In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV), it says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means that all of the Bible is full of principles and truths that are both relevant and applicable today that are for the purpose to make you and me, “equipped for every good work.”
As your read, your Bible, make sure that your devotional reading plan includes portions of the Old and New Testament. Too often we neglect portions of the Old Testament, and God wants to speak through all of His Word. Here is a portion of scripture in the Old Testament I was reading one morning and what God showed me that I share with you.
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3:1-6 NIV
1/ Moses did not recognize God in the middle of the bush.
The scripture says that the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire within the Bush. What was Moses first thought? “I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up.” Many times today we as Christians celebrate the experience or a look at a particular event with the wrong perspective; if we are not careful, we can miss God in the middle of the experience. God appeared to Moses different than He ever had before. Moses was not expecting God to show himself this way. Allow God to show up in ways outside of what you might expect. Expand your curiosity, and you will be amazed at the miracle waiting.
2/ God wants to get your attention.
God wants to be active and participate in your life each day. Sometimes God has to do something unusual and out of the ordinary so that you will respond. Busyness and attraction to technology create people who become hyper-focused on activities that can cause the simple and subtle to be overlooked. Sometimes it takes a burning bush! Will you respond and look? Will you allow God to get your attention?
3/ God will speak once he has your attention.
The scripture says that “When the Lord saw that he [Moses] had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush.” It wasn’t until Moses looked to see his miracle, which God spoke to Him. God is vying for attention in the midst of a noisy world. He isn’t going to waste His words and often is waiting to speak. This requires us to be quiet and look at the miracle. Sometimes it’s difficult to see God right in front of us and we fail to see Him or the burning bush. Recognize that God is doing something and listen. The curiosity in Moses led him to look at something with a different perspective once he heard God’s voice. God speaks today and wants to speak to you.
4/ God knows your name.
God spoke directly to Moses. He knew Moses’ name, and he knows your name. He wants to speak to you directly. Even when it seems we don’t know who we are, God knows who you are. He is ready to speak, are you listening?
5/ Moses received a miracle while in motion.
This miracle happened while Moses was leading the flock of sheep “from the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb.” Moses was actively doing something, tending someone else’s flock. This is important because there are times where we need to wait, contend, pray, and hungrily seek after God. Other times, God wants to show up in the midst of your daily activity.
[shareable cite=”@terrylamasters”]Learn to expect God in the middle of ordinary things. [/shareable]Learn to expect God in the middle of ordinary things. It doesn’t take a sanctuary, a specific worship song, or a routine for God to show up. He will astound you and show up when and where you least expect it. Be in motion!
