In what ways can we prioritize God's presence in our daily lives? A Meeting Place in the Camp “Place the altar in front of the veil that shields the Ark of the Testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony — where I will meet with you.” (Exodus 30:6) Israel’s day began and ended with the cloud of incense rising from this golden altar. The smoke drifted through the veil and filled the Holy of Holies, announcing that God was near and His people were welcome. What happened in that tent was more than ceremony; it was relationship, and it sets a pattern for us. From Tabernacle to Today: Why His Presence Still Comes First • God Himself initiates the meeting (Exodus 30:6; James 4:8). • Nothing else in the camp mattered more than that daily communion. • Christ fulfills the mercy seat (Romans 3:25) and opens the veil for us (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Therefore, seeking Him is not optional add-on; it is the core of life (Psalm 16:11). Building a Daily “Altar of Incense” 1. Set fixed times with God. • “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice” (Psalm 5:3). • Like the priest’s morning and evening offering (Exodus 30:7-8), schedule unmovable moments for Scripture and prayer. 2. Cultivate continual conversation. • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Whisper thanks in the car, petition while walking, praise between tasks. 3. Let Scripture be the flame. • Incense burned only when fire from the altar of sacrifice touched it (Leviticus 16:12-13). • Read the Word first; let its truth ignite heartfelt prayer (Jeremiah 23:29). 4. Guard the fragrance. • Strange fire was forbidden (Leviticus 10:1-2). • Remove habits, media, and conversations that dull sensitivity to His Spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). 5. Keep Christ central. • The altar stood “before the mercy seat” (Exodus 30:6). • Approach God through Jesus’ finished work, not personal merit (John 14:6). Practical Touchpoints Throughout the Day • Commute: Recite a verse you just read (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Meals: Brief thanksgiving reminds who provides (Acts 27:35). • Breaks: Two-minute pause, deep breath, “Speak, Lord” (1 Samuel 3:9). • Evening: Review the day, confess, and celebrate His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Encouragements When Distractions Crowd In • His presence is promised, not fragile (Matthew 28:20). • Busy seasons don’t revoke access; they reveal need (Mark 6:31). • Even one earnest cry is incense in His nostrils (Revelation 8:3-4). Living as People of the Fragrant Cloud Prioritizing God’s presence is less about adding spiritual chores and more about arranging every chore around Him. The incense altar stood “before the veil,” always in line of sight for the priest. Keep your eyes likewise: fix Bible, prayer, and obedience where they cannot be ignored. He still meets there, and life is never the same when His nearness becomes our first and last thought each day. |
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