Intentional Dwelling Place
We are going through The Glory series at Opendoor Church and have been learning about the Tabernacle. I find it fascinating how intentional and specific God was with His instructions surrounding the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. He gave Moses every single detail: from measurements to materials, who should do what, how the priests should be clothed, and what offerings should be made.
READ: Exodus 25-31 and 35-40
During this series, our pastors have shared that the Tabernacle provided a place for God to dwell with His people. “To dwell” means to remain for a time, to keep attention directed. This challenged me to think through the time I spend with the Lord. Do I allow intentional space to dwell with Him and Him with me?
If you’re like me, you go through changing seasons, and time spent with the Lord may be different from day to day. I am so thankful that, in my current job, I have opportunities, like writing this devotion, which motivate me to study God’s Word. That hasn’t always been the case and probably isn’t the case for most people. Let’s be honest, carving out an hour, half hour, or even a few minutes of time with the Lord can feel impossible some days. But think about when it works out. How do you feel after spending time with Jesus? Are you more patient, kind, forgiving? Do you worry less, respond better, and feel a peace that passes all understanding?
READ: Philippians 4:6-7
I have heard people talk about their prayer closet or a favorite chair they sit in to spend time with the Lord. What does that space look like for you? For me, I love to crawl back in my bed once my house is empty in the morning with my cup of coffee, my Bible, and sometimes a book or study that I’m reading. Honestly, sometimes I just read my Bible app, but there’s nothing like a good ol' Bible and a highlighter! There are times when I tell Alexa to play worship music while I cook or do chores. If you see me talking as I ride down the road, I may be on the phone or I may just be talking to Jesus. The point is, I'm spending time with the Lord.
Jake Haggard made a great point during his recent message. God gave very specific directions on how to enter the Tabernacle, but it was worth the process in order to spend time with the Lord. The same goes for our time with Him. Being intentional with anything produces better results. Intentional friendship creates deep relationships. Carving out space to study the Word, sit in the Father’s presence, hear the Holy Spirit, worship, and pray creates a deep connection with the Lord. Taking even just a few minutes with Him can change the atmosphere!
JOURNAL: Journal how you feel and the peace that the Lord brings you throughout the hours following your next time in the Word.
ACTIVATION & JOURNAL: Read James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” What does it mean to draw near to God?
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for creating such intention with Your Word. Thank You for desiring not just relationships, but also friendship with Your people and with me. Soften our hearts to Your Spirit so that we crave time with You.
READ: Exodus 25-31 and 35-40
During this series, our pastors have shared that the Tabernacle provided a place for God to dwell with His people. “To dwell” means to remain for a time, to keep attention directed. This challenged me to think through the time I spend with the Lord. Do I allow intentional space to dwell with Him and Him with me?
If you’re like me, you go through changing seasons, and time spent with the Lord may be different from day to day. I am so thankful that, in my current job, I have opportunities, like writing this devotion, which motivate me to study God’s Word. That hasn’t always been the case and probably isn’t the case for most people. Let’s be honest, carving out an hour, half hour, or even a few minutes of time with the Lord can feel impossible some days. But think about when it works out. How do you feel after spending time with Jesus? Are you more patient, kind, forgiving? Do you worry less, respond better, and feel a peace that passes all understanding?
READ: Philippians 4:6-7
I have heard people talk about their prayer closet or a favorite chair they sit in to spend time with the Lord. What does that space look like for you? For me, I love to crawl back in my bed once my house is empty in the morning with my cup of coffee, my Bible, and sometimes a book or study that I’m reading. Honestly, sometimes I just read my Bible app, but there’s nothing like a good ol' Bible and a highlighter! There are times when I tell Alexa to play worship music while I cook or do chores. If you see me talking as I ride down the road, I may be on the phone or I may just be talking to Jesus. The point is, I'm spending time with the Lord.
Jake Haggard made a great point during his recent message. God gave very specific directions on how to enter the Tabernacle, but it was worth the process in order to spend time with the Lord. The same goes for our time with Him. Being intentional with anything produces better results. Intentional friendship creates deep relationships. Carving out space to study the Word, sit in the Father’s presence, hear the Holy Spirit, worship, and pray creates a deep connection with the Lord. Taking even just a few minutes with Him can change the atmosphere!
JOURNAL: Journal how you feel and the peace that the Lord brings you throughout the hours following your next time in the Word.
ACTIVATION & JOURNAL: Read James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” What does it mean to draw near to God?
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for creating such intention with Your Word. Thank You for desiring not just relationships, but also friendship with Your people and with me. Soften our hearts to Your Spirit so that we crave time with You.
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