A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional Day 66

Written By Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Thought: “Lead me guide me along the way. For if you lead me, I cannot stray. Lord, let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me O’ Lord, lead me.”

~Lyrics By Doris Akers

🔴 Follow the Leader

Have you ever felt like you’ve overstayed your welcome? Perhaps you were visiting friends, and they became weary. All the clues came:

the long stretches,
exaggerated yawns,
and mentions of the next day’s early activities.

But you ignored the host’s hints until someone finally says, “Thank you for visiting; we look forward to seeing you another time!”

I’ve been on both sides. UGH! I missed the hints, and I’ve politely urged visitors to leave. While we may not see a pillar of cloud or fire hovering over the current residence. (Numbers 9:15) Still, the Holy Spirit orders our steps if we are prayerfully attentive.

Praise Break:

We ought to pause and meditate on the tremendous sovereign power of our almighty God! What a sight to behold! Our majestic Abba Father led the Hebrew children through the Sinai wilderness into the promised land. Yahweh was visible in a cloud.

A Sense of Urgency

God gently reminds us by giving subtle hints. We can choose to follow His Divine Spirit where He leads or feel lost. I urge you to pay attention to the tension. If you’ve overstayed your welcome, get up and run after God. His footprints are visible. Psalm 85:13 “Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” The Lord enables faithfulness while not defiling His character of Holiness. The Mediator purposes our way so we can delight in the Lord and He in us.

Temporary

When “camped” at a particular institution, business, or visiting others, we can willingly follow the signals sent through the Holy Spirit. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) The Israelites didn’t know the exact length of their stay, they obeyed the command spoken through Moses (God’s partner and messenger). They trusted God.

Prayer

My hope for us is that no matter the length of time you reside in an area, you will be strengthened by God and have courage when it’s time to move. Our Lord will not lead you astray; follow Him faithfully!

Point to Ponder

The Lord knows how we suffer from lapse of memory. The daily dealings with the world can cloud the vision of His Holy presence. Be still and ask God to help you gain clarity in your wilderness. Ask Him to guide you to your proper destination. Remember, our Leader wanted to change the hearts of the Israelite people. The rituals and idolatry they became accustomed to while living in Egypt needed deliverance. Apostasy was prevalent, and God had to teach them His ways. Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” We can emulate the faith and not the strange teachings. Go with God and serve Him with gladness.

Word Study:

Theophany a visible manifestation to humankind of God or a god. The mark of biblical theophanies is the temporariness and suddenness of God’s appearance, which is here not an enduring presence in a specific place or object. (*Source Britannica Academic)

Leaders are self-aware and prioritize personal development while focusing on developing others. Leaders encourage strategic thinking, innovation, and action. Being ethical and civic-minded, they practice effective cross-cultural communication. (* Source Northeastern University Graduate Program Blog)

Camp a place with temporary accommodations of huts, tents, or other structures, typically used by soldiers, refugees, or travelers.

~Torrie Slaughter