“Thanks”

In a few weeks we will be celebrating “Thanksgiving” with our families. The true meaning of thanksgiving can be seen by simply looking at the two words that make it up. “Thanks” meaning to be thankful for, and “giving” meaning to be willing to share what we are thankful for. In the OT when the Jew was thankful to God, he would offer back to God the best of his flock, or his increase. So why should it be any different with us. Being thankful is a state of mind that appreciates all that God has given to us. It doesn't look at what it does not have, but rather appreciates all that it does have. As Christians we have been given so much in Christ Jesus. Take our salvation. We didn't earn it, or work for it, all we did was accept it as a gift. It was simply given, therefore why not share what we have been given with others. If we are truly thankful for it we will because it will be our gift back to God out of appreciation. In (Luke 17: 11-19) ten lepers were cleansed from their leprosy by Jesus. Though all 10 were cleansed only one had the true spirit of thanksgiving. He came back to Jesus and desired to follow. Why, because his new life was a gift! I wonder how many of us truly appreciate not only our salvation, but all that this new life has given to us. If you do, offer some of it to others, and be truly thankful !

The Rod Of Power

Again this morning I’d like to challenge us all to Christian service. We have been called to serve, but how many of us have been discouraged do to some fear along the way. In (Ex. 3+4) Moses was called by God to lead the nation Israel out of Egypt, but do to fear he tried to back out four times. Last week we dealt with his first two fears or excuses; 1) unworthiness and 2) un-preparedness. It’s very common to fear God’s service, but unless we submit and go we will never see God’s miracles. This week let’s look at the last two fears or excuses of Moses. 3) uncertainty. No one knows the future, but God did when He told Moses to take his rod or staff with him into Egypt. Symbolically, that rod was Christ. The rod or power of Christ is a promise to each of us, that if we will just go and take Jesus with us people will believe and be saved, but if we fear to go and make excuses, they won’t. 4) Moses felt unable. Moses looked at his inability of speech, made it an excuse, and angered God by it. Be careful not to look at what little you can offer, more than what God can do with your little. When we go in the power of Christ, and with (Word of God) in our hand, it doesn’t matter how we speak as long as we just speak. It’s His power and His Word that convicts the unsaved, not our abilities. So stop looking at what you don’t have, and trust in what you do have; Christ and His Word!

We all have been saved to serve!

This morning I’d like to challenge us as Christians to serve and not be afraid. We all have been saved to serve, but how many of us have quit because of some fear along the way? In (Ex. Chp. 3+4) Moses was called by God to lead the nation Israel out of Egypt, but do to different fears Moses tried to back out four times. Why ? 1) Moses felt unworthy. Now in the service of God this is not necessarily a bad thing, for there is no place in the service of God for high minded people, but this is still a dangerous fear . You see, God wants us to see that Moses wasn't chosen for his worthiness, but rather for God’s purpose. He wants us to see that He can use anyone. God could have done it Himself, but He chose rather to use a man named Moses as an example of a surrendered life. God enjoys taking a sinner and making him useful, or using the weak to bring about miracles. None of us are worthy, but all of us should be willing. 2) Moses felt unprepared. Now I’ll deal with the other two next week, but here I want you to see that even Moses felt unprepared to do such a job. And so will we without God's help. God told Moses “to go” and to trust in Him for the right words to say, but Moses still feared. Listen, fear always causes us to make excuses for what we know God wants us to do, but if our faith is solely in God nothing is impossible. So don't fear, stop making excuses, and trust in God's ability, and not yours!