Monday June 12, 2006

Text for the Day -- Numbers 9:15-18
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On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the
tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until morning
it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance of fire. It was
always so: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by
night. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then the
Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled
down, there the Israelites would camp. At the command of the Lord the
Israelites would set out, and at the command of the Lord they would
camp. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they would
remain in camp.

Devotional
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In the wilderness God's presence among the Israelites was manifested
in a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. This cloud and fire
was a gift of God's guiding presence. When the cloud lifted in the
morning the Israelites would break camp and follow the cloud. The
guidance of God was an external sign - a sign in the outer world. In
the New Testament God's guiding presence is within through the Holy
Spirit who dwells within us.

Prayer
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Keep me aware of your close presence, gracious God. Amen