Caught Off Guard
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. — 1 Thessalonians 1:2
This Fall is special for me because I go into the woods and bow hunt. This past year, I took my two grandsons. I decided to hunt between both of them. I strapped my stump chair next to a tree and leaned back.
It was warm and the wind was blowing one evening. Nothing was moving, so I took my phone and pulled up the Greek New Testament. I began to read where we're studying now. I was picking up words and extra phrases that God would have me share. I was writing and taking notes.
Suddenly, I looked up and six to eight steps from me was a buck just staring at me. He looked at me and wondered what kind of phone I was using. He just turned and walked away. I let him walk because he was smaller than I wanted to harvest.
I realized that there are times when things catch us off guard.
I pray that God's Word would catch you off guard in a good way and give you great joy. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is a power book. God has a word for you today. He wants to encourage you and speak to you at your deepest need. Even though you may not know what your deepest need is, He does.
Sometimes we're so focused on what we're looking for that we miss what God is trying to show us. I was looking for deer, and one walked right up to me. You might be looking for answers in all the wrong places, and God is standing right in front of you, ready to speak.
Are you reading God's Word expecting Him to show up? Are you coming to church anticipating that God will surprise you with exactly what you need to hear? Or have you become so familiar with the routine that you've stopped looking for God to do something fresh?
The Word of God is alive and active. It has the power to catch you off guard in the best possible way. Open it expecting God to meet you. Listen for His voice. Watch for His movement.
He's closer than you think. And what He wants to say to you today might just take your breath away.
This Fall is special for me because I go into the woods and bow hunt. This past year, I took my two grandsons. I decided to hunt between both of them. I strapped my stump chair next to a tree and leaned back.
It was warm and the wind was blowing one evening. Nothing was moving, so I took my phone and pulled up the Greek New Testament. I began to read where we're studying now. I was picking up words and extra phrases that God would have me share. I was writing and taking notes.
Suddenly, I looked up and six to eight steps from me was a buck just staring at me. He looked at me and wondered what kind of phone I was using. He just turned and walked away. I let him walk because he was smaller than I wanted to harvest.
I realized that there are times when things catch us off guard.
I pray that God's Word would catch you off guard in a good way and give you great joy. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is a power book. God has a word for you today. He wants to encourage you and speak to you at your deepest need. Even though you may not know what your deepest need is, He does.
Sometimes we're so focused on what we're looking for that we miss what God is trying to show us. I was looking for deer, and one walked right up to me. You might be looking for answers in all the wrong places, and God is standing right in front of you, ready to speak.
Are you reading God's Word expecting Him to show up? Are you coming to church anticipating that God will surprise you with exactly what you need to hear? Or have you become so familiar with the routine that you've stopped looking for God to do something fresh?
The Word of God is alive and active. It has the power to catch you off guard in the best possible way. Open it expecting God to meet you. Listen for His voice. Watch for His movement.
He's closer than you think. And what He wants to say to you today might just take your breath away.
Subscribe Now
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Are You Living Like He's Coming?Are You Worth Following?Are Your Sins Confessed Up to Date?God's PlanBut Wait, There's MoreLean on God in UncertaintyCaught Off GuardLearning to Be AloneDoes Your Ministry Stick?Worrying Won't Get Your AnywhereDon't Waste Your PainJesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe are Different for a ReasonLearning to Say NoGod is Working In UsDon't Watch. Pray.It Will Cost YouJoy in the Middle of HellMinistry Happens in the Mess of Real LifeFaith That Doesn't Need AnswersThe Gospel Changes EverythingThe Question That Changes EverythingWhat are You Still Holding?When God Calls You to Small ThingsWhen Light and Darkness CollideWhen Love Changes EverythingWhen Your Faith Has a ReputationWorth the SacrificeYou Must Be Present to WinWhen God Nudges Your Heart
February
Jesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe Are Different For A ReasonLearning To Say NoGod Is Working In UsGod’s Plan Needs YouMinistry Happens Heart to HeartDon’t Abuse Your Free WillDo Your Words And Your Actions Matchup?Seek God FirstA Safe PersonTrust over WorryTruth Over ApplauseForgetting Your First LoveNever Stop WorshipingWalking Humbly with GodIt’s All About JesusPraise the LordPraying To Remind YourselfYou Made the TeamYour Pain Has a PurposeReal Friends
2025
January
Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
February
3 Keys To A Heavenly PerspectiveA Faith Rooted in FactA Faith That Draws or DrivesWhy Support Israel?The Danger Of Being Full Of YourselfLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureGod Is All-SufficientGuided By ProblemsJoy In The Midst Of ProblemsRemember Who God IsA Brand New Glimpse Of JesusA Call To God’s ChurchA Childlike FaithA Christ-Honoring EpitaphA Church On Fire
3 Comments
wow that was a powerful message
Amen!! Thank you for sharing God's word with us today.
There was a time when I thought I had learned everything I needed to know to be a Christian. But,I still learn new things all the time. The Bible is new to me every day. It is like opening a book that continues on and on forever. He speaks to me afresh each day.