Daily Devotional
Is God Optional to You?
“…for I [God] will not go up in your [the Israelites] midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people:” “… Then he [Moses] said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exodus 33:3)
Exodus 33:15
May 6, 2020
Ponder This
Moses is saying, “God, if You’re not going, I'm not going.”
St. Augustine once asked:
If God were to come to you and say, “I’ll give you anything you want. Nothing will be withheld. You can have whatever you want with one exception: you will never see My face,” would you take that proposition? If a chill went over your soul when you heard that phrase, “You will never see My face,” thank God for that chill.
God offered to send the Israelites along their way with the protection of an angel. He promised them victory in the Promised Land. But Moses said: “I don’t want Canaan without you. I don’t want an angel to guide us. I don’t want victory. I don’t want milk and honey. I want You, God.”
Practice This
Is there anything today you want more than God’s presence? Think carefully. If so, then that thing—whatever or whoever it is—is an idol. Abandon it. Dismantle that idol’s altar in your life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
