The Daily Dose

What’s coming up?

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ~ Acts 21:13

Yesterday, as I was driving home from work, I began thinking about what’s coming up next. I could see a traffic light in the distance and a row of houses beyond it. I remembered another stretch of road where I could see a traffic light three miles away because it was so flat and straight. I didn’t believe I could see that far until I measured it one day as I drove.

Life often feels like that. I can see a little way ahead, but not everything. For instance, I know Christmas is coming soon. I know my schedule through the holidays and into the new year. Maybe you can too. You might even see some things farther ahead, like a vacation, a new opportunity, or a goal you’ve been planning to reach.

In today’s scripture, Paul also knew something about what was coming up next for him. Many people tried to warn him not to go to Jerusalem because they knew trouble waited for him there. Yet Paul didn’t turn back. He was aware that hardship was ahead, but he also knew that this was the path God had planned for him and would keep Him for His mission. Even without knowing every detail, Paul was confident that the Holy Spirit was guiding his steps.

As I read this passage, I thought again about what’s coming up next for me. I’m not just thinking about the Holidays but about the new year ahead. The Holy Spirit has already placed something specific on my heart for the coming year. It’s a big assignment, one that excites me and challenges me. I can already see glimpses of how it will unfold as I keep following His direction.

Like that stretch of road, I can see part of the journey but not everything. There will be traffic lights to stop at, turns to make, and maybe some unexpected curves and bumps. But I’m not going to hold back because of what might be difficult. I’m choosing to move forward in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower me every step of the way.

What about you? Have you taken time to ask God what He has planned for your next season? What does He want to do in your life in the coming year? It may feel uncertain or even intimidating, but if you walk the path He shows you, you will discover purpose, peace, and joy like never before.

Here is how you can get started:

• Ask God for direction about what He wants to do in your life in the coming season. Be intentional about spending quiet time listening to His voice.
• Write down what He shows you. When you receive a sense of direction or instruction, record it so you can remember it and act on it when the time comes.
• Take the first step of obedience. Don’t wait for everything to make sense or for the perfect circumstances before you begin. Move forward with what you do know, trusting God to reveal more along the way.
• Stay faithful during detours or delays. Sometimes the journey includes stops or changes in direction, but those moments are not failures; they are part of His process to strengthen and prepare you.

Start by praying sincerely and asking, “Lord, what do You have coming up next for me?” Then be patient and open to how He may answer. It might come through Scripture, a conversation, a thought during prayer, or a quiet stirring in your heart. As you recognize His leading, take action one step at a time.

Today I want to encourage you to trust the Holy Spirit with what’s ahead. Even if you can only see a few steps in front of you, keep walking in the direction He leads. He already knows the full road and has prepared everything you need for the journey. When you follow His plan, every stoplight, curve, and turn will move you closer to His purpose and blessing for your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 21:1-14

1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 

2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 

3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 

4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 

5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 

6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 

8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 

10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 

11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 

13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

Journal:

• What has the Holy Spirit been placing on my heart for the new year ahead?
• What fears or distractions could be keeping me from taking the next step in that direction?
• What practical step can I take today to start moving toward what God is showing me?
• How can I stay encouraged and faithful when I face obstacles on the path He has planned?

Set apart for His purpose

Then anoint him by pouring the anointing oil over his head. ~ Exodus 29:7

 Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be set apart for God’s purpose? In Exodus 29, God gave detailed instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. Every step, from washing them with water to clothing them in holy garments and anointing them with oil, symbolized purity, purpose, and dedication to God. It was a sacred process that prepared them to serve in His presence.

When I first gave my life to Jesus, I remember feeling both joy and uncertainty. I knew something inside me had changed, yet I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to live as someone “set apart.” Over time, I realized that just like the priests in Exodus, I too had been chosen, cleansed, and anointed, not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit. My life was no longer my own. It now belonged to the One who redeemed me.

Exodus 29 paints a powerful picture of what happens when we come to Salvation in Jesus. The blood sacrifice offered for the priests points to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His blood cleanses us completely. The washing with water represents our baptism and the continual cleansing of our hearts by His Word. The anointing oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit who fills and empowers us to live for God. Every part of this chapter foreshadows the salvation we now experience through the blood of Jesus.

When you accepted Jesus, you were set apart for God’s service. You were made holy, not because of what you did, but because of what He did for you. Just like Aaron was dressed in garments that represented holiness, you too are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus. No longer burdened by guilt or shame, you are now called to serve, love, and live as one who belongs fully to Him.

Here is how you can apply this truth in your life:

• Start your day by thanking God for choosing and cleansing you through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.
• Spend time in His Word to keep your heart pure and your purpose clear.
• Invite the Holy Spirit daily to fill you with fresh strength and wisdom for whatever lies ahead.
• Serve someone this week as an act of worship, knowing that every act of love is a reflection of your consecration to God.
• Guard your heart and mind, remembering that you are set apart for something greater than the world can offer.

Today I want to encourage you to walk confidently as one who has been chosen, cleansed, and anointed by God. You are not just forgiven, you are commissioned. You are not just saved, you are sent. God has marked your life with His presence, and every moment is an opportunity to live as His holy vessel on His purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 29

1 “This is the ceremony you must follow when you consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams with no defects. 

2 Then, using choice wheat flour and no yeast, make loaves of bread, thin cakes mixed with olive oil, and wafers spread with oil. 

3 Place them all in a single basket, and present them at the entrance of the Tabernacle, along with the young bull and the two rams.

4 “Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance of the Tabernacle and wash them with water. 

5 Dress Aaron in his priestly garments—the tunic, the robe worn with the ephod, the ephod itself, and the chestpiece. Then wrap the decorative sash of the ephod around him. 

6 Place the turban on his head and fasten the sacred medallion to the turban. 

7 Then anoint him by pouring the anointing oil over his head. 

8 Next present his sons, and dress them in their tunics. 

9 Wrap the sashes around the waists of Aaron and his sons and put their special head coverings on them. Then the right to the priesthood will be theirs by law forever. In this way, you will ordain Aaron and his sons.

10 “Bring the young bull to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where Aaron and his sons will lay their hands on its head. 

11 Then slaughter the bull in the Lord’s presence at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 

12 Put some of its blood on the horns of the altar with your finger and pour out the rest at the base of the altar. 

13 Take all the fat around the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat around them, and burn it all on the altar. 

14 Then take the rest of the bull, including its hide, meat, and dung, and burn it outside the camp as a sin offering.

15 “Next Aaron and his sons must lay their hands on the head of one of the rams. 

16 Then slaughter the ram and splatter its blood against all sides of the altar. 

17 Cut the ram into pieces and wash off the internal organs and the legs. Set them alongside the head and the other pieces of the body, 

18 then burn the entire animal on the altar. This is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the Lord.

19 “Now take the other ram and have Aaron and his sons lay their hands on its head. 

20 Then slaughter it and apply some of its blood to the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons. Also put it on the thumbs of their right hands and the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the rest of the blood against all sides of the altar. 

21 Then take some of the blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his sons and on their garments. In this way, they and their garments will be set apart as holy.

22 “Since this is the ram for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, take the fat of the ram, including the fat of the broad tail, the fat around the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat around them, along with the right thigh. 

23 Then take one round loaf of bread, one thin cake mixed with olive oil, and one wafer from the basket of bread without yeast that was placed in the Lord’s presence. 

24 Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons to be lifted up as a special offering to the Lord. 

25 Afterward take the various breads from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering. It is a pleasing aroma to the Lord, a special gift for him. 

26 Then take the breast of Aaron’s ordination ram and lift it up in the Lord’s presence as a special offering to him. Then keep it as your own portion.

27 “Set aside the portions of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons. This includes the breast and the thigh that were lifted up before the Lord as a special offering. 

28 In the future, whenever the people of Israel lift up a peace offering, a portion of it must be set aside for Aaron and his descendants. This is their permanent right, and it is a sacred offering from the Israelites to the Lord.

29 “Aaron’s sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who succeed him, and they will wear them when they are anointed and ordained. 

30 The descendant who succeeds him as high priest will wear these clothes for seven days as he ministers in the Tabernacle and the Holy Place.

31 “Take the ram used in the ordination ceremony and boil its meat in a sacred place. 

32 Then Aaron and his sons will eat this meat, along with the bread in the basket, at the Tabernacle entrance. 

33 They alone may eat the meat and bread used for their purification in the ordination ceremony. No one else may eat them, for these things are set apart and holy. 

34 If any of the ordination meat or bread remains until the morning, it must be burned. It may not be eaten, for it is holy.

35 “This is how you will ordain Aaron and his sons to their offices, just as I have commanded you. The ordination ceremony will go on for seven days. 

36 Each day you must sacrifice a young bull as a sin offering to purify them, making them right with the Lord. Afterward, cleanse the altar by purifying it; make it holy by anointing it with oil. 

37 Purify the altar and consecrate it every day for seven days. After that, the altar will be absolutely holy, and whatever touches it will become holy.

38 “These are the sacrifices you are to offer regularly on the altar. Each day, offer two lambs that are a year old, 

39 one in the morning and the other in the evening. 

40 With one of them, offer two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of pure oil of pressed olives; also, offer one quart of wine as a liquid offering. 

41 Offer the other lamb in the evening, along with the same offerings of flour and wine as in the morning. It will be a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the Lord.

42 “These burnt offerings are to be made each day from generation to generation. Offer them in the Lord’s presence at the Tabernacle entrance; there I will meet with you and speak with you. 

43 I will meet the people of Israel there, in the place made holy by my glorious presence. 

44 Yes, I will consecrate the Tabernacle and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 

45 Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 

46 and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.

Journal:

• What does being “set apart” for God mean to me personally?
• In what areas of my life do I need to allow God to cleanse or renew me?
• How can I live each day as one who is anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit?
• What step can I take this week to serve God and others more intentionally?

Clothed in Glory

Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful. ~ Exodus 28:2

Have you ever thought about what you wear each day spiritually? The Bible talks about being clothed in Christ Jesus, but before Jesus came, God gave Moses specific instructions on how the priests were to be dressed to serve Him. These garments were not random or ordinary. Every color, gem, and fabric carried a meaning that pointed to the holiness and presence of God. The priests were set apart, and what they wore represented God’s glory to the people.

When I read about the priestly garments, I’m amazed by the care and detail God put into each piece. There was a breastplate filled with precious stones, each one engraved with the name of the tribes of Israel. The robe had bells and pomegranates around the hem, symbolizing fruitfulness and the presence of God. The priest’s turban had a gold plate that read, “Holiness to the Lord.” It reminds me that when God calls someone to serve Him, He also covers them in His beauty, His holiness, and His purpose.

In my own life, I have felt completely unqualified for most things that HE has called me to accomplish. I have never quite felt “put together” enough spiritually. But one day I know God spoke to my heart that just as He clothed the priests for His service, He has clothed me in Christ Jesus. I didn’t need to bring my own worthiness. I only needed to “put on” what He already provided. From that moment on, I began to see my relationship with God differently. I began each day asking Him to cover me in His peace, His strength, His presence and His righteousness.

Under the new covenant, I don’t wear physical garments of blue, purple, and scarlet. Instead, I put on the robe of righteousness and the garment of praise. His righteousness becomes my covering, His love becomes my covering, and His presence becomes my adornment. What the priests wore externally, I now carry internally because of Jesus. When I “put on the Lord, Jesus” I step into my identity as a chosen, royal priesthood.

Here are some ways you can be clothed in your salvation:

• Begin your day by intentionally asking God to clothe you in His righteousness, peace, and strength.
• Read Ephesians 6 and remind yourself of the spiritual armor you have in your salvation in Christ Jesus.
• Speak words of faith over yourself such as, “I am clothed in His beauty and power today.”
• Serve others with humility, remembering that being clothed in Christ also means representing His love in every interaction.
• Spend time in worship and gratitude, thanking Jesus for being your covering and your access to the presence of God.

Today I want to encourage you to wear your spiritual garments boldly. You have been set apart for a purpose, and just like the priest’s garments revealed God’s glory to the people, your life can display His goodness wherever you go. You don’t have to feel worthy or qualified. You are already clothed in His righteousness. Walk with confidence knowing that the beauty and holiness of your Savior, Jesus covers you from head to toe.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 28

1 “Call for your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests. 

2 Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful. 

3 Instruct all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom. Have them make garments for Aaron that will distinguish him as a priest set apart for my service. 

4 These are the garments they are to make: a chestpiece, an ephod, a robe, a patterned tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother, Aaron, and his sons to wear when they serve me as priests. 

5 So give them fine linen cloth, gold thread, and blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

6 “The craftsmen must make the ephod of finely woven linen and skillfully embroider it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread. 

7 It will consist of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces. 

8 The decorative sash will be made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

9 “Take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel. 

10 Six names will be on each stone, arranged in the order of the births of the original sons of Israel. 

11 Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree. 

12 Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord. 

13 Make the settings of gold filigree, 

14 then braid two cords of pure gold and attach them to the filigree settings on the shoulders of the ephod.

15 “Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread. 

16 Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square. 

17 Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald. 

18 The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone. 

19 The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst. 

20 The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree. 

21 Each stone will represent one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe will be engraved on it like a seal.

22 “To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, make braided cords of pure gold thread. 

23 Then make two gold rings and attach them to the top corners of the chestpiece. 

24 Tie the two gold cords to the two rings on the chestpiece. 

25 Tie the other ends of the cords to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod. 

26 Then make two more gold rings and attach them to the inside edges of the chestpiece next to the ephod. 

27 And make two more gold rings and attach them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash is fastened to the ephod. 

28 Then attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. This will hold the chestpiece securely to the ephod above the decorative sash.

29 “In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. 

30 Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.

31 “Make the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue cloth, 

32 with an opening for Aaron’s head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear. 

33 Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 

34 The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem. 

35 Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the Lord, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the Lord’s presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die.

36 “Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord. 

37 Attach the medallion with a blue cord to the front of Aaron’s turban, where it must remain. 

38 Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on his forehead so the Lord will accept the people.

39 “Weave Aaron’s patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban from this linen as well. Also make a sash, and decorate it with colorful embroidery.

40 “For Aaron’s sons, make tunics, sashes, and special head coverings that are glorious and beautiful. 

41 Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests. 

42 Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their thighs. 

43 These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him.

Journal:

• What does it mean to me personally to be clothed in Christ Jesus?
• Are there areas in my life where I have been trying to “dress myself” instead of trusting Jesus to cover me?
• How can I represent His holiness and beauty in my daily interactions this week?

A life on the Alter

“Using acacia wood, construct a square altar 7-1/2 feet wide, 7-1/2 feet long, and 4-1/2 feet high. ~ Exodus 27:1

 Have you ever stopped to think about what it means to truly live your life on the altar? In the Old Testament, the altar was a place of sacrifice, worship, and surrender. It was the meeting point between humanity and God. Every detail of the altar described in Exodus 27 had meaning. It was built from sturdy wood, overlaid with bronze, and designed to withstand the fire of sacrifice. It represented the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.

When I read this chapter, I imagine what it must have been like to stand before that altar. The smoke, the fire, and the offering rising as a sweet aroma to the Lord. It was both beautiful and sobering. For a long time, I struggled to understand how this kind of sacrifice connects to my life today. But as I began to grow in my walk with the Lord, I realized that the altar didn’t disappear when Jesus came, instead it was transformed.

Jesus became the living sacrifice once and for all. He fulfilled the purpose of the altar by laying down His life so that I could live free from sin and shame. Because of His sacrifice, I am now invited to place my life on the altar, not to die for my sins, but to live for Him. Romans 12:1 says that I am to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is my reasonable act of worship. That means I lay down my plans, my pride, and my will each day to follow His leading and live my life on His agenda, not mine.

It wasn’t all that long ago in my life when surrendering to God’s plan felt uncomfortable. I wanted to trust Him, but I also wanted control. It wasn’t until I fully gave Him my heart, my ambitions, and my fears that I began to experience real peace. I learned that the altar of surrender is not a place of loss, but a place of freedom. When I place my life before Him, He shapes it into something far greater than I could ever make on my own.

Just as the altar in the Old Testament stood at the entrance of the tabernacle, surrender is the doorway to intimacy with God. The fire that once consumed the sacrifice now burns within every believer through the Holy Spirit, keeping our hearts devoted and our lives pure before Him.

Here are some things you can do to begin living your life of a living sacrifice:

• Begin each day by offering your plans, time, and energy to God in prayer.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area of your life that you have not yet surrendered.
• Choose obedience over comfort when God asks you to do something that stretches your faith.
• Remember that sacrifice is not about loss but about gaining deeper purpose and peace.
• Spend time in worship, thanking God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and the privilege of living for Him.

Today I want to encourageyou to place your life fully on God’s altar. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him. Let your daily surrender become an act of worship that draws you closer to His heart. Just as the fire on the altar was never to go out, keep the flame of your devotion burning through prayer, surrender, and love. God is not asking you to give up your life; He is inviting you to live it for Him with passion and purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 27

1 “Using acacia wood, construct a square altar 7-1/2 feet wide, 7-1/2 feet long, and 4-1/2 feet high. 

2 Make horns for each of its four corners so that the horns and altar are all one piece. Overlay the altar with bronze. 

3 Make ash buckets, shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans, all of bronze. 

4 Make a bronze grating for it, and attach four bronze rings at its four corners. 

5 Install the grating halfway down the side of the altar, under the ledge. 

6 For carrying the altar, make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. 

7 Insert the poles through the rings on the two sides of the altar. 

8 The altar must be hollow, made from planks. Build it just as you were shown on the mountain.

Plans for the Courtyard

9 “Then make the courtyard for the Tabernacle, enclosed with curtains made of finely woven linen. On the south side, make the curtains 150 feet long. 

10 They will be held up by twenty posts set securely in twenty bronze bases. Hang the curtains with silver hooks and rings. 

11 Make the curtains the same on the north side—150 feet of curtains held up by twenty posts set securely in bronze bases. Hang the curtains with silver hooks and rings. 

12 The curtains on the west end of the courtyard will be 75 feet long, supported by ten posts set into ten bases. 

13 The east end of the courtyard, the front, will also be 75 feet long. 

14 The courtyard entrance will be on the east end, flanked by two curtains. The curtain on the right side will be 22-1/2 feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases. 

15 The curtain on the left side will also be 22-1/2 feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases.

16 “For the entrance to the courtyard, make a curtain that is 30 feet long. Make it from finely woven linen, and decorate it with beautiful embroidery in blue, purple, and scarlet thread. Support it with four posts, each securely set in its own base. 

17 All the posts around the courtyard must have silver rings and hooks and bronze bases. 

18 So the entire courtyard will be 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, with curtain walls 7-1/2 feet high, made from finely woven linen. The bases for the posts will be made of bronze.

19 “All the articles used in the rituals of the Tabernacle, including all the tent pegs used to support the Tabernacle and the courtyard curtains, must be made of bronze.

Light for the Tabernacle

20 “Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 

21 The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the Lord’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation.

Journal:

• What area of my life do I need to place on the altar today?
• How can I live as a daily sacrifice in the way I speak, serve, and love others?
• What does it look like for me to keep the fire of devotion burning in my heart?

The temple within

“Make the Tabernacle from ten curtains of finely woven linen. Decorate the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. ~ Exodus 26:1

 Have you ever considered how much care God puts into the details of your life? Sometimes it feels like the smallest things do not matter, but when I read through the instructions for the tabernacle, it reminds me that every stitch, every color, and every piece had meaning and purpose. Nothing was random. God gave exact instructions because His presence was going to dwell there.

As I read about the curtains, clasps, and coverings of the tabernacle today, I began to think about my own heart. Just as God gave Moses instructions to prepare a place for His presence, He also gives me direction to prepared my heart to be His dwelling place through HIs Holy Spirit. When I was young, I didn’t understand the importance of preparing my heart and the “inner structure” of it. I was busy, distracted, and easily pulled into stress. But I began to notice that when I made space for God to come into those areas that felt messy or unorganized, He brought peace and order. Slowly, He was building something beautiful within me, just as He did with the tabernacle.

The tabernacle was designed with purpose. Every material was sacred, and every measurement was precise because God intended to dwell there. In the same way, your heart has been designed for His presence. The Holy Spirit does not need a perfect place to live, but He desires a prepared one. He wants a heart that makes room for Him, a heart that welcomes His presence with honor and care.  The truth is the only place He can fully occupy is the first and best.  He cannot fully lead you to His greatest and best plan He designed for you life unless you first give Him the first and best place in your life.

When you take the time to nurture your inner life, you are caring for the temple where God’s Spirit lives. You are allowing Him to shape your attitudes, thoughts, and desires into something that reflects His glory. Just as the tabernacle was a portable sanctuary where God’s presence went with His people, your heart carries His presence wherever you go.

Here are some steps you can take to begin preparing the first and best place of your heart for the Holy Spirit’s presence:

• Give Him the first and best part of each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and guide your thoughts.
• Take inventory of your heart. Ask God if there are any “rooms” or corners of your heart that need cleaning or any areas that need His peace.
• Create a quiet space in your home where you can meet with God regularly, then go there when ever you have time to slip away from the busyness of life.
• Honor God through your choices, words, and attitudes as an act of worship from His temple within you.
• Take Him with you through your day.  Don’t just talk to Him in the quiet space, check in often as you have time to sing a worship song in your heart or when you face choices that need to be made.
• Remember that preparation takes time. Be patient as God continues to build, strengthen, and beautify your inner life.

Today I want to encourage you to make your heart a sacred dwelling place for the presence of God. Let Him build, restore, and decorate the temple within you with His peace, joy, and love. The same God who filled the tabernacle with His glory now fills your heart through His Spirit. Let Him make your life a beautiful reflection of His presence.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 26

1 “Make the Tabernacle from ten curtains of finely woven linen. Decorate the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. 

2 These ten curtains must all be exactly the same size—42 feet long and 6 feet wide. 

3 Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, then join the other five into a second long curtain. 

4 Put loops of blue yarn along the edge of the last curtain in each set. 

5 The fifty loops along the edge of one curtain are to match the fifty loops along the edge of the other curtain. 

6 Then make fifty gold clasps and fasten the long curtains together with the clasps. In this way, the Tabernacle will be made of one continuous piece.

7 “Make eleven curtains of goat-hair cloth to serve as a tent covering for the Tabernacle. 

8 These eleven curtains must all be exactly the same size—45 feet long and 6 feet wide. 

9 Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain and join the other six into a second long curtain. Allow 3 feet of material from the second set of curtains to hang over the front of the sacred tent. 

10 Make fifty loops for one edge of each large curtain. 

11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and fasten the loops of the long curtains with the clasps. In this way, the tent covering will be made of one continuous piece. 

12 The remaining 3 feet of this tent covering will be left to hang over the back of the Tabernacle. 

13 Allow 18 inches of remaining material to hang down over each side, so the Tabernacle is completely covered. 

14 Complete the tent covering with a protective layer of tanned ram skins and a layer of fine goatskin leather.

15 “For the framework of the Tabernacle, construct frames of acacia wood. 

16 Each frame must be 15 feet high and 27 inches wide, 

17 with two pegs under each frame. Make all the frames identical. 

18 Make twenty of these frames to support the curtains on the south side of the Tabernacle. 

19 Also make forty silver bases—two bases under each frame, with the pegs fitting securely into the bases. 

20 For the north side of the Tabernacle, make another twenty frames, 

21 with their forty silver bases, two bases under each frame. 

22 Make six frames for the rear—the west side of the Tabernacle— 

23 along with two additional frames to reinforce the rear corners of the Tabernacle. 

24 These corner frames will be matched at the bottom and firmly attached at the top with a single ring, forming a single corner unit. Make both of these corner units the same way. 

25 So there will be eight frames at the rear of the Tabernacle, set in sixteen silver bases—two bases under each frame.

26 “Make crossbars of acacia wood to link the frames, five crossbars for the north side of the Tabernacle 

27 and five for the south side. Also make five crossbars for the rear of the Tabernacle, which will face west. 

28 The middle crossbar, attached halfway up the frames, will run all the way from one end of the Tabernacle to the other. 

29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Overlay the crossbars with gold as well.

30 “Set up this Tabernacle according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.

31 “For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. 

32 Hang this curtain on gold hooks attached to four posts of acacia wood. Overlay the posts with gold and set them in four silver bases. 

33 Hang the inner curtain from clasps and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

34 “Then put the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—on top of the Ark of the Covenant inside the Most Holy Place. 

35 Place the table outside the inner curtain on the north side of the Tabernacle and place the lampstand across the room on the south side.

36 “Make another curtain for the entrance to the sacred tent. Make it of finely woven linen and embroider it with exquisite designs, using blue, purple, and scarlet thread. 

37 Craft five posts from acacia wood. Overlay them with gold and hang the curtain from them with gold hooks. Cast five bronze bases for the posts.

Journal:

• What area of my heart feels like it needs “rebuilding” or “redecorating” by God?
• How can I create more space for God’s presence in my daily life?
• What does it mean to me personally that the Holy Spirit lives within me?

Building a place for God’s presence

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. ~ Exodus 25:1-2

Have you ever felt God stirring your heart to give something back to Him? Not because you were pressured, but because you simply wanted to show your love and thankfulness for all He has brought you through in life. In Exodus 25, God invited the Israelites to bring offerings so that a tabernacle could be built for Him to dwell among them. But there was one condition: each gift had to come from a willing heart. God could have demanded it, but He chose instead to invite His people to participate willingly in what He was building.

There have been times in my own life when God has prompted me to give or serve in a specific way, and my first reaction was hesitation. I began to think about what I might lose or how inconvenient it might be. But each time I chose to obey from a willing heart, I realized that God was not trying to take something from me, He was preparing me to receive something from Him. One particular moment stands out when I gave toward a ministry need that stretched my faith. What I gave wasn’t large by human standards, but the peace and joy that followed were far greater than what I had given away.

This chapter reminds me that God still desires to dwell with His people today. He may not ask for gold or fine linen as He did in today’s reading, but He still asks for something valuable, that is my heart, my obedience, and my willingness. Every time I respond to His invitation, I am building a place for His presence to dwell in my life.

Here are some ways you can show your love for Him this week:

• Ask God to show you specific ways to give from a willing heart this week.
• Offer your time, talent, or resources to serve in a way that honors Him.
• Keep your motives pure by giving out of love, not obligation.
• Take notice of how God meets your needs as you give to Him first.
• Thank God each day for the opportunity to be part of what He is building in the world.

Today I want to encourage you to give God your willing heart. He is not asking for perfection, He is asking for participation. When you bring what you have to Him freely and joyfully, you create space for His presence to fill your life. Just as the Israelites built a sanctuary for God’s glory to dwell, your obedience and generosity build a spiritual sanctuary where His peace and power can rest.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 25

1 The Lord said to Moses, 

2 “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. 

3 Here is a list of sacred offerings you may accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze;

4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth;

5 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;

6 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;

7 onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chest piece.

8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. 

9 You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.

10 “Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. 

11 Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it. 

12 Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. 

13 Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 

14 Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. 

15 These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them. 

16 When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.

17 “Then make the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—from pure gold. It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide. 

18 Then make two cherubim from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover. 

19 Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold. 

20 The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it. 

21 Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. 

22 I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

23 “Then make a table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high. 

24 Overlay it with pure gold and run a gold molding around the edge. 

25 Decorate it with a 3-inch border all around, and run a gold molding along the border. 

26 Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs. 

27 Attach the rings near the border to hold the poles that are used to carry the table. 

28 Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 

29 Make special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings. 

30 Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times.

Plans for the Lampstand

31 “Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. Make the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece—the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals. 

32 Make it with six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side. 

33 Each of the six branches will have three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. 

34 Craft the center stem of the lampstand with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. 

35 There will also be an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extend from the center stem. 

36 The almond buds and branches must all be of one piece with the center stem, and they must be hammered from pure gold. 

37 Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward. 

38 The lamp snuffers and trays must also be made of pure gold. 

39 You will need 75 pounds of pure gold for the lampstand and its accessories.

40 “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.

Journal:

• What is God inviting me to offer to Him willingly right now?
• How can I make room in my heart and schedule for His presence to dwell with me each day?

Blessed to be a giver

_{I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ~ Acts 20:35}

I have always loved to give gifts, but I have not always been in a position to give as much as I would like. As we approach the time of year of celebrating the birth of Jesus, it seems fitting to talk about giving since it is one of the greatest expressions of love. During Christmas, I love to sing carols, share big meals and desserts, send cards to loved ones, and give gifts. Yet, many people misunderstand the true reason behind gift-giving. So much of the world focuses on receiving presents, but the heart of Christmas is about giving. God gave the world His Son, and through Him, the greatest gift of salvation continues to be given today.

In today’s passage, Paul reminds his readers of something Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Interestingly, this quote is not found in the Gospels or anywhere else in Scripture. That might be because Paul received this directly through revelation from Jesus Himself. Over the years, I have read this verse and thought it simply meant that giving makes a person feel happier than receiving does. But lately, the Holy Spirit has been showing me there is much more to it.

The real blessing in giving is not in the act alone but in the heart behind it. The blessing comes when giving is done as unto the Lord. When I give to others with a pure desire to bless them and honor God, something powerful happens. My giving becomes an offering to Him, and that opens the way for His favor and grace to overflow in my life. Every time I give to others in love, I am blessing God Himself. That is where the true blessing of giving is found.

Here are some ways you can begin your giving journey:

• Ask God to give you a generous heart and to help you see opportunities to bless others each day.
• Look for someone around you who needs encouragement or practical help and take action to meet that need.
• Choose one person this week to surprise with an act of kindness, a small gift, or a thoughtful note.
• Give without expecting anything in return. Let your motivation be to honor God, not to receive recognition.
• Pray before giving and ask the Lord to multiply the impact of your gift for His glory.
• Keep a “giving journal” where you write down moments when you gave and how God used those moments to bless both you and others.

Today I want to encourage you to focus on being a blessing to others in every season. If giving has ever felt difficult or burdensome, ask God to change your perspective. Let Him fill your heart with joy as you give from a place of love. Don’t worry about the amount or the size of what you give. The true value is in the heart that gives it. Every time you extend kindness, generosity, or help to someone in need, you bless the Lord Himself. Make this Christmas season the beginning of a lifestyle of giving, not just something done once a year. As you do, you will find that your joy increases, your faith grows stronger, and your life becomes a beautiful expression of God’s love in action.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:25-38

25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 

26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 

27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 

31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 

33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 

34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 

35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 

37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 

38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Journal:

• How do I feel when I give to others from a sincere heart?
• What keeps me from being as generous as I want to be?
• Who in my life could I intentionally bless this week?
• How can I make giving a part of my everyday life beyond the Christmas season?

Do it with joy

_{But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. ~ Acts 20:24}

What is your life worth to you? In today’s culture, there is a strong focus on self-worth and self-care. Much of society believes in entitlement, expecting every advantage and comfort life can offer. Many people live to get what is “rightfully mine” and prioritize themselves above all else. A servant mindset has become rare, and most people in the world are determined not to let anyone take advantage of them.

The Apostle Paul had a completely different perspective on his value. He did not live to protect himself from trouble or stay comfortable. His life was full of hardships, long journeys, and persecution, but he remained focused on completing his mission and fulfilling the assignment God had given him. In this passage, Paul knew that danger and suffering awaited him, yet he was unmoved. His life’s worth was not found in safety or comfort but in finishing his race with joy and sharing the message of salvation that God entrusted to him.

When I think about Paul’s determination, I am reminded of a time when God called me to keep moving forward even when it was uncomfortable. It was a time when I wanted to stop or take an easier path, but I could feel the Lord reminding me that joy comes from following His plan, not convenience. Learning to serve Him and others with joy, even when circumstances were challenging, changed my perspective on what it truly means to live for His purpose.

This passage challenges me to value the mission of God above personal comfort and to pursue His purpose above supernatural phenomenon. I may not have started my mission like the apostle Paul by getting knocked off a horse, but I can start where I am today. My purpose begins with faithfulness. Faithfulness in everyday life. It begins with being honest, consistent, kind to others and devoted to God’s call, caring more about bringing others to Him than protecting my own rights and comforts.

Faithfulness starts with meeting with God daily. Making time for Him is the first step toward living a purposeful life. It also means changing from a self-centered mindset to a God-centered one, which happens through a renewed mind and heart. When I give God first place in every area of my life, such as faith, family, finances, fitness, and even fun, life begins to take on eternal meaning. Trials will still come, but they will not move me from the path God has set me on. As I make His plan my priority and purpose for living, joy becomes the strength that carries me through every challenge.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Begin each morning with prayer and ask God to show you how to serve Him with joy that day.
• Spend time in Scripture daily to renew your mind and strengthen your faith.
• Ask God to help you put His priorities first in your schedule and decisions.
• Find one way each day to help or encourage someone else.
• Keep a thankful heart and choose joy, even when circumstances are difficult.
• Write down how you see God working in your life and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

Today I want to encourage you to live your life with joy and purpose. Your value is not found in comfort or control but in fulfilling the mission God has placed before you. Give Him your time, your plans, and your priorities. Make His agenda your highest priority and pursuit. As you serve Him with a thankful heart, joy will rise within you. It will strengthen you through trials and remind you that your life matters most when it points others to Jesus. Finishing your race with joy is not about perfection, it is about following His plan, gratitude, and a heart willing to keep saying yes to God’s direction.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:17-24

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 

18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 

20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 

23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

 Journal:

• What part of my life am I holding too tightly that keeps me from fully trusting God’s plan?
• How can I choose to serve God with joy in my current season?
• What steps can I take this week to put His priorities above my own comfort?

Meeting with God

Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. ~ Exodus 24:9-10

Have you ever wanted to experience God in a deeper way, to truly feel His presence and know that He is near? In Exodus 24, God invited Moses and the leaders of Israel to come up the mountain to meet with Him. What a powerful invitation that must have been for them to step away from the noise of the camp and come closer to His glory. That moment can be a reminder to us today that God still calls His people higher. He desires not just to be known about, but for people to know Him personally.

From as long as I can remember, I have always talked to God. When I was young, He was like my invisible friend, but not someone I imagined. I knew deep down that I was truly talking to Him in all those quiet, internal conversations. As I grew older and stepped into adult life, I still talked to Him, but because life became busier, those conversations mostly happened when I was in trouble or in need. It wasn’t until I made the intentional decision to set aside time each day to meet with Him in a quiet space, away from distractions, that my life truly began to shift. I didn’t come with an agenda or a list of requests, I simply wanted to spend time with Him. In that stillness, I began to sense His presence in a way I never had before. That daily connection changed something deep within me. His presence brought peace, clarity, and a renewed hunger to know Him more. It reminded me that a relationship with God is not built on tasks or routines, but on time spent together with Him, away from the busyness of life.

In today’s reading, Moses was called to go higher while others stayed at a distance. This is how God invites each person to come closer if they are willing. His presence transforms hearts, renews strength, and brings understanding that cannot be gained any other way. The closer you draw to Him, the clearer you begin to see His purpose and power at work in your life.

Below are some ways you can get started today:

• Set aside quiet time each day to simply be with God without distractions or time limits.
• Read a passage of Scripture slowly, asking God to speak to your heart through it.
• Keep a notebook to write down what you sense God is saying to you or showing you in prayer.
• Worship Him with gratitude, focusing on who He is rather than what you need.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence and to reveal more of God’s character to you.
• Spend time in nature or a peaceful place to listen for God’s voice and notice His creation.

Maybe you already have a time in your schedule that you read His word and a devotional, but take it a step further and truly spend time talking with and listening to His love and direaction for you life each day.

Today I want to encourage you to answer God’s invitation to come closer. He is calling you higher, away from distractions and into a deeper experience of His presence. Maybe you already have a time in your schedule to read His Word and a devotional but take it a step further by spending time truly talking with Him and listening to His love and direction for your life each day. The same God who met Moses on the mountain desires to meet with you today. As you draw near to Him, He will reveal Himself in ways that strengthen your faith, calm your heart, and fill you with His wisdom and peace. Make it your daily priority to meet with Him and allow His presence to renew your spirit and guide your steps.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 24

1 Then the Lord instructed Moses: “Come up here to me, and bring along Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders. All of you must worship from a distance. 

2 Only Moses is allowed to come near to the Lord. The others must not come near, and none of the other people are allowed to climb up the mountain with him.”

3 Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”

4 Then Moses carefully wrote down all the Lord’s instructions. Early the next morning Moses got up and built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

5 Then he sent some of the young Israelite men to present burnt offerings and to sacrifice bulls as peace offerings to the Lord. 

6 Moses drained half the blood from these animals into basins. The other half he splattered against the altar.

7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people. Again they all responded, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey.”

8 Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, “Look, this blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions.”

9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. 

10 There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. 

11 And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!

12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain. Stay there, and I will give you the tablets of stone on which I have inscribed the instructions and commands so you can teach the people.” 

13 So Moses and his assistant Joshua set out, and Moses climbed up the mountain of God.

14 Moses told the elders, “Stay here and wait for us until we come back. Aaron and Hur are here with you. If anyone has a dispute while I am gone, consult with them.”

15 Then Moses climbed up the mountain, and the cloud covered it. 

16 And the glory of the Lord settled down on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from inside the cloud. 

17 To the Israelites at the foot of the mountain, the glory of the Lord appeared at the summit like a consuming fire. 

18 Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Journal:

• What might God be inviting me to step away from so that I can spend more time with Him?
• When have I felt closest to God, and what helped me experience His presence?
• How can I make space in my day to hear His voice more clearly?
• What do I hope to experience as I spend more intentional time with God?

The promise of His presence

“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.~ Exodus 23:20

Have you ever had times when you started something new in life and felt unsure about what was ahead? Maybe you sensed God leading you somewhere, but you didn’t know how it would all work out. We all have had those moments that feel both exciting and uncertain at the same time. In Exodus 23, God gave His people a promise before they entered the land He had prepared for them. He assured them that He would send an angel before them to protect, guide, and bring them safely into their destination. This is a promise that is still true today.

There have been many days in my life where I could not see what was coming ups next. I remember one particular time when God was clearly closing a door in one area and leading me toward something new. The problem was, I had no idea what that “new” thing looked like. I remember telling God, “I trust You, but I don’t know how to move forward.” Over time, I began to see His hand guiding me one faith step at a time. Each small instructions He gave required trust, but every time I followed, His peace was there to meet me on the other side. It was then that I realized that His presence was so much more important than having the whole plan figured out.

Exodus 23 shows that when God calls you to move forward, He goes before you. You are never alone in your journey. Just as He promised to send His angel to guard the Israelites and lead them into their promised land, He promises His presence to guide you today. You may not see everything clearly right now, but His Spirit is already preparing the way.

Here are some ways you can begin to step into His presence today:

• Spend time each morning asking God to guide your steps throughout the day.
• Trust that when you follow God’s direction, He will take care of the details that you cannot control.
• Remember that obedience is more important than understanding every part of the plan.
• Keep a journal of how God has been faithful to guide you in past seasons and thank Him for it.
• When you feel uncertain, pause and pray for His peace before making a decision.
• Look for signs of God’s presence in your daily life such as answered prayers, divine timing, or small blessings that remind you He is near.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God has already gone ahead of you. He is preparing the path you are walking and making a way where there seems to be none. His presence is your greatest promise and your greatest protection. When you choose to follow Him, you can walk forward with confidence knowing that He is leading you into a place prepared with purpose, peace, and provision. Even when the way feels uncertain, rest in the assurance that you are not walking alone.

Today’s scripture reading: Exodus 23

1“You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. 3You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute.

4“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

6“You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute. 7Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. 8And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.

9“Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

The Law of Sabbaths

10“Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, 11but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.

13“And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.

Three Annual Feasts

14“Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: 15You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); 16and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.

17“Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

18“You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My sacrifice remain until morning. 19The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

The Angel and the Promises

20“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 21Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. 22But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. 23For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. 24You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their works; but you shall utterly overthrow them and completely break down their sacred pillars.

25“So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. 26No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.

27“I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you. 29I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. 31And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philistia, and from the desert to the River. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”

Journal:

1. What new season or decision am I facing that requires trust in God’s guidance?
2. How have I seen God go before me in the past to prepare the way?
3. What does walking in obedience look like for me right now?
4. How can I become more aware of God’s presence in my daily life?