Exodus 3:1-6 – Start The Day

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ²And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. ³Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” ⁴So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” ⁵Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” ⁶Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:1-6 NKJV

God of the burning bush,

The second time in the Old Testament Your presence God is symbolised by fire. A symbol of Your holiness, power, and divine presence. You were first ‘seen’ as in the pillar of fire guarding and guiding the children of Israel though the wilderness. You also confused the Egyptians with this fire so they drowned! (Exodus 14:24).

It was when You Lord saw Moses turning to look at the bush that You called to him. And the place was holy. because You are holy. Moses stood bare footed before You. How many times do I miss turning to You and finding holy ground, because I am not looking or listening? Perhaps not expecting?

Help us to take each minute not as something to use quickly but as opportunity to stop and notice that You are in our day. You are wanting us to stop and listen. We may not always be able to slip off our shoes, but we can come humbly with two ears and listening lips.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 25th January 2026
This hymn written by John Pantry immediately came to mind from the title – slip off your shoes.

There comes a time in each believer′s life
When problems crowd around
And in the darkness, hands outstretched
We reach to touch You once again
And oh, the joy that’s found

Slip off your shoes and leave your doubts outside
You won′t be using the walk of the world in His presence
You’ll only need your repentant heart

Now it may seem funny
But if you use the word too much
The meaning flies away
Sorry doesn’t mean a lot
Unless you understand the cost
And how the price was paid

Chorus

So come and sit by your Father’s side
Tell Him what′s on your heart
Give your worries to Him
Every problem, every sin
And make a brand new, come on
Make a brand new start

Chorus

Lyrics John Pantry

“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. ²There 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

God of fire,

Here we have someone who has runaway from his actual family and his adopted family and guilt and shame in his past. And he sees something that catches his attention. A not burning up burning bush. And You speak clearly to him using his name. And he is afraid.

I do not think I have ever been afraid in those times when I have been aware of Your presence. Certainly not in fellowship with others and not when I have been alone. But I have so often been drawn to my knees (if not literally) realising my unworthiness and sin. The difference for me is that I know Your holiness and Your provision and my burning bush is Jesus or Your Holy Spirit.

Moses did not have the benefit of knowing the flames of fire resting on the heads of those disciples at Pentecost. This was his fiery introduction to You. And he took off his shoes and was afraid to look at You. We seek Your presence to keep us on holy ground and to know Your presence. With holy fear and reverence through Jesus. If not with flames upon, by the presence of Your Spirit within us. So we too can know Your voice, your burning up of our sin and your call to follow and serve You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 4th February 2025
A new melody has reinvigorated this amazing hymn.

O God of burning cleansing flame
Send the fire!
Your blood-bought gift today we claim:
Send the fire today!
Look down and see this waiting host,
And send the promised Holy Ghost;
We need another Pentecost!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!

God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
And make us fit to live or die:
Send the fire today!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!

It’s fire we want, for fire we plead:
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need:
Send the fire today!
For strength to always do what’s right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white:
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!

To make our weak hearts strong and brave:
Send the fire!
To live, a dying world to save:
Send the fire today!
Oh, see us on Your altar lay,
We give our lives to you today,
So crown the offering now we pray:
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!

Lyrics: William Booth.