Happy Sunday, friends.
CAMP JUST STARTED!!!
No seriously, we welcomed thousands of kids and families into our gates just a few hours ago for Week 1!
So, I just snuck away for a minute to send this newsletter to you.
It’s a quick peak into another devo I gave to a few different camp staffs the last week — adapted for you.
I hope it stirs your heart and mind.
-jerv
There’s a good chance you’re in a transition in life right now.
Maybe you’re actively moving into something new. Or maybe you’re still in a long waiting for something you’ve wanted for a while.
So often, we desire to “finally just slow down and settle in.”
But that’s not exactly the way it goes — or should go for us.
Nonetheless — what you choose to carry into this season will either ground you or exhaust you.
In times of transition, the choices we make are disproportionately important.
Because they set the tone and rhythms, the DNA, of the next season of your life.
In these seasons of transition, a lot of times God will draw close to you to test your heart to make sure your priorities are correctly set, because he loves you and wants to make a success out of your next “season".
Will you make sure your priorities are correctly set?
Exodus 33 tells the story of Israel in transition — just like you.
God people are shifting:
Geographically: moving from wandering in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land.
Economically: shifting from daily manna to farming.
Politically: the leadership change from Moses the Mystic to Joshua the Militant.
Culturally: learning how to go from wanderers to settlers.
Spiritually: discovering what it means to hear and know God’s voice, not just follow a pillar of fire and smoke.
And in all of this tension, God says something shocking: “Go ahead to the promised land… but I’m not going with you.” (v.3)
What’s God’s Deal Here?
He is testing, exposing their hearts in the midst of transition.
Why won’t He go with them? “…because you are a stiff-necked people.” (v.3)
Stubborn. Wanting their own way. Difficult to lead. Hanging onto things from the past.
He knew that they were still focusing on the things being provided for them instead of the One who was providing. He wanted hearts of repentance.
Some of us are wearing spiritual jewelry from old idols — past habits, performance mentalities, people-pleasing, fear of failure, etc.
And God is saying: “I want your heart. Throw those past things off. Start new. I do want to go with you - but can’t and won’t if you're still hanging on to them.”
Also, God didn’t want them to enter the new season relying on past miracles but missing daily intimacy.
Moses’ Response & Our Response
When Moses hears God say, “I’m not going with you,” he doesn’t back down:
“If your presence doesn’t go with us, don’t send us from here.” (v.15)
He’s saying: I’d rather wander with You than win without You.
That’s the kind of heart posture that changes everything.
It’s found in walking with Jesus, practicing His presence — moment by moment, decision by decision.
And not taking another step without Presence.
Presence Practice: Recognize where you’re outpacing the Lord & reprioritize.
Yes, recognize where you’re outpacing the Lord — meaning:
Assess the areas of your life that are in transition, in waiting.
Acknowledge to Him you’ve been moving at a pace that isn’t aligned with Him — whether too fast or too slow.
Ask Him to show you what in your heart, mind, spirit, or practical living to reprioritize in the midst of these transitions.
Pray simply and sincerely: “God, I don’t want to go anywhere if You’re not going with me.”
By the way…
I’m grateful for this practice of writing the last few months and I look forward to working hard to keep providing value. It’s good for me — but I really pray it’s been helpful for you, too.
Taylor Jervis
Tyler, Texas
May 25, 2025
PS - if this was in any way valuable to you, will you:
1) reply and let me know?
2) forward it to a friend who would be encouraged?