Today's Scripture:

Exodus 34:29-35 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Personally, I am working on abiding more and striving less. My natural mode is 100%, constantly doing, achieving, wearing a badge of busyness like a Girl Scout. I can put my time with the Lord on the back burner as my feet hit the floor, and I’m off for the day. All the things I am doing are “good things,” they are serving, helping, caring, but all of those good things without enough time spent with Jesus can be draining. But, in the last few months, I have been very intentional about my time with God, and I am feeling the “radiance” permeate my whole day. I try to take intentional sabbath time and go to God first. I am not always perfect at it, and I sometimes catch myself slipping into old habits.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
When I read this scripture, I am reminded of what a difference spending time with God, being in His presence, and abiding with Him can make not just for ourselves, but it can be displayed in outward ways, too. From the way we respond to others even when we don't love their response, to the ways we show empathy even when we feel rushed on to the next thing on our list, to the times we offer compassion and love even when frustration and judgment might be the way we are naturally inclined to handle a situation, spending time with God helps us to live differently. Moses spent time with God and his face was glowing, radiant, different.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
One of the hardest parts of taking time with God is the guilt that sometimes comes with saying “no” to other things. Living differently in this way, and the way I am wired as a people pleaser, is a tough one for me. I am working on communicating with others about my time with God and standing firm on the priorities that He wants for me. It's tough. Really tough. But, when the effects of my time with God make me a better wife, mom, and friend, I hope that some of those moments of toughness get easier and that, just like the people of Israel, the people in my circles will see His radiant glow on my face.

About Jamie Horton:
I am wife to Thomas, mom to three kiddos: Scarlett (8), Luke (6) & Andrew (6). We are in a fast-paced season of life with kids in all of the sports and activities. So, we enjoy spending time together on the ball field, taking trips, and serving together as a family. I am usually between celebrations, both big and small, for the people in my life.
We have been at Grace for 9 years, all of my babies have been baptized here, and I have had the privilege of serving at different times in many roles: elder, Worship Strategy Team member, VBS volunteer, Foundations director and most recently Director of Communications for Grace. Our daughter, Scarlett, attends Grace School. Go Gators!