Slip off your shoes – 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

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” ¹⁴So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”¹⁵Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:13-15 NKJV

Holy Lord,

Joshua had grown accustomed to hearing You God, being with Moses as he was mentored for leadership.. He had grown up knowing You God and intimately when Moses died. But this was a different moment. In the midst of his life and facing trouble he met with the Commander of the Lord’s army. Was this Jesus? And Joshua was commanded to take off his shoes. Moses received the same command when approaching the burning bush, a symbol of Your presence (Exodus 3:5). Both of them facing difficult, seemingly impossible situations!

For both of them it was a sign of humility, respect, their own unworthiness to take off their shoes and submit to You as God and Lord. Both their futures depended on their attitude to You God. Neither could know or do what You planned without letting go of their own ambitions and plans. They both took off their shoes and followed You. Amazing things happened.

I know that on occasions I need to be brought back to remember not only are You my friend (John 15:15), and You promised never to leave me, but You are also the King of Kings and my Lord. Keep me humble, respecting Your plans and submit to Your will. Not like a zombie or a rebellious child but out of love and fellowship. Even in difficult situations. Especially then.

Give us those times when we slip of our shoes and worship You..

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 26th March 2025
Take 5 and slip off your shoes . . .

There comes a time in each believer′s life
When problems crowd around
In the darkness hands outstretched we wish to
touch you once again and all 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

“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.
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…”

“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 . . . that’s a start . . .
slip off your shoes…”

Lyrics: John Pantry