An Inspirational Message for October 2025 -by Charles Schokman
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Halftime: A Call to Turn Aside and See:
Intention
To pause, see what God is saying in this season, and then do what he asks us to do.
Scripture
“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.’
“… God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you.”’”– Exodus 3:1–4, 14
Reflection
A friend recently shared a timely word for the Church, and it’s been stirring in my spirit ever since. It centres around that powerful moment in Exodus 3, when Moses encounters the burning bush. The Scripture says, “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.’” (Exodus 3:4 (ESV))
There’s something deeply significant in that phrase: “he turned aside to see.” It wasn’t until Moses paused, noticed, and responded that God spoke. What if God is waiting for us to do the same?
Church, it’s time to turn aside and see.
We are in a “halftime” moment. Consider a football match where the team is down, the crowd is restless, and the players are discouraged. But then comes halftime – a moment to regroup, listen to the coach, and reset the strategy. It’s not the end of the game. It’s the turning point.
In this season, we may feel like we’re behind. The world is noisy, uncertain, and often overwhelming. But halftime is not defeat – it’s an opportunity. It’s the moment to turn aside and see what God is saying, what he is asking, and what he is revealing. And then, to respond.
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We’re reminded of Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” That’s the posture of halftime. Eyes lifted. Hearts open. Ready to hear the voice of the coach.
The tribe of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32). That’s the kind of discernment we need now. Not just to know the headlines, but to understand the spiritual season we’re in. To be people of a different spirit – those who carry hope, courage, and clarity in a confused world.
The world is watching. They’re longing for something real. For leaders who lead with integrity. For communities that embody grace and truth. For a God they may not yet know, but whose presence they desperately need.
So, what do we do?
We turn aside. We listen. We respond.
Whatever he says to you – do it.
This is our halftime. Let’s not rush past it. Let’s lean in. Because when we do, the second half can look very different. The language will change. The atmosphere will shift. The crowd will say, “We won.” But we’ll know – it was because we turned aside and saw.
Prayer
Here we are, Lord. Speak. We’re listening. Like Moses, may we listen, turn aside, and respond. Whatever you say to us, I pray that we will do.
We confess that we need you. Our heart is that everyone might experience the wonder and blessing of your peace, presence and power. So, send us, so that the world may see, experience and bow the knee to you. Amen.
Courtesy of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander Salvation Army.
Pray this hymn be a Blessing to you.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO PASS THIS ON.
