13 August Exodus 13

Walk by the Spirit

Exodus 13:21(NIV) “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night”.God's people have been freed from slavery in Egypt. So, where do they go now, and how will God guide them? During the day, God provides a pillar of cloud to lead them on their journey. This cloud directs the large group as they travel. At night, God provides a pillar of fire. Imagine looking up at night and seeing this pillar of fire that lights their way, helps them travel, and shows them where to go. How amazing is that? It's like a GPS that guides them. As children of God, we too can be guided by the Holy Spirit if we let it lead us. The Holy Spirit, which is God's very Spirit, lives inside us, directing our thoughts, desires, and decisions. It guides us step by step.Psalm 27:11 (GNT) “Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do, and lead me along a safe path”. Each day, you have a choice to walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 (NIV) “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. If you want the Holy Spirit to lead your life and guide your steps, you must make a conscious daily choice. Pray for the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and to help you walk by the Spirit. Then, be ready to obey! Galatians 5:25 (ESV) “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit”.The Bible is the road map that the Holy Spirit uses to lead us. The Holy Spirit will also speak to you through Bible teaching, such as preaching or teaching in the church. Acts 2:17 (ESV) “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams”.Are things around you bad? Maybe God put you there so you can make a difference. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you can do. Keep your eyes open and take action to improve the situation. You are one of God's lights. Don't complain about the darkness, shine where you are. Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”.I conclude with Galatians 5:16 (NLT) “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves”.