What steps can we take to notice God's presence in our daily lives? The Scene That Sparks the Study “Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?’” (Exodus 3:3) What Exodus 3:3 Teaches About Recognizing God • Moses was going about his routine when God broke in. • The key action: “I must turn aside.” Moses chose to interrupt his schedule to focus on what God was showing him. • God’s presence was already there; Moses simply noticed and responded. Step 1: Slow Down Enough to Notice • Choose regular moments of stillness: “…Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10). • Limit noise—phones off, TV paused, headphones out—to clear space for God’s voice. • Walk or drive without background audio occasionally; let creation speak (Psalm 19:1). Step 2: Cultivate Holy Curiosity • Moses asked “Why?” before he knew Who. Ask God to heighten spiritual curiosity. • Keep a running list of “God moments” that make you pause—answers to prayer, divine timing, beauty in nature. • Luke 24:32: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us…?” Curiosity often precedes recognition. Step 3: Turn Aside Intentionally • When something stirs your spirit, pivot your attention like Moses did. • Set brief alarms during the day to remind yourself to “turn aside” and acknowledge God (Psalm 55:17). • Short breath prayers—“Here I am, Lord” (Isaiah 6:8)—can reset focus. Step 4: Remove the Sandals—Embrace Reverence • God told Moses, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). • Identify personal “sandals”—habits or sins—that dull sensitivity to His presence; confess and lay them aside (1 John 1:9). • Approach daily tasks with reverence: washing dishes becomes worship when done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Step 5: Listen for the Gentle Whisper • Elijah recognized God in a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). • After reading Scripture, sit silently for one extra minute; listen for nudges, thoughts aligned with His Word. • Jot impressions in a journal; obedience often starts as a whispered prompt. Step 6: Respond in Obedience • Moses’ notice led to mission. Awareness grows as we act on what God shows us (John 14:21). • Begin with small obediences—encourage a coworker, forgive quickly, give generously. • Obedience sharpens spiritual senses (Hebrews 5:14). Step 7: Practice Continual Gratitude • “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude turns ordinary moments into burning bushes. • Keep a gratitude log; record three gifts daily. • Verbalize thanks aloud—it tunes the heart to recognize more of His handiwork. Step 8: Draw Near Daily • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). • Set a consistent time for Scripture and prayer; consistency trains perception. • Read until a verse grips you, then meditate on it through the day (Psalm 119:97). Step 9: Expect His Presence Everywhere • Romans 1:20 declares God’s invisible qualities are “clearly seen” in creation. Expect to meet Him in the supermarket line as well as the sanctuary. • Ask at daybreak: “Lord, show me where You are working today.” Anticipation readies the heart for recognition. Putting It All Together 1. Slow your pace. 2. Foster curiosity. 3. Intentionally turn aside. 4. Approach with reverence. 5. Listen quietly. 6. Obey promptly. 7. Overflow with gratitude. 8. Draw near through daily disciplines. 9. Live expectantly. Like Moses, when we pause, pivot, and pay attention, the ordinary terrain of daily life becomes holy ground where God speaks and leads. |
    |