Preparation before Presence

 Scripture:

“The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and make them wash their clothes and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭19‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

God spoke to Moses in this passage, telling him to sanctify the people because in three days He was going to come down on Mt Sinai in front of all of them. The people had to prepare for God’s presence. God knew He was going to come down so He warned the people to prepare themselves through sanctification. 

Application:

When God is going to move in power or manifest Himself, there is always a season of preparation. Preparation comes before presences. Many of us long for the presence of the Lord to come and touch lives. If we were to hear His voice clearly, it may be saying, “purify and sanctify yourselves because I am about to do some things.” Preparation and cleansing tells God you are serious with Him and ready for Him to come down in power. We should always walk in a spirit of sanctification, being set apart for the Lord and His purposes. 

Prayer:

Father, cleanse me. Purify my life. Show me the things I need to stop and the things I need to start. I long for Your presence. I long to see You move in the earth in greater ways. I long to see Your goodness revealed to the multitudes. Come Holy Spirit and show us Your glory. Help me to live a sanctification life that is ready for all You want to do.

Yours,

Jeff

Too Much

 Scripture:

“You will surely wear out, both you and these people who are with you, for this is too heavy a burden for you; you are not able to do it by yourself.”  ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18‬:‭18‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses saw how Moses was judging the people all day long every day and confronted him about how to lead people. In this verse, Moses received the mentorship of his father-in-law who told him, “you are not able to do it by yourself.” Jethro saw what Moses was doing and realized quickly that what he was doing was not sustainable.

Application:

There comes a time in life and leadership when we must realize that we cannot do it all by ourselves. Sometimes in ministry I get worn out because I don’t share the responsibility. It becomes what Jethro said, “too heavy a burden.” I know I need to delegate more and more, especially as I get older and have more doors of opportunity opening around me. I need to trust the people around me more and more.

Prayer:

Father, help me to get rid of a savior complex and to release ministry and leadership to others. Help me to share the weight and responsibility with those around me. Teach me to be effective at raising sons and daughters who can help carry the load of ministry. Lead me Holy Spirit into the most effective years of my life. 

Yours Forever,

Jeff