From Bondage to Freedom: A Spiritual Journey

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord Speaks to Us and Guides Us

God continually seeks to guide each person, speaking to us in ways that are unique to our journey and circumstances. Just as Moses encountered the burning bush and heard the Lord’s voice, we too are invited to listen for God’s presence in our lives. The Lord’s guidance is not always dramatic, but it is persistent, calling us to turn aside from our routines and pay attention to His leading. When we open our hearts and minds with humility, God reveals His ways and leads us toward freedom, peace, and a deeper relationship with Him. [06:32]

Exodus 3:1-6 (ESV)
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. 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. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 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.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 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.

Reflection: When was the last time you felt prompted to “turn aside” from your daily routine—however small the nudge—and how might you intentionally make space today to listen for God’s voice?

Day 2: The Fire of Divine Love Inspires, Not Consumes

The Lord’s truth is like a fire that fills us with warmth and inspiration, but unlike destructive fires of anger or hatred, it does not consume or harm us. When we open ourselves to God’s word, we are filled with a love that motivates us to serve others and do good, rather than being burned up by negative emotions. This divine fire brings joy, purpose, and a desire to love both God and neighbor, transforming our hearts from within and giving us the strength to overcome harmful patterns. [14:04]

Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV)
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Reflection: What is one way you can let the “good fire” of God’s love inspire you to a specific act of kindness or service today, rather than letting negative emotions take over?

Day 3: Love and Charity Unite Us with the Lord

The Lord is most present with us when we act from love and charity toward others, not just from faith or knowledge alone. True connection with God is found in loving our neighbor, showing mercy, and desiring the happiness of others. Faith without love is empty and disconnected, but when we allow love to be the uniting medium, we become more like the Lord and experience His presence more deeply in our lives. [27:03]

1 John 4:7-8 (ESV)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can show mercy or kindness to today, especially if it’s difficult, as a way of drawing closer to the Lord?

Day 4: Maturing in Faith Means Living Out Simple Goodness

Spiritual growth is not just about knowing the truth, but about putting it into practice through simple acts of goodness and usefulness. Like Moses going to Midian, we are called to move beyond intellectual understanding and live out our faith in practical ways. When we do the next good thing—however small—we open ourselves to God’s leading, mature in our spiritual journey, and find that our faith becomes real and transformative. [41:00]

James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Reflection: What is one simple, practical good you can do today—perhaps for someone in your family, workplace, or community—that puts your faith into action?

Day 5: Removing Distractions to Stand on Holy Ground

To truly experience God’s presence and hear His calling, we must remove the distractions and self-centered motives that keep us focused on worldly things. Taking off our “shoes” means letting go of concerns for recognition, material gain, or personal comfort, and instead approaching God with humility and a willingness to serve. When we do this, we find ourselves standing on holy ground, open to the Lord’s inspiration and ready to be led by Him into a life of deeper purpose and joy. [48:00]

Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Reflection: What is one distraction or self-focused habit you can set aside today in order to make space for God’s presence and listen more closely to His voice?

Sermon Summary

The journey of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to freedom is not just a story of ancient history, but a living picture of each person’s spiritual journey. Life often feels like a wilderness, a place of struggle or even bondage, where we long for the promised land of peace and joy. The Lord’s promise is that we will be led to a place of rest, but the path is not always quick or easy. Recognizing our own areas of bondage—habits, attitudes, or addictions that we cannot seem to break free from—is the first step. The Lord stands ready to lead us out, but it requires our willingness to be led, to open our hearts, and to turn aside from our usual path to listen for His voice.

The story of Moses and the burning bush is a powerful image of how the Lord speaks to us. The bush burns but is not consumed, symbolizing the fire of divine love and truth that fills us without destroying us. This is contrasted with the fires of anger, hatred, or selfishness, which consume and harm us. The Lord’s truth, when received with humility and a desire to love, inspires and enlivens us. But if we approach truth only intellectually, or with a heart closed to love, it can become a tool for judgment and criticism rather than transformation.

Moses’ journey—from being drawn out of the water, to being raised in Pharaoh’s house, to fleeing to Midian—mirrors the growth of truth within us. At first, we may only be able to distinguish between what is obviously true and false, but as we mature, we learn to apply truth with love and mercy. The land of Midian, meaning “simple good,” reminds us that spiritual growth is not just about knowing truth, but about living it in simple, useful ways. When we act on what we know, even in small ways, we open ourselves to deeper guidance from the Lord.

The Lord’s presence is most deeply felt when we love our neighbor. Faith without love is disconnected and cannot unite us with the Lord. As we turn aside from our usual routines, remove our “sandals” of worldly focus, and approach the Lord with humility, we find ourselves on holy ground. The Lord’s voice becomes clearer, His love burns within us, and we are inspired to live lives of service and compassion. The invitation is to make space for the Lord—through prayer, reading, quiet reflection, and acts of kindness—and to let His truth light a fire in our hearts that leads us to true freedom.

Key Takeaways

1. The Lord’s guidance is always present, but our ability to hear Him depends on our willingness to be led and our openness to love. When we are caught up in selfishness or anger, the Lord’s voice seems distant, but as we cultivate love for our neighbor, His presence becomes immediate and transformative. The journey from bondage to freedom begins with the humble recognition of our need for help and a willingness to turn aside and listen. [26:23]
2. Divine truth is not meant to be a cold set of rules or a tool for judgment, but a living fire that inspires and enlivens us. When truth is received with love, it fills us with warmth and purpose, but when it is separated from love, it becomes harsh and critical. The burning bush is a symbol of truth that burns with love but does not consume, inviting us to seek a faith that is alive and compassionate. [14:04]
3. Spiritual growth is a process that moves from knowing truth to living it. At first, we may only be able to distinguish between obvious right and wrong, but as we mature, we learn to apply truth with wisdom, mercy, and humility. The journey to “Midian”—to simple good—reminds us that acting on what we know, even in small ways, is essential for deeper transformation and for hearing the Lord’s call more clearly. [41:10]
4. The Lord’s presence is found in love and charity, not in faith alone. Faith without love is disconnected and cannot unite us with the Lord, no matter how much truth we know. True union with the Lord comes as we cultivate compassion, mercy, and a desire to make others happy, reflecting the Lord’s own love for all people. [27:03]
5. To truly hear the Lord’s voice and experience His guidance, we must “remove our sandals”—letting go of worldly concerns and self-centered motives. Approaching the Lord with humility, focusing on usefulness and service rather than personal gain, opens us to the holy ground of His presence. Making space for the Lord through prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness allows His truth to ignite a fire within us that leads to genuine freedom and joy. [49:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:32] - Opening Prayers and Introduction
[08:00] - Children’s Talk: Moses and the Burning Bush
[14:04] - The Fire That Does Not Consume
[19:15] - Blessing for the Children
[26:23] - How the Lord Speaks to Us
[27:03] - Love as the Uniting Medium
[28:07] - The Lord’s Presence in Neighborly Love
[33:31] - Recognizing Bondage and Addiction
[36:00] - The Role of Divine Truth in Our Journey
[41:10] - Maturing in Faith: From Knowledge to Action
[45:00] - Turning Aside: The Call to Holiness
[47:30] - Removing Our Sandals: Approaching Holy Ground
[49:33] - Making Space for the Lord
[51:57] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 3:1-6 (ESV) — > 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. 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. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 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.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 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.

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.

Observation Questions

What was unusual about the burning bush that Moses saw, and how did Moses respond to it? (Exodus 3:2-3)
What did God tell Moses to do before approaching the bush, and what did this action symbolize? (Exodus 3:5)
According to the sermon, what does the burning bush represent in our spiritual lives? [14:04]
In Revelation 3:20, what is the Lord’s promise to those who hear His voice and open the door?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes the burning bush as a symbol of divine love and truth that “burns but does not consume.” What does it mean for God’s truth to fill us without destroying us? How is this different from the “fires” of anger or selfishness? [14:04]
The Lord tells Moses to remove his sandals because he is on holy ground. What does it look like in everyday life to “remove our sandals” and approach God with humility? [49:33]
The sermon says that the journey from bondage to freedom begins with recognizing our own areas of bondage. Why is this recognition so important for spiritual growth? [33:31]
The Lord’s presence is said to be most deeply felt when we love our neighbor. Why is love, rather than just faith or knowledge, the “uniting medium” with God? [27:03]

Application Questions

The Israelites’ journey from Egypt is described as a picture of our own spiritual journey. In what areas of your life do you feel like you are still in “bondage” or wandering in the wilderness? What would it look like to take the first step toward freedom? [33:31]
The sermon talks about “fires” that consume (like anger or hatred) versus the fire of God’s love that inspires without destroying. Can you think of a recent time when you felt “burned up” by negative emotions? How might you invite God’s love to fill you instead? [14:04]
Moses had to “turn aside” from his usual path to notice the burning bush. What are some practical ways you can “turn aside” from your routines this week to listen for God’s voice—through prayer, reading, or quiet reflection? [49:33]
The Lord told Moses to remove his sandals before approaching. Are there “sandals” in your life—worldly concerns, distractions, or self-centered motives—that you need to set aside to experience God’s presence more deeply? What might that look like for you? [49:33]
The sermon says that spiritual growth is not just about knowing truth, but about living it in “simple, useful ways.” What is one small, practical act of kindness or service you can do this week to put your faith into action? [41:10]
The Lord’s voice is said to be clearer when we cultivate love for our neighbor. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to love? What is one step you could take to show compassion or mercy to that person? [27:03]
The sermon invites us to “make space for the Lord.” What is one thing you could do this week to create more space for God in your daily life? (For example: setting aside time for prayer, limiting screen time, or helping someone in need.) [49:33]

Sermon Clips

The Lord makes a beautiful promise to people over and over again in his word And it's couched in the story of Exodus Where he says, you will become a great nation And he calls Abram and his children And I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey I will give you rest from conflict and rest from your enemies You will have peace in that land And we know that the word Is or has a deeper spiritual message It's a mirror that we can hold up to ourselves And see what it is that we need to do In our own spiritual life So it's a promise about our spiritual life That we will grow and we will strengthen And find joy and delight And no longer struggle with our issues Wonderful, beautiful, right? But when? When will that happen? And how long do I need to wait for that to occur? [00:32:37]

Maybe if you examine your life You maybe feel stuck Maybe feel more like the Hebrews in bondage Toiling day after day Or you might feel you're perpetually in the wilderness Struggling along And there's no promised land in sight Promised land? No, not so much I'm not seeing it. [00:33:31]

I think if we accept that what we struggle with Is an addiction Or addicted to it Whether it's a substance An activity Or an attitude Maybe we'll take it more seriously And know that we'll take our lifetime To deal with it And we need to give it real effort And real attention. [00:34:25]

So our real journey begins When we recognize that we are in bondage And we wish to be let out Our real journey The Lord says When we recognize that we're in hell And we want to be let out That's when the Lord can lead us out So we might say You know this isn't working My life isn't working The pain and hurt is not worth it And I'm having trouble Walking away from this And the Lord is ready to free us To lead us out. [00:35:36]

The Lord is present Urging and pressing to be received The writings for the New Church say So how do we get led from that place? Well Moses is going to be the one In this story that leads them away from bondage And of course he's an instrument of the Lord The Lord is the one that has the power to help us But Moses pictures something that does lead us And that is the divine truth of the Lord The Lord's word The divine law is what it is That can penetrate And help us to wake up And live differently. [00:36:08]

The writings say That the way we converse with the Lord Is through the word That's how we talk to the Lord So we need to connect with the Lord that way I love that passage that we read From the Heavenly Doctrine It's so beautiful about how the Lord speaks to us And always speaking to us And really when we are in charity Then he can really connect with us But if we're in a selfish Self -absorbed life It's like the Lord is far, far away And we can barely hear him speaking to us. [00:36:43]

So Moses is the main character As he symbolizes the word of the Lord in our life And the power it has to lead And transform our life It's how the Lord converses with us It is the Lord The word became flesh and dwelt among us The Lord is the word So when we add truth to our lives The Lord can do something with it It's like we're adding an ingredient That the Lord can work with To help change our life. [00:37:08]

When you have truth The Lord can instill Into that truth goodness Because of the church there And what I like to think That means is that There's power In coming together In church community We're not just learning In isolation In our little pods Looking at truth And absorbing it But we're together With other people Seeing how we can apply That truth to one another And experiencing the care And love of each other That infills those truths And they grow And they strengthen As we do that Because they feel true And they feel real In that context And we see them In others And we experience them Rather than again Just intellectually. [00:38:35]

So it's a process Just because you know The truth Doesn't mean you can Make good decisions yet And it's interesting How this story unfolds Because it talks about that It says This section Of this story Is about dealing With the progress Of divine truth In people Who are being reborn It says They believe the teachings Of their religion To be truth itself And use them As a standard For telling what is false But cannot yet Set subtle quarrels Among different views Of faith Within the church That comes over time It says We need to be older then And have our intellect More deeply enlightened In order to have That ability. [00:39:37]

So during the course Of this progress We first learn To distinguish Between falsity And truth So what it's saying Is at first You can kind of Tell the difference Between what's untrue And what's true Cool But from the truth We know that we can See falsity Because it contradicts The truth But at such an early stage We cannot settle disputes Among true concepts Of faith Within the church So it's like Well these finer points We'll have a hard time Figuring out. [00:40:19]

Truth in our mind Is unrefined It's not guided By love and mercy But by judgment And criticism And truth without love Is criticism You can be overfed On truth I heard someone Talking about this He talked about Christians who know A lot of truth But don't live it He called them Constipated Christians Like you have all This stuff in there But it's not coming out In life. [00:42:51]

All this stuff About Moses' growth And interaction With the Egyptians And fleeing to Midian And helping And he's at the well He's helping draw water And so forth And he marries Zipporah Jethro's daughter All talking about How the truth Can grow And develop within us Until it's strong enough To have an impact And lead us away From hell And its destructive habits So all of this Progression of truth Is important Because it leads To good and love And that's when It has real strength And power. [00:43:16]

So when we think We know a lot And we think We're pretty righteous We need to make a change And that's a picture By Moses going to Midian Just do simple good things Just start living By what you know is true Get out of your head And be helpful Time to focus on being Useful in simple ways. [00:43:47]

So when we're stuck What do we do? this is suggesting do the next good thing just do something good it shifts us out of ourselves for a while and opens us up to hear the lord speaking to us and maybe that's what's needed for us where we are in our life and one day we're called to something more not just outer good but inner good from a higher purpose which can free our mind from that bondage that we're struggling with. [00:44:08]

Turning to god this is divine providence 20 turning to god in our lives simply means thinking that some particular evil action is a sin against god and therefore not doing it so that turning in our mind we're now at a point where we can start to see the truths we see the use of them we see the good that they lead to and we're going to turn our lives in a different direction it's a more mature spiritual viewpoint needing to recognizing we need to shun evils as sins and actively doing it is the most important thing really we can do. [00:45:12]

If you're shunning evil what's left everything you do is good we're told if you shun false if you shun lying the only thing that's going to come out of your mouth is truth if you shine unfaithfulness the only thing that's going to come out of your life or be part of your life is faithful being faithful so all those things when we do that what's left is good and we start to feel compassion for other people and we become a little bit more like the angels. [00:45:49]

If there's something in us a willingness to be led by the lord that's what can allow us to have the lord talk to us maybe we've been humbled by life life has beaten us down a bit and we start to go hmm i need to listen differently that willingness to follow pictured by him tending the sheep what also happens with the with this mindset is that the lord can actually speak to us in the truths of his word they light up for us they burn with fire which is again a symbol for love and the lord will show us the love within his truth. [00:46:34]

If you think that the word is dry and boring and has nothing in it then maybe we need to adjust the way that we're living so that the lord can flow in and speak to us in a different way so his voice isn't way over there but it's right next to us working together. [00:47:11]

When I read it I've read something in the new testament and when I read it I was so struck by the words of jesus like he says this little sentence and it's so full and so rich of love and truth it's like wow and it's like it caught on fire inside of me this tiny phrase it's like it burned it's not the kind of fire that hurts it's a good feeling and i felt called to something more maybe i went overboard and going into the ministry but it's like i got to do something you don't have to do that but those truths light up they fire us up and again it's not consuming us it's helping us it's inspiring us and we see the truth not just as an empty shell but as something that is leading to good leading to love and it fires us up. [00:47:46]

To really experience the lord to hear the voice of the lord to know our calling we have to remove our shoes what is that picture sensual things things that are only focused on things of this world or about self it messes up how we see god if we're only concerned about how can i get more money or how can i be more famous and more popular like holy ground is seeing a person's character not focusing on their skin color or their hairstyle focusing on the words instead of them if we focus on the words instead of the meaning we're focusing on sensual things we're encouraged to take our shoes off our feet one way to think about it. [00:48:44]

Life is not about getting the most stuff getting the most personal praise it's about being useful and being of service and doing good to other people so these seemingly simple stories pictured by the lord appearing to moses in a burning bush we can have that same experience where the lord inspires us with his love when we can open up his word and let go of worldly concerns we move the sandals from our feet and hear the lord speaking to us. [00:50:05]

Maybe we need to change how we're living our lives spend more time reading walking sitting quietly praying or meditating or doing something useful or good for somebody else put down the device that is so alluring that fills all those spaces and try a different way to hear the lord speak make space and see how the lord fills it see if the lord will light you up inside as you approach him earnestly with humility asking to be led. [00:50:44]

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