Scripture to Read: Exodus 40:36–38
As we read Exodus 40:36–38, we learn that God guided the Israelites on when to move and when not to move by using His cloud to guide them. When the cloud was settled on the tent of meeting, the Israelites knew they were to stay where God had them. When God’s cloud was taken up, the Israelites would pack up everything and move to the next place where God would guide them to live. God still guides us each day on what to do, where to go, and how to live. He does this through His Holy Word and His Holy Spirit living in us. We can know God’s will by passionately pursuing Him and His Word daily. Remember what God tells us in Romans 12:1–2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” We must present our bodies to God as holy sacrifices by crucifying our fleshly desires. We must not follow the ways of this world but allow our minds to be changed by His Holy Word. As our minds are focused on Him and His Word (Colossians 3:1–4, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, Ephesians 4:23, Philippians 4:8, 1 Peter 1:13), we will know His perfect will for us each day.
Challenge & Application
· What did God do to guide the Israelites from one place to the next?
· How does God guide us today so that we walk according to His perfect will?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!