Boy all our life we are given rules to follow. Some people, hopefully our parents, are influencers in the beginning of our early childhood. They provide us with what we call our manners. How to act around elders, how to behave in public, and how to treat others.

There are what would call ‘rule followers’ and then those that seem to be ‘rule breakers’. All through our life we have encounters at school, work and even in our families.

As we read on in Exodus 23 God provides us a list of what some may call a moral compass. These are not just a list of things we can do go to confession and be sent off to try not to do it again. These instructions God provides are freedom from our sinful nature. As we read on in verse 14 God instructs the Israelites, us to celebrate this freedom. To make it a part of our life. To be in thanksgiving with the Lord for all that He has done in our life. To be thankful for our salvation.

I know this can be hard sometimes. Getting up doing the something every day and dealing with the world around us. A world who has not been transformed by God. We can slip into sin and act out.

As we continue to read verse 20 we see the promise of God to stay with us. Jesus made the same promise before He ascended into heaven. Act 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

In chapter 24 God promise His covenant and the Israelites accept God promise. We are provided Gods convenient with us through His word in the bible that we read. As we read, listen to the Sunday sermon or read our devotional we choose to obey Gods commands.

But why?

Just like the Israelites we remember all that God has done in our life. Our escape from our Egypt; our old self. Sometimes we remember some pain we experienced when we didn’t follow Gods commands; but truly the experience of joy and blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Chapter 25-28 provides us with the Tabernacle instructions and the clothing for the priests. Every aspect was meant as an outward symbol of a specific aspect of God’s presence. The tabernacle and alter were built as a place to worship Gods lover for us.

I wonder; do we have a place like this. A place we can go to everyday and worship the Lord. A place where we enter every day. A place where we feel His presence surrounding us. Like the rings and clasps were made as a continuous bond we know that His presence will never end.

I have a special chair in the corner of our living room. Some days it takes me a few minutes to get comfortable and settle in, to accept Gods presence. I can wait for my heart to open up knowing He is there. That chair has been with me for close to 20 years. Its legs remain sturdy. Its fabric free from stain or tares. I have shed tears of joy and sadness with God there. As my day begins, I experience the Hoy Spirit. There are times He fills my soul and other times He bends a knee, sits with me and comforts my aching heart.

Don’t let church be your only tabernacle that you visit once a week. Stay in His word every day and build on your covenant with Him. Allow Jesus to transform you, Let Him transform your moral compass every day.

God, we come to you today with thanksgiving. Thank you for providing for us away to show the world you. Keep our hearts on you and your love for all. Amen