Lisa and Sheryl have been friends since grade school. Although their paths have taken them in different directions since those schoolgirl days in New Jersey, they have maintained their close friendship.

Sheryl is married, settled in the Midwest, and the mother of young children. Lisa is single and involved in mission work, most recently in Russia. "Every now and then we just have to talk," says Sheryl. So they pick up the phone to catch up on the news and share their hearts.

In our Bible reading today, Moses and the Lord talked "as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex. 33:11). Moses enjoyed not merely an occasional phone call with the Lord, but frequent, direct conversation with Him that other Israelites could only observe from a distance. During those intimate talks, the Lord gave Moses instructions for leading the people.

Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, and because the Holy Spirit now lives within all followers of Christ, we too can enjoy a special friendship and closeness with God. He speaks to us through His Word and by His Spirit, and we have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer.

If you are like me, as you go through your day you'll find yourself saying to God, "We just have to talk."  — David C. Egner