Come Home for Christmas
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for guiding me through my life by the ongoing presence of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for providing the “guide book” for my life in the Bible. Thank You for sending “guides” in my life, the Christian leaders who teach and live Your word faithfully. Just as You led the Israelites through their journey in the desert by sending a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, You lead me on my journey “home” to You. I pray that I will hear Your voice and do Your will every moment today, and each day You give me to live and serve You hear on earth. I pray that as I go about this day that You will show me the people You want me to offer guidance to on their journey home as well. Fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit right now, Lord, that my thoughts, words and actions will serve as guide posts and markers for others in their journey home. This I pray in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
God’s Word Today
Focus Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18
17When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18So God led them along a route through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, and the Israelites left Egypt like a marching army.
Supplemental Scripture - Exodus 13:19-22
19Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear that they would take his bones with them when God led them out of Egypt—as he was sure God would.
20Leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night. 22And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from their sight.
Reflecting on God’s Word
What ways has God used in your life to show you the way “home”?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Looking at today’s supplemental Scripture from Exodus 13:19-22, why do you suppose that Joseph had made the Israelites promise hundreds of years before that they would take his bones out of Egypt, when God led them out?
What guidance system did God use for the Israelites on their journey home?
What guidance system does God use in our lives today on our journey home to Him?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
According to today’s supplemental Scripture, what is God’s purpose for us, and how does He see that purpose fulfilled in our lives?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
The Israelites could not help but know where God was leading them. They had a literal and visible “guidance system”—a pillar of cloud and fire. Stop for a moment and consider what “guidance system” God has given us in our lives. What comes to mind? How are you following this system in your life right now? In what areas do you need to become more aware of God’s guidance system and how are you going to follow it more faithfully?
Thoughts—God’s “Guidance System!”
As the Israelites left Egypt and traveled home to the Promised Land God guided them every step of the way! As they traveled during the day a pillar of cloud went before them. When they traveled at night, a pillar of fire led them through the wilderness. Wouldn’t it be great if we had such a guidance system on our journey home to Jesus? Actually, we do! God’s guidance system in our lives is INTERNAL. Those of us who know Jesus as our Savior and Lord, have His indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit. We can know where God is leading and how to get “home” as we relay on Him and as we listen to His voice in our lives. God also guides us through His written word, the Bible. While we may not be able to see exactly where God is leading us from a physical standpoint, we can certainly know beyond any doubt how to get “home” to Him as we let Him take charge of our lives. Often the challenge for us is not that we don’t know where God wants us to go, but that we don’t want to endure the cost. As this week’s Scripture shows us, though, God will take us home by the long way, if the “short cut” is going to be too hard for us. No one is more eager for us to succeed as we travel through the journey of life than God! Remember that every time life seems too hard—God is with us, and He is leading us home by the BEST way for us!