Finding God in Everyday Moments: A Call to Presence
Summary
Today, we gather to remember that God’s presence is not just a distant reality, but a living, breathing truth in our everyday lives. From the moment we wake up to the time we lay our heads down at night, God is with us—guiding, comforting, and shaping us. We explored how the story of Moses at the burning bush reminds us that God often meets us in the ordinary moments, transforming them into holy ground. It’s not about the spectacular or the dramatic, but about being attentive to God’s voice in the midst of our routines and responsibilities.
We reflected on the importance of removing our “sandals”—those things that keep us from fully experiencing God’s presence. Sometimes, it’s our pride, our distractions, or our fears that keep us at a distance. But God invites us to draw near, to listen, and to respond with humility and openness. Just as Moses was called by name, so too are we called personally and specifically by God, not because of our qualifications, but because of His love and purpose for us.
We also considered how God’s call is often accompanied by a sense of inadequacy. Moses questioned his own ability, but God assured him, “I will be with you.” Our confidence does not come from our own strength, but from the assurance that God goes before us and equips us for every task. In our weakness, His strength is made perfect.
Finally, we were challenged to carry this awareness of God’s presence into our daily lives. Whether we are at work, at home, or in moments of solitude, every place can become holy ground when we recognize that God is there. Our response is to live with reverence, gratitude, and a willingness to say “yes” to God’s leading, trusting that He is always at work in and through us.
Key Takeaways
- God’s presence transforms the ordinary into the sacred. When we open our eyes to His nearness, even the most mundane moments can become encounters with the divine. The burning bush was not special in itself; it was God’s presence that made it holy ground. [00:00]
- Removing our “sandals” means letting go of whatever keeps us from fully engaging with God. This could be pride, distraction, or fear—anything that creates distance between us and Him. True intimacy with God requires vulnerability and a willingness to be changed. [00:00]
- God calls us by name, not because of our abilities, but because of His love and purpose. Our identity is rooted in being known and chosen by God, not in our achievements or failures. This personal call invites us to trust Him more deeply. [00:00]
- Feelings of inadequacy are not a barrier to God’s call; they are often the very place where His power is revealed. When we feel unqualified, God reminds us that His presence is our sufficiency. Our weakness becomes the stage for His strength. [00:00]
- Every place can become holy ground when we recognize God’s presence there. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in solitude, we are invited to live with reverence and gratitude, responding to God’s leading with a willing heart. [00:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - God’s Presence in Everyday Life
[02:10] - Moses and the Burning Bush
[04:05] - Ordinary Moments as Holy Ground
[06:20] - Removing Our Sandals: Letting Go
[08:00] - God’s Personal Call
[10:12] - Wrestling with Inadequacy
[12:30] - God’s Assurance: “I Will Be With You”
[14:45] - Strength in Weakness
[16:20] - Carrying Awareness into Daily Life
[18:05] - Living with Reverence and Gratitude
[20:00] - Responding to God’s Leading
[22:10] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: God’s Presence in Everyday Life
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### Bible Reading
- Exodus 3:1-12 (ESV)
1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
6 And 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 at God.
7 Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,
8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Moses and the burning bush, what made the ground “holy”? Was it the bush itself or something else?
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of “sandals” that we might need to remove in order to draw near to God? [06:20]
3. How did Moses respond when God called him by name, and what was his initial reaction to God’s assignment?
4. What assurance did God give Moses when Moses felt inadequate for the task? [12:30]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Moses in the middle of an ordinary day, while he was tending sheep? What does this say about how God meets us? [04:05]
2. The sermon talks about “removing our sandals” as letting go of pride, distractions, or fears. Why might these things keep us from experiencing God’s presence more fully? [06:20]
3. When God calls us by name, as He did with Moses, what does that say about our identity and worth in God’s eyes? How does this challenge the way we see ourselves? [08:00]
4. The feeling of inadequacy is common when God calls people in the Bible. Why might God allow us to feel this way, and how does His promise “I will be with you” change our perspective? [12:30]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about your daily routine. Where are some “ordinary” places or moments where you might be missing God’s presence? What would it look like to recognize those as “holy ground”? [04:05]
2. Is there a specific “sandal”—a distraction, fear, or area of pride—that you sense God is asking you to remove so you can draw closer to Him? What practical step could you take this week to do that? [06:20]
3. When was the last time you felt God calling you to something, but you doubted your ability or felt unqualified? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [12:30]
4. God calls us by name, not because of our achievements, but because of His love and purpose. How does this truth affect the way you view your own worth and purpose? [08:00]
5. In what areas of your life do you feel weak or insufficient? How can you invite God’s strength into those areas, trusting that “His strength is made perfect in weakness”? [14:45]
6. What is one way you can practice living with more reverence and gratitude in your everyday life this week? Be specific—what will you do, and when? [18:05]
7. Is there a situation right now where you sense God leading you to say “yes” to Him, even if it feels uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust Him and take that step? [20:00]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for open eyes to see God’s presence in the ordinary, courage to remove any “sandals” that keep them distant, and faith to trust God’s call and strength in their daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: God Welcomes Us Into His Presence
God’s invitation is open to all, regardless of background or past mistakes; He desires that everyone would come and experience His love and grace. [00:05]
Psalm 100:4 (ESV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Reflection: Who in your life needs to know that God’s welcome is for them too, and how can you extend that invitation this week?
Day 2: Gratitude as the Posture of Worship
Approaching God with a heart of gratitude transforms our perspective and opens us to deeper worship, reminding us of His goodness in every circumstance. [00:12]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Reflection: What is one specific thing you can thank God for today, even if your circumstances are difficult?
Day 3: God’s Faithfulness Endures Forever
God’s faithfulness is unwavering and constant, providing a foundation of hope and trust for every season of life. [00:20]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Reflection: Recall a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness—how can remembering this encourage you in your current situation?
Day 4: Worship as a Community Experience
Gathering together in worship strengthens our faith and reminds us that we are not alone on our spiritual journey. [00:28]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: How can you encourage someone in your church community this week to draw closer to God through worship?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Invitation
Our response to God’s welcome shapes our relationship with Him; choosing to step forward in faith opens the door to transformation and deeper intimacy with God. [00:35]
Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to respond to God’s invitation and draw nearer to Him?
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