Exodus 33:12-23
What is the secret to God’s blessing?
Exodus 33:12 (NIV) “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and You have found favor with me.’”
Moses calls upon God for His favor.
#1. Value God’s presence.
God’s presence is more important to us when we are in trouble?
It is possible to leave, or be out of, the presence of the Lord.
Cain
Satan
Jonah
We leave the face of God by disobedience, or God turns His face from us.
“My presence will be with you, and I will give you rest.”
2 Chronicles 7:14, 15 (NIV) “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Exodus 33:15 (NIV) “Then Moses said to Him, ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.’”
#2. Value God’s pleasure.
“gladness” or “great pleasure.”
The reward for obedience is that you will receive God’s blessing and favor.
“I am pleased with you, and I know you by name.”
Declare your love in action .
Embrace God’s love and perception of yourself .
Remember the sacrifice .
Be passionate .
Serve the cause of Christ .
#3. Value the sacredness of God’s glory.
The secret of God’s blessing is very simple.
Exodus 33:9 (NIV) “As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses.”
It revealed that God was invading the universe of Moses’ world.
God knew that in Moses’ future was a lot of opportunity to cause him to ride the wave of success.
We are never to take God’s glory, but we are to acknowledge His glory through worship and praise.
Psalm 3:3 (NIV) “But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Our ability to approach His throne with confidence isn't the result of our own power, or own goodness.
He is awesome, and yet He is approachable.
Spend time with Him.
"Worship was great today; it felt great to be in God's presence."
The primary purpose of worship is to give Him the honor and praise that is due His name.
Do this as early as you can, as often as you can, for as long as you can.
In His presence, we can experience total transformation into His likeness.