What steps can we take to invite God's presence into our daily lives? Foundation Verse “Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.” (Exodus 29:45) What This Reveals God does not remain distant; He longs to pitch His tent in the middle of everyday life. In Exodus 29 the priests were consecrated, sacrifices were offered, and an altar burned continually—all so the Lord could live right in the camp. That pattern still guides us as we invite His presence today. Step 1 – Consecrate the Ordinary • Offer yourself wholly. Romans 12:1 calls us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • Separate from what defiles. 2 Timothy 2:21—“If anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master.” • View every task—commuting, cooking, emails—as part of the Lord’s dwelling place. Step 2 – Keep the Altar Burning • Israel’s priests placed a lamb on the altar each morning and evening (Exodus 29:38-42). • Begin and end the day with worship: sing a psalm, read a chapter, speak words of gratitude. • Hebrews 13:15—“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” Step 3 – Walk in Obedience • Jesus links obedience with divine presence: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) • Confess instantly when you stumble; lingering disobedience clouds fellowship. • Make Scripture the final authority in decisions big and small. Step 4 – Pursue Holiness • 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 connects holiness with God’s dwelling: “I will dwell among them… therefore come out from among them and be separate.” • Guard what enters your mind—music, media, conversations. • Choose companions who encourage purity (Proverbs 13:20). Step 5 – Cultivate Awareness of the Spirit Within • 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” • Pause throughout the day: “Holy Spirit, guide this moment.” • Rely on His power, not mere willpower, to resist temptation (Galatians 5:16). Step 6 – Live in Loving Community • God dwelt in the middle of the tribes, not on a lone mountaintop. • Prioritize gathered worship—“For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) • Share meals, burdens, and joys; His presence often arrives through other believers. Step 7 – Keep Short Accounts • Regularly examine the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Seek reconciliation quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Celebrate forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) Step 8 – Maintain Expectant Faith • Hebrews 11:6—“He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • Anticipate encounters: the burning bush moment may come while folding laundry. • Speak faith aloud: “Lord, thank You that You dwell with me right now.” The Result Follow these rhythms, and God fulfills His promise just as literally today as He did in the desert: He dwells among His people and is their God—guiding, comforting, and transforming every corner of daily life. |
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