KEY SCRIPTURE: Exodus 13:21-22

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

RELEVANCE

For the past few days, Heather and I have been travelling. We're on our 34th Anniversary week and decided to combine weekend events with a road trip in between. Melbourne to Melbourne via Benalla, Beechworth, Swan Hill, Euston, and Mildura.

So far, it has been delightful. We've been to our Son's future inlaws for his engagement party, enjoying a country feast with Emma's lovely family and old friends. On Sunday, we attended church to hear an excellent speaker revving us all up about prayer. He stated that nothing will happen in your life or church without deep, consistent prayer. He cited numerous cases of churches and missionaries continuing in humble fasting and praying until the Lord moved. It was just what we all needed and perfectly delivered. 

After a few goodbyes, we hit the road again. This time to Beechworth, where we enjoyed a fabulous pie and visited the BIllson cordial factory for a few free samples and over-purchase of unheard-of flavours like Chilli Punch, Rasberry Vinegar, and Gingerbread. 

Then we packed a picnic and drove to Bright for lunch by the fresh flowing Morse's Creek, a tributary of the Oven's River. The rain had ceased, and the day was perfect. To cap it off, Heather bought a beautiful coat from a well-known local store. I would have bought the store for her, as the owner had fascinating taste. We hit the Opp Shops on the way back, but alas, there were no eclectic bargains this time. 

It took us five hours to get to Swan Hill, as we stopped in a couple of towns to explore the local produce. We caught up with relatives over a parma, salad and chips, enjoying the fellowship and news. Heading off the next day, we drove to Euston, NSW, to meet with more relatives and hear the latest news about their large family. We're presently in Red Cliffs with Heather's mum, awaiting an intense Saturday Bible study in Mildura, then a return trip to Melbourne on Sunday. 

I'm writing about our trip to remind us of God's portability. During our brief journey, people contacted us seeking prayer, some urgent and critical. We could stop everything and do that. We were able to open our Bibles and read specific verses, reminding God of his wonders and raising issues before Him. We could praise and thank our living God in our car or motel rooms or as we sat on park benches. Our God is there. 

We worship a wonderful, omnipresent God who can address your prayers and mine simultaneously. He can involve Himself in our worship and needs, whether we're sitting in a church pew, on a motel bed, a coffee shop chair, or the car seat in a Coles carpark. Just like Moses and the Israelites in the desert, the places are irrelevant to Him; the conversations and the manner by which we address Him are the essential parts. 

We should not stop praising God for who He is, what His Son Jesus did for us, and how the Holy Spirit energises our lives, directly connecting us to His omnipotence.

Wherever you are, keep pouring out your praises to our Almighty God of Wonders. He is worthy to be praised. 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, it is beyond my reasoning to comprehend your omnipotence and envisage your dominion. And I remain joyfully bewildered at how present and invested you are in each of your people. What a wonderful God we serve. Thank you.

Photo by Israa Ali