holy Spirit lives within us, ready to lead, guide, comfort, strengthen, yet we let the cares of this world drown out is Presence and His voice.  Have we let these facts become commonplace?

I saw great conviction in the conversation we were having last Sunday.  I saw myself in the complaining, faithless Israelites.  

His very Spirit lives within us.  But like Peter when he was called to walk upon the water to Jesus, we lose sight of His Presence when we let our eyes drift from Him and focus on the waves around us.  

Lord, You are with us every bit as much as the wilderness wandering Israelites.  We too, wander a wilderness of trials, difficulties and enemies.  But You have told us Your Spirit lives within us, never to leave nor abandon us.  Keep our hearts focused on Your Presence as we walk through this life, giving us Your strength, Your leading and Your purpose.  Help us to not lose heart at what we see happening around us.  Your Word and Your Spirit go before us, surround us, and keep us.  Thank You.  In Jesus Name, amen.

God is bigger and God is in and with you!

John 14:26  But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

1 Corinthians 6:19  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,

Ephesians 1:13  And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.