Abundant Gifts
Close your eyes and breathe. Picture all the good things God has given you, no matter how simple. Take time to praise God for each gift.
Stop.
Close your eyes and breathe. Picture all the good things God has given you, no matter how simple. Take time to praise God for each gift.
Listen.
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it – Psalm 24:1
Reflect.
It can be hard to figure out how money factors into your faith. However, following Jesus means taking everything we do and everything we have as an opportunity to worship God. As your receive your materials for the fall generosity appeal, I hope you’ll spend time praying and considering how God calls you to respond.
For starters, scripture regularly reminds us that God has made all things and that all things belong to God. It’s not that all things belong to us because God gives them to us – they belong to God first, and we simply steward it. That’s why churches use the language of stewardship around financial giving. It reflects how we tend to and wisely use our money, which belongs first to God.
While planning how you’ll support Easter’s ministry with your finances this year, try starting with the recognition of and appreciation for all that God gives you. Celebrate that everything belongs to God who entrusts these good things to us. Ask God to show you how to use these gifts well. When we start with gratitude, we can’t go wrong.
Pray.
I praise you, God, for your abundant gifts. Let your generosity inspire my own. Make me a faithful steward of all that you have made and trust me to use for your glory. Amen.
Carry On.
With so much to worry about, it’s easy to forget what makes you grateful. Today, any time you feel worried, anxious, or afraid, stop. Breathe. Name five blessings that God has given you. Give thanks to God for them and move on in a new mindset.
Cast your Anxiety on God
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is for me”. As you breathe out, say: “God is with me” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Reflect.
Peter is probably my favorite disciple. Why? Because he kept messing up. He was always asking Jesus to help him with something that had gone awry. Peter loved Jesus with all he had, yet he was human, and we humans make mistakes. 1 Peter ends with my favorite verse which reminds me that even disciples of Jesus had anxiety. If they could cast it onto God even after the death and resurrection of Jesus, what is stopping us?
I know that I often hold onto those anxious thoughts. I have to practice sharing and praying, casting them onto God. I have to practice being open, even when I know God can hear and see my thoughts. I have to practice casting off my anxiety and remembering that God cares for me.
We know that God will take our anxiety and use it in unimaginable ways. God cares for us and wants us to share our thoughts, whatever they may be, with Them.
Pray.
God, you are with me in my struggles. God, you are with me in my successes. God, be ever present in my mind and help me to practice sharing it all with You. Amen.
Carry On.
Make time today to cast your anxiety to God and make time to listen. Remember that God cares for you.
Choose to Trust
We know we have to choose to trust God. God is here with us in everything we do. God’s provision will change and we have to trust that we’ll continue to be provided for.
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Choose to Trust”. As you breathe out, say: “Every Day.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
So the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17:24
Reflect.
Last Thursday, I was excited to join Coffee with a Pastor! We took time to check in with each person and share our anxieties and gratitudes. We also spent time with Sunday’s Bible reading (1 Kings 17: 1-24 the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zaraphath). We learned how Elijah relied on God for everything: food, water, and shelter. It was exciting to me to hear all the different yet similar views on the Widow’s story. The reading ends with the Widow finally trusting in God through Elijah.
We discussed how God’s provision is different than anything we can ever imagine. When I spend time praying for something, I have an idea or hope of what will happen. What actually happens is always different.
We know we have to choose to trust God. God is here with us in everything we do. God’s provision will change and we have to trust that we’ll continue to be provided for.
Pray.
Dear God, thank you for all you provide. When I doubt, help me to trust. When I am in need, help me to trust. When I am joyful, help me to trust. Help me to trust in You every day. Amen.
Carry On.
When do you lose trust? What event(s) of your life can you use to remember God’s gifts and faithfulness?
Elections
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Peace”. As you breathe out, say: “Patience”. Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Reflect.
Today is Election day! For many years I served as an election judge. It was wonderful to spend time with people older and wiser than I. Today I am praying for all those election judges as the infection rates of Covid-19 in Minnesota keep rising and as there seems to be so much division in our communities. What an election cycle it has been! I know I am ready for at least some of the noise and rhetoric to subside.
We need to remember, “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (The Message). Through God we are all related, we are all kindred. Remember how we were created. We mess up, we fight, and we argue, we can also love deeply and care for each other! God created us for community.
Pray.
Jesus, be with all Americans today as votes are cast and counted. Be with us as we await results that could be weeks away. Dwell in our hearts and keep us free of malice. Amen.
Carry On.
Check in with three of your kin. Spend time with them, if you can, pray together for our country and leaders.
All Saints Day
As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us – John 17:21b
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “With all the saints”. As you breathe out, say: “In all the world”. Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us – John 17:21b
Reflect.
Tomorrow, the church celebrates All Saints Day. On this day, we remember all the beloved saints who have lived before us. We treasure their witness of faithfulness and hope. We entrust them to God, even as we continue to grieve their death. Their lives inspire us to acts of joy and love.
We also remember that we have each been redeemed by God and are all saints. The saints who have been gone before us join us in praise of God in this life. In this way, the church unites on earth and in heaven to worship the God we love. It is a beautiful image of the true union of all God’s people throughout history.
We are never alone. We are never forgotten. We are all beloved saints of God, together with all believers throughout time. We share in worship and praise, comfort and love, hope and joy. God promises us a great cloud of witnesses in this life and the next to sustain and cheer us at all times.
Pray.
I thank you, God, that you claim me as one of your saints. Inspire me with the love and faithfulness of your servants throughout history. Grant me courage to serve you and your people as they have done. In you, with you, through you, I am never alone. Amen.
Carry On.
Whose faith has most inspired you? How does their witness give you courage and hope today? How can you tell that person’s story?
Jesus is with us
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. – Matthew 18:20
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is good”. As you breathe out, say: “I am enough” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. – Matthew 18:20
Reflect.
Jesus promises to be among us when there’s even just a couple of us gathered. He hears us whether our group is large or small, loud or quiet, persistent or timid. We have comfort knowing we can call on our Savior any time.
Sometimes it feels like we’re not even gathered as two or three. Sometimes we’re very, very alone. Whether that’s because pandemic rules keep us distant, the chaos of the world feels so overwhelming, or we each bear the weight of struggles and worries, we all face isolation. Can Jesus’ promise to be in our midst still be true when we’re all alone?
His assurance to be in our presence when even a few of us gather wasn’t a magic formula. Jesus wasn’t saying he could only show up if a few Christians came into a group. He was saying that no group is too small, no concern too personal, no prayer too quiet that he can’t be present. Jesus is not limited by numbers. You are enough for him; he cares for you all on your own.
Pray.
Jesus, I am so grateful that you hear me when I pray. When I am alone, make your presence known so that I am never without your love and care. Join me with believers all around the world, even if we can only be together in spirit, so that we can praise your name with one voice. Amen.
Carry On.
Who offers you spiritual support? Who can you call today, or whenever you’re feeling alone, to join together in faith and mutual encouragement?
Prayer & Praise
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Filled with praise”. As you breathe out, say: “With every breath.”
Listen.
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! – Psalm 95:6
Reflect.
The pandemic requires us to reconsider how and why we worship. It feels less familiar. In many ways, worship is smaller and quieter than we’re used to. That’s a big loss.
Without a big choir or powerful band, what does praise sound like? So many of us equate worship with music but singing in a big group can’t happen safely right now. So what does praise sound like today? How can our worship, no matter how small, still celebrate and raise voices to God?
Praise doesn’t have to be loud or busy, although it can be. Praise can also be the simple recognition of God’s action in your life. It can be declaring your love for God on a daily basis. Praise can be whispered prayer, faithful service, and devoted time set aside to be in God’s presence. It can happen in a full sanctuary, but it can also happen on your couch. God is with you in either place, because God goes with you everywhere. Praise might sound different right now, but it can still be beautiful.
Pray.
God of all creation, I raise my voice to praise you. Make it powerful and beautiful, no matter how small or quiet. Let my praise reflect my love for you in all I do and say. Amen.
Carry On.
It can help to have a spot for your prayer and praise. If it’s not in the church building, where can it be in your house? Can you make a dedicated spot for worship at home?
Promise of Love and Grace
Stop.
Take a deep, full breath. As you breathe in, say: “God is with me”. As you breathe out, say: “God is good”. Repeat this as many times as you need.
Listen.
And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it. – 2 Samuel 7:20-21
Reflect.
In the text we’ll hear in worship tomorrow, God tells King David that God doesn’t need David to build a temple. God loves the people and will continue to defend them no matter what. God’s goodness and love don’t require some kind of fancy physical location. God will work through the people and David’s leadership to great glory.
Instead of complaining that he didn’t get to be the one to build a house for God, David steps aside to sing God’s praises. David realizes that the gift of God’s continuing presence and providence are worth more than the prestige of a temple. David realizes that the greatest treasure comes in God’s work in his life.
Like David, we trust that no matter where we pray or worship, no matter how important or humble our status, no matter what God calls us to in this life, the greatest gift is God’s simple promise of love and grace for all time.
Pray.
God, I know you are with me, no matter where I go, and no matter how I serve. Send me to the work you need me to do. Give me confidence to do your work faithfully. I praise you for your love in my life. Amen.
Carry On.
Choose an anonymous act of kindness today. Let it be to God’s glory.
David and Goliath
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths. Release your anxiety and need to be busy. Let God’s presence in your life be your sole focus in this moment.
Listen.
David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. – 1 Samuel 17:39a
Reflect.
In the story of David and Goliath, the young David decides to face off with the mighty warrior Goliath, who has been taunting the Israelites and their fighters. When David answers the challenge, King Saul suits him up with Saul’s very own armor and sword. However, they’re so heavy and unfamiliar that they just weigh David down. He chooses to take the risk of leaving them behind. He picks up only stones and his sling, weapons he knows, to face this fearsome foe.
When we try to be who others say we should be, we start to feel like David dragging beneath Saul’s armor. It becomes harder and harder to hear and do God’s call as we struggle under the weight of their expectations. Instead, hold tight to the gifts, abilities, and relationships God has given you as you do God’s work in the world.
Pray.
God, I trust in you alone. I praise you for what you have given me and pray that you would show me how to best use these gifts. Make me faithful, not to others’ ideas of me, but to your vision for my life. Amen.
Carry On.
Picture all that weighs you down. Envision releasing it and letting it drop. Without these expectations distracting you, ask God to show you exactly who God alone calls you to be today.
Created
Stop.
Remember that you have been created in God’s image. Breathe, relax, and trust that God loves you who for you truly are.
Listen.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Reflect.
In worship this Sunday, we’ll hear about King David. In the story we will hear, David has immense power and prestige. However, 1 Samuel 16 reminds us that this powerful man was once youngest in his family, sent out to care for the sheep, considered of little note when the prophet Samuel came to town. Even Samuel himself saw David’s older brothers and thought they must be who God chose to be the next king of Israel. Samuel was wrong.
God reminds Samuel that we easily assume we know someone’s worth by how they look. We quickly assign value to someone based on things that don’t truly matter, whether it’s their profession, income, background, or race. God reminds Samuel that God cares most about a person’s heart. God truly knows us, no matter what anyone else says about us. Our real identity comes from our Creator.
Pray.
Help me to see myself as you see me, God. Give me the peace and confidence to fulfill your will. Grant me grace to see your image in others, so that I may love them just like you do. Amen.
Carry On.
How will you stay centered in God’s love for you? When your day makes you doubt that you have worth, how will you return to God’s promises?
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Stop.
Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Consider all your blessings. Let them fill your heart. Offer thanks to God for these gifts.
Listen.
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.” – 1 Samuel 2:1a
Reflect.
After everything Hannah has been through – infertility, humiliation, suffering, struggle – she finally sees the resolution of everything she’s ever wanted. In the birth of Samuel, God’s promises are fulfilled. Hannah likewise makes good on her promise to give Samuel right back to God. Instead of singing a lament as she says goodbye to him, Hannah sings praise to God.
The song she sings praises God’s goodness, especially God’s goodness to those who have been forgotten and ignored. She doesn’t think she has lost Samuel; rather, God’s goodness abounds even more as Hannah returns the gift of Samuel back to God. She sees herself as one who had been forgotten by many but seen fully by God. She can sing with joy because of this gift, even as she returns the gift of her son to the God who gave him to her.
When people remind us to count our blessings, it’s not because we are meant to hoard and pile up material goods for their own sake. When we count our blessings, we put each one in the column of God’s good gifts. In remembering what God has given us, we remember that God knows and loves us always.
Pray.
My heart praises you, God, and you give me courage and strength. Thank you for all you have given me. I count each of my blessings, and I turn them over to you. Amen.
Carry On.
As you count your blessings today, write them down. Keep the list someplace where you can revisit it when you feel forgotten or lonely. Remember God’s goodness.
SHARING OUR GIFTS
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say, “I receive God’s goodness.” As you breathe out, say, “I share God’s love.” Repeat this as many times as you need.
Listen.
For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord. – 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Reflect.
As we will hear on Sunday, Hannah’s desperate story continues with unbelievable joy. She receives the son for whom she prayed and celebrates God’s goodness. However, she made a promise to God: give me a son, and I will return that son to you. Once her son is old enough, she goes to the temple with her child and does just that. She gives young Samuel into the Lord’s service.
When God’s abundance surrounds us, it gets easy to forget that these gifts belong first to God. We tend to find reasons why we should keep still more and more of what God entrusts to us. But that’s not the way God works. God gives us good things not so we can show them off, or hoard them, or tell ourselves that we’re better than others. God gives us good things because God is good and wants that goodness to multiply.
Pray.
I have prayed for your mercy and kindness, God, and praise you for all the ways your abundance has been made real in my life. Give me a generous spirit that freely shares your gifts with a world that needs to know your love. Amen.
Carry On.
No matter what you have or don’t have, no matter what you get or don’t get, God is still good. You can share that message anytime, anywhere, in any possible way.
GOD HEARS US
Stop.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Set aside any grief or fear that weighs heavy in your heart. Envision your heart opening to God’s promises. Continue to breathe, release these emotions, and open your eyes.
Listen.
[Hannah] made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant” – 1 Samuel 1:11a
Reflect.
This week, we start a new sermon series called “People of Faith, Stories of Faith”. As we focus on these Old Testament characters and their incredible stories, we hear of emotions and events that feel familiar. These stories tell us something about our own lives today.
In Sunday’s scripture, we hear about Hannah. All her life, Hannah has wanted only to have a child. Her great grief over feeling unheard by God year after year consumes her life. However, she faithfully returns to God in hopeful prayer. She will not let despair win.
Today, you probably have some pain that continues to chase you. It might be grief, fear, sadness, worry, or stress. Wherever it comes from, it sometimes feels like it’s the only thing that matters. Rest in God’s promise to always be there, always provide for you, and always keep true to the promise for abundant life. God invites you to bring forward your prayers, to hear you in your struggle, and to guide you through.
Pray.
God, my God, if only you would look at how miserable I feel. Remember me today even as I remember your promises. Guide me in the path of hopefulness and good courage. I put all my trust in you. Amen.
Carry On.
God’s people can feel fear, sadness, anger, or any negative emotion and remain grounded in faith. We know that God hears us when we feel despair and walks with us in our deepest hurt. Bring your whole self to God.
TAKE TIME TO LISTEN
Stop.
As you breathe in, say “Speak, Lord”. As you breathe out, say “I am listening”. Repeat this three times.
Listen.
When God finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, [God] gave him the two tablets of the covenant, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God. – Exodus 31:18
Reflect.
Tomorrow in worship, we’ll hear the notorious story of the Israelites and their golden calf. When Moses took too long on Mount Sinai, they panicked. (They have tended to do that a lot – but if we’re honest, so do we.) God had surely forgotten them. Ironically, God had just finished giving Moses guidelines and boundaries to give them abundant life and meaningful direction.
Fear can quickly get the best of us. When we feel alone, scared, or forgotten, we tend to stop listening and watching. However, in these hard times, God does not stop working. God continues to offer us hope and a future, even if we can’t quite understand it yet.
When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, stop flailing and start listening. Maybe it’s spending time in scripture. Maybe you need to return to a daily devotional or prayer practice. Maybe you need to call a good friend who can help ground you. Whatever it is, take the time to listen for how God brings direction and hope even in this difficult time.
Pray.
My heart is heavy and my mind is full, God. I confess that I cannot always hear your good news with an open heart. Take these burdens from me and open my ears, so I can hear the word of life that comes in Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
Carry On.
Remember: as you go into the world today, God goes with you. You are not alone. You don’t need to be afraid.
RELY ON GOD’S LOVE
Stop.
In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask: “Give us this day our daily bread”. Take a breath, close your eyes, and pray just that line five times.
Listen.
The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.” – Exodus 16:11-12
Reflect.
Earlier this week, we heard how the Israelites panicked when the Red Sea blocked their escape from Egypt. Today, we read about yet another time when the Israelites panicked and forgot about God. This time, it’s when they get hungry in the wilderness.
After the exodus from Egypt, but before they arrive in the land God promised them, the people wander in the wilderness. It’s not a hospitable place. They quickly jump to the conclusion that they’ll starve. They complain to Moses and Aaron, God hears their fears, and gives them food. The catch is that the bread and meat God sends is just for the day. They can’t store up any extra. They have to trust that God will send them what they need each day.
It’s a hard thing to trust. We want to depend on ourselves, working extra hard to make sure we can get along on our own. But God calls us to something else. God invites us to trust in God’s providence, relying only on God’s love and mercy for each day. God will give us what we need.
Pray.
God, I see all I have as a gift from you. Thank you for giving me only what I need, and thank you for sending me into the world to share these gifts with others in your name. Amen.
Carry On.
What’s one thing you have more than enough of? Who needs you to share that? How will you do that today?
DON’T GIVE UP
Stop.
Place your hands on your chest. Feel your heart beating and your lungs filling with air. Breathe. Give thanks to God for the gift of life today.
Listen.
As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?” – Exodus 14:10-11
Reflect.
Last week, we heard about God’s work through Moses to release the Israelites from slavery. This Sunday, we will hear about the Israelites in the wilderness and how quickly they forget about God’s protection. It feels like a huge surprise and betrayal, but they haven’t exactly been confident before.
We see a hint of this forgetfulness in this verse from Exodus 14. The Israelites stand before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army close behind. They’re sure they will die here. Suddenly, they think it sounds better to stay enslaved. Their trust in God quickly evaporates when the situation seems desperate.
But God doesn’t give up just because the people do. God makes a way through the water and beyond the army. God desires abundant life for the people and won’t deny it when they feel hopeless. We remember that even on our most fearful and desperate days, God keeps us close. God’s gift of life will never end, no matter how bleak things seem.
Pray.
God, my Creator, I praise you for not just giving me life but protecting and sustaining me. Grant me calm when I worry, peace when I panic, and hope when all seems lost. Amen.
Carry On.
When you feel yourself slipping into despair today, don’t give up. Take a breath, put your hand on your chest, and remember the steady beat of God’s love for you.
ENCOURAGED & LOVED
Stop.
Take a deep breath in and out. Close your eyes. Picture a trusted supporter. Let your heart fill with gratitude for God’s gift to you of that person.
Listen.
Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and [God] said, “What of your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak fluently; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad.” – Exodus 4:14
Reflect.
As we prepare to hear Moses and his confident words of leadership on Sunday, we continue to reflect on what got Moses to that point. God invited Moses into holy ground and promised to guide his words. But even with God’s promise, Moses still feels unsure.
God gets frustrated with Moses – well, okay, the verse says that God actually got mad at him. After all, God keeps giving Moses everything he needs, and Moses keeps fighting it. But ultimately, God makes a compromise: Moses’ family member, Aaron, gets appointed to be a speaker for Moses. Finally, this moves Moses into the work to which God has called him.
Moses didn’t have to work alone, and neither do you. God sends us companions, supporters, mentors, and friends. God intends for you to be encouraged and loved. Reach out to these companions and let them encourage and motivate you in your faith and service.
Pray.
I come to you with uncertainties and fears, God. I know I cannot do it all on my own. Show me the people in my life who can support me, challenge me, and love me. Make me open to their words of encouragement or concern. Unite all your people in faith, hope, and love. Amen.
Carry On.
Don’t just think of these companions in faith – thank them! Make a phone call or write a note to let someone know just how much they mean to you.
DON’T BE AFRAID
Stop.
Take a deep breath in. Envision God’s wisdom filling your lungs. As you breathe out, picture sharing that wisdom with everyone you meet today.
Listen.
But Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.” Exodus 4:10-11a, 12
Reflect.
As we hear the story of Moses this week, it can be easy to say: I could never do that! By the time we hear Moses in the Exodus story this Sunday, he has become a powerful leader and prophet. When we focus only on that stage of Moses’ journey, it’s easy to believe that he was always confident, ready, and focused.
The reality makes Moses both more accessible and more remarkable. When God comes to Moses and tells him about the incredible work to which he has been called, Moses gives every excuse in the book. But God, I don’t know your name! But God, they won’t believe me! And then finally: but God, I’m not even a very good speaker!
Even Moses worried that he wouldn’t be able to witness properly to God’s power. If that’s your fear, you’re in good company. Trust that God’s promise to Moses is to you as well: God grants speech and will be with you as you share God’s love. Don’t be afraid!
Pray.
God, I’ve never been eloquent, but I know you grant wisdom. Give me the words I need and the confidence to share them in your Son’s name. Amen.
Carry On.
Speak about God’s love boldly, trusting that God will make those words wise, compassionate, and true.
GOD CALLS TO YOU
Stop.
As you breathe in, say “here I am”. As you breathe out, say “this is holy ground”. Repeat this three times.
Listen.
When the Lord saw that [Moses] had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then [the Lord] said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” – Exodus 3:4-5
Reflect.
This Sunday, we’ll hear the story of the Exodus. This great event saw God’s promises to the Israelite people fulfilled in a dramatic way. They had been enslaved by the Egyptians for hundreds of years, and finally, God will use Moses to free them from their suffering and send them to their own land.
When God calls Moses to this work, God arrives in the form of a bush that burns but does not burn up. This mystery draws Moses closer. In the face of the mystery, God reveals to Moses that he stands on holy ground. God has work for Moses to do, but first, Moses must realize that even this dusty desert can be a place of wonder.
Today, God calls to you. God has work for you to do, and it’s holy. No matter where you sit or stand right now, God claims that spot and sends you out into a world that needs you.
Pray.
God of promise, like Moses in the desert, I hear you calling. Bless the ground beneath my feet, the breath of life inside me, and the acts of love I will share in your name. Amen.
Carry On.
You walk on holy ground because God goes with you wherever you go. Go with confidence!