Day 1: You are on Holy Ground (shoes optional)
This is the first of the daily devotionals for the book "In the Presence... 31 Days of Experiencing God in All You Do"
Scripture: Exodus 3:2-5 (WEB):
Yahweh’s angel appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middle of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Moses said, “I will go now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.: When Yahweh saw that he came over to see, God called to him out of the middle of the bush, and said, “Moses! Moses!” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “Don’t come close. Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing on is holy ground.”
Reflection
We think that the miracle was the burning bush, but what if that wasn’t the miracle that changed Moses’ life? Causing a bush to burn wasn’t difficult for God. For Him it was easy. What if the real miracle was the Moses noticed the burning bush?
Moses was doing something ordinary: watching sheep in the wilderness. This seemingly mundane task could have been boring to a man who was used to being in the palaces of Egypt. Yet, here he was in the middle of a deserted land watching sheep. The real miracle was that Moses paid enough attention to his surroundings to notice a bush on fire but not burning up.
God did not speak until Moses made the decision to take a closer look. It wasn’t until Moses moved in God’s direction that God spoke up.
“Take off your sandals… this is holy ground.”
What was it that made that desolate place a holy place?
God was already there.
Moses had to stop long enough to pay attention and respond.
That’s the miracle that invites your participation today:
To see this moment and every moment whether busy, boring, distracted, or focused is sacred and holy ground.
Why? Because God is already there.
Holiness isn’t bound to a location like a church or a mountain top.
Holiness is now. You don’t find holiness, you are immersed in it when you recognize God’s presence.
When you realize this, a miracle happens. You begin to sense God’s presence in the smell of your coffee in the morning, in a sigh of sadness, in the way you breathe, and especially in the thought that turns you back to God.
Every moment is holy because God here.
Practice: The Pause That Welcomes God
Throughout your day, pause before a routine task (starting the car, opening your laptop, walking through a door) and whisper to yourself:
“This is holy ground because God is here.”
Feel the realness of that moment. Let it be meaningful. Let it be sacred. Let it open your eyes.
Journaling Prompt
“What’s one ordinary moment in my life that might become holy if I simply noticed God in it?”
Let your writing slow you down and make space for inspiration.
Send off Blessing
Take off your sandals — whatever distracts you from the present moment.
Open your eyes to the bush that has been burning near you all along.
Notice God’s sacred movement in your daily routine.
And remember:
You are standing on holy ground because God is here. Right now. Always.
“As You Go” Prayer
Inhale: “This moment is holy…”
Exhale: “…because You are here.”
Even though I’m way behind (better late than never), this prompt made me think about slowing down while I’m trying to “get all the things done”, and allow my mind & heart to focus on all God has given me and realize He is always with me. My breath slows & my attitude of gratitude is visible. Thank you, Brent!
Really makes you stop and think. Very interesting entry.