Tag: relationship

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Daily Devotion – Clarity

“Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.” – Exodus 24:9-10 NASB

This was a special moment when Israel’s leaders would have a personal encounter with God Himself. These men needed to be prepared. They understood His nature and realized that He is holy, and He could not be approached as a regular person.

In this special moment, “a pavement of sapphire” played a critical role. This was a unique material with characteristics important to God and His interaction with men and women.

This material was “clear as the sky itself.” The presence of sapphire enabled these men to see God with clarity, so there could be no question of what they saw. This sapphire demonstrated that He wanted them to know Him and understand His nature. They were to realize that they could have a personal relationship with Him. But they had to approach Him the right way.

Sapphire was used in similar ways elsewhere in the Bible. It was used to describe the throne of God (Ezekiel 10:1) and was a key part of the foundation of the new Jerusalem seen in John’s vision (Revelation 21:19).

The presence of sapphire reminds us of the importance of clarity for believers today. God wants us to see Him clearly, to know Him with complete transparency. He wants us to accurately understand His Word.

Ask God to deepen your personal relationship with Him, to know Him more intimately, and to understand Him more completely.

Prayer

Father, help me to know You more clearly, to understand Your Word, and to serve You more faithfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 24

//Inspiration Ministries//

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Daily Message from Pope Francis – Grace Saves Us

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

“Grace saves us; salvation is pure grace, pure gratuitousness. Jesus says this clearly in the Gospel: what makes us just is not the righteousness we show before others, but our sincere relationship with the Father. The beginning of the return to God is the recognition of our need for Him and His mercy, our need for His grace. This is the right path, the path of humility. Do I feel in need, or do I feel self-sufficient?” Pope Francis

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Minute Meditation – Unconditional Love

I am afraid we are all born rather egocentric. We are the only reference point that we have, at least initially. “It’s all about me, and why shouldn’t it be?” If Mom and Dad mirror us well, we soon develop “mirror neurons” for empathy and relationship with others, but even other people can still be seen as mere means to my own power and pleasure. Or I can think I deserve everything, which we call a sense of entitlement. 

Unless there is some pressure, social or parental, pushing the infant beyond the pleasure principle, human nature tends to largely take the path of least resistance. We really do need prods, goads, ideals to help us think outside of the little boxes we all create for ourselves. That is the function of laws and commandments. Only in the more mature person can love and grace take over—or even be understood.

—from the book Wondrous Encounters: Scriptures for Lent
by Richard Rohr, OFM

//Franciscan Media//

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Daily Devotion – Knowing the Lord

“Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” – Exodus 5:2 NASB

Approaching Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron positioned themselves as messengers for “the Lord, the God of Israel” (v. 1). Pharaoh was to “Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness” (v. 1). Pharaoh’s response indicated that he had no idea what they were talking about or who they meant by “the Lord.”

This response was not surprising; the Egyptians had their own religion and gods. Yet the sad fact was that Pharaoh did not know God or even know who He was. This admission shows the importance of knowing the Lord and telling others about Him. Moses and Aaron knew Him and were willing to risk everything.

But Pharaoh did not know Him at all. Without a reference to God, Pharaoh developed his own explanations and theories. One goal of the plagues God sent was that Pharaoh and others in the land would “know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 7:5).

This parallels the experience of many people today! They rule their own kingdoms and do not know the Lord. In a variety of ways, God, in His love and compassion, allows them to go through experiences that might open their eyes. These experiences might help them know Him, turn to Him, and declare Him their Lord!

What is your relationship with God? Seek to know Him more intimately. Be His witness, helping others realize that He is real. He is the Lord!

Prayer

Father, You are my Lord. Use me to help others know You more intimately. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 5

//Inspiration Ministeries//

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Daily Devotion – Pour Out Your Heart

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62:8 NASB

Throughout his life, David developed relationships with various people whom he trusted. Sadly, there were times when these trusted people let him down. Some failed to keep their promises. Some betrayed him for personal gain. Some simply forgot their commitments.

But through every circumstance, he realized that God always was faithful. He wrote, “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him” (v. 5). God provided stability and a sure foundation: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (v. 6). He was his “refuge” and “the rock of [his] strength” (v. 7).

The Bible reminds us that we can trust God no matter what others do or say! It can be beneficial to confide in friends or family members, but it is most important to pour out our hearts before God.

This involves spending time with Him, confident in our relationship. It means being willing to share every detail of our needs – every thought, every feeling, every concern. Part of that process involves waiting before Him. David commanded his soul to “wait in silence for God only” (v. 5).

Pour out your heart to God. Release every concern to Him. Tell Him every detail of your needs. Receive His peace. Make Him your rock, your salvation, your stronghold. He is waiting, ready to hear from You. You can trust Him.

Prayer

Father, here are things I am concerned about: ______. I depend on You for answers. Take away my worries. Give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Psalm 62