And a cloud hid him...
It will probably be no surprise to you that I like clouds. After alI, I have spent well over 40 years flying in and around them.
Some are very dangerous to fly near, let alone in, whilst others can be quite benign. Some of the most stunning views I have had from a flightdeck, has been the bending of multi-coloured light through layers of cloud. Although clouds don't extend very high in our atmosphere, they've always given me a sense of heaven.
There have not been many clouds in Devon's skies in recent weeks but in the Bible, clouds are inextricably linked to the presence of God. Try to think of a few occasions where we read this. If you're stuck, scroll to the bottom of the page...
Although we may not have many clouds in the sky just now, God's presence does surround us and through his Holy Spirit, fill us. Of course, shortly after Jesus left the earth, the Holy Spirit fell on his disciples. This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.
Read Acts 2:1-4
Spend a moment considering your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Do you include Him in all parts of your life? Do you listen to His whispers?
Song Holy Spirit
Prayer
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Think of 3 things to praise God for. Consider them for a moment and then give Him your thanks and praise.
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Although Jesus has left the earth physically, he has asked us to carry on his ministry. Pray for power in His spirit.
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Pray for the present condition of our world and our country. Pray particularly for those who are in poverty. Pray for those who are medically needy, not forgetting those with mental heath issues.
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Pray for those in government.
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Spend some time praying for our own church. Its leaders, the Trustees, and anyone who comes particularly to mind.
I'm still looking at the clouds... after all the Bible says he will return in the same way...!
References:
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Ex 13: 21 |
A cloud led the people of Israel for 40 years when they came out of Egypt |
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Ex 19:9 |
God descended onto Mount Sinai to speak with Moses |
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Ex 40: 34 |
God filled the tabernacle |
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1 Kings 8:10 |
When the ark was bought to Solomon's new temple it filled with a cloud |
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