Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Exodus 34:29-35 (NRSV)
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Reflect
How many of us own t-shirts or other articles of clothing that identify us as members of a certain church, club, or other affiliation? I have a Tennessee Titans jersey, which identifies me instantly as a fan (sadly). I have several concert t-shirts from bands that I’ve seen. I have plenty of t-shirts that I’ve received from counseling various church camps, attending children’s festivals, and participating in other church activities. These things make me instantly recognizable as a sports fan, a music lover, and a participant in various ministries.
We shouldn’t have to use a t-shirt to identify us as Christians, though. People should know us by our actions, how we treat people, and how we conduct our daily lives. As the old song “We Are One in the Spirit” by Peter Scholtes goes, “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.” Of course, this does not mean that we strut around like we are superior to those who are non-Christian. We are imperfect people and will fail at times. We don’t have all the answers!
When Moses spent time alone with God, he emerged from that time with a glow that was so bright, it was blinding to people. He was radiant and filled with the spirit of God. When we spend time studying the Bible, immersed in the word and in prayer, do we exude that same kind of energy? Our lives and actions should be a testament to that time alone with God, so that we don’t need to be identified through our garments.
Pray
God in Heaven, we give to you our lives so that you may work through us. We want people to know that we love you and that we want them to love you, too. Let our time spent in prayer, meditation, and study be a testament to our faith in you so others can see you working though us. Amen.
Go with God.
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