Numbers 9:15-16, "And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.”

The cloud by day and the fire by night resting upon the tabernacle was a visible reminder and symbol of God's presence with His people.  As we live life it is important that we live with an awareness of God's abiding presence. The children of Israel relied upon the Lord to guide the timing of their movements and the guiding of their journeys, the Lord did this through the cloud by day and the fire by night. (vss. 17-23)

We are not led in the same manner today, but we are indeed promised God's abiding presence and the availability of His leadership. In Psalm 73:24 the promise is given, "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."  We are privileged as believers to be led by God's counsel throughout our life time, and then upon passing from this earth to be received into glory!  What a blessing! Romans 8:14 reminds us, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."  Matthew Henry states in his Concise Commentary, "He (God) will direct the paths of those who in all their ways acknowledge him, Pr 3:6. At the commandment of the Lord, our hearts should always move and rest, saying, Father, thy will be done; dispose of me and mine as thou pleasest. What thou wilt, and where thou wilt; only let me be thine, and always in the way of my duty. In applying general precepts to particular circumstances, there should be good counsel and fervent prayer...  The record of his mercy will conduct us with unerring truth, through Christ, to everlasting peace. Follow the pillar of the cloud and of fire. Lay the BIBLE to heart, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls."

May we greatly rejoice in God's abiding presence and leadership in our lives today and always!

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  Do you sense God's presence in your life? How do you know He is present with you?

2. Do you seek God's leadership in your life?  What does He promise to do in leading you?

3. How has God led you in the past?  How is He leading you in the present?

4. How does one acknowledge God in all their ways?  What is the result?