It’s Monday. A day that many people love to hate. They went back to work today hesitantly, deeply wishing that the weekend would have one more day. They feel just like our weather looked this morning - all foggy. When I drove to my office this morning, even though I was in the city and only going 25, I still felt that I had to be really careful because I couldn’t see very far. It was that foggy.
I trust that you are not foggy today. I’m a little tired, but coming to life. Sundays always drain me physically. Even in my youth (which wasn’t that many decades ago) I would get really tired on Sunday from preaching, teaching and everything else that goes with being a pastor. As much as I love preaching, it is hard physically. Many pastors are kinda foggy on Mondays simply because they are recovering, refreshing from Sunday. Others are foggy because they are foggy.
Yesterday was a great day. The weather cooperated nicely with warmer temps and sun. But, mostly it was great because as we sang the praises of the Lord we were brought in to His powerful presence. There was a strong sense of the presence of God and that brought great encouragement. We just wanted to hang on to what we were experiencing. Sensing God is one of the blessings of being in church. We don’t gather simply to be “religious” (whatever that means), but to come in to God’s presence and be available to Him for all He has for us, both individually and collectively.
Yesterday was also the day we met and talked about expanding our current facilities. We made the first step of committing to a concept of expansion. Now we will work on the details and let God direct us. So, that also made for a great time yesterday. We talked a lot about it, asked lots of questions, made suggestions and then took the first step of faith. I know that I’ll be talking more about this as time goes on.
I also know I’ll be talking more and more about the good things that God is doing (answering prayer). Last evening we had a prayer time. One person shared a specific answer to prayer from a few weeks before. It was a friend who needed a healing, and came away from a follow up doctor visit with the doc saying he didn’t know why the change happened. It wasn’t anything that medicine did. Yes, we keep on praying expecting God to continue showing His power.
Because God is real, because He continues to show His power, we can continue to rejoice in Mondays, as well as the other six days of the week. We don’t have to dread the new week. We can look forward to what God is going to accomplish in the new week. So, have a great Monday today, and a great Tuesday tomorrow, and . . . . . . . well, you get the picture.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Spring Fever
I have to admit that I’m ready for winter to be gone. I can’t say that I have a major case of spring fever, but I could be persuaded to get some. All of the sudden we have some sunshine and warmer weather. One of the advantages we have here in Wisconsin is the changing seasons. I do enjoy the variety of seasons, but I really like it when Spring shows up. There is something special about the feeling of life that “springs forth” in Spring.
When I drive by the golf course on the edge of town, I’d like to blow the snow off. In fact, some of the tee boxes are showing. I’m ready to head out and hit some golf balls. The professional golfers have been playing tournaments for a few months already. Although, they started in Hawaii, California and Arizona. And, a few of them have already made over a million dollars this year playing tournaments. That will never by my problem. They might pay me to get off the golf course - hmmmmmmmmm, now, there’s an idea.
I think the thing about Spring is that is brings new life and hope. Everything that has looked so bleak and dead comes back to life. The trees fill out with leaves and the grass looks green and alive. The birds come back and fill the air with sight and sound. Those who deal with seasonal affective disorder get a reprieve. Spring brings hope. It’s bright and even smells good.
And, that’s a picture of what we find in God’s promises. Many people have felt like life is nothing but an eternal winter. Everything is frozen and covered over with snow. Things freeze in the ground and you can’t move them. Mechanical things don’t work as well in winter. And, life seems to be stuck and no fun.
Then, comes the Spring. Then comes the new life that can be received in Jesus. Real hope comes in to a heart. Life takes on meaning. Peace comes in where there has been turmoil. Life is amazing. Why? His name is Jesus.
This year the celebration of Easter is early. It’s on March 23. There might still be snow on the ground. Easter brings us a reminder of the Hope Jesus gives.
Is your life stuck and frozen? Jesus gives new life if we ask.
When I drive by the golf course on the edge of town, I’d like to blow the snow off. In fact, some of the tee boxes are showing. I’m ready to head out and hit some golf balls. The professional golfers have been playing tournaments for a few months already. Although, they started in Hawaii, California and Arizona. And, a few of them have already made over a million dollars this year playing tournaments. That will never by my problem. They might pay me to get off the golf course - hmmmmmmmmm, now, there’s an idea.
I think the thing about Spring is that is brings new life and hope. Everything that has looked so bleak and dead comes back to life. The trees fill out with leaves and the grass looks green and alive. The birds come back and fill the air with sight and sound. Those who deal with seasonal affective disorder get a reprieve. Spring brings hope. It’s bright and even smells good.
And, that’s a picture of what we find in God’s promises. Many people have felt like life is nothing but an eternal winter. Everything is frozen and covered over with snow. Things freeze in the ground and you can’t move them. Mechanical things don’t work as well in winter. And, life seems to be stuck and no fun.
Then, comes the Spring. Then comes the new life that can be received in Jesus. Real hope comes in to a heart. Life takes on meaning. Peace comes in where there has been turmoil. Life is amazing. Why? His name is Jesus.
This year the celebration of Easter is early. It’s on March 23. There might still be snow on the ground. Easter brings us a reminder of the Hope Jesus gives.
Is your life stuck and frozen? Jesus gives new life if we ask.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Where Is Our Hope?
If you live in Wisconsin, as I do, today is an election day. I was downtown early today and stopped in to vote. It was the time to do it, I beat the rush. It was also a quick process, since the only two offices on the ballot were for president, and the new county judge position that is being established. We have a new judge coming on board because our county is growing quickly. I guess more people means more crime and judicial issues.
It is impossible to live in the United States these days and not know that we are the midst of an interminable election process. I was very frustrated when, as the last election tallies were being made known, that the politicians exploded on the scene with a TWO YEAR election campaign. So much for campaign financial reform, already hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent. We have been suffering from this process for more than a year, and it won’t be over till this November. Then we will have to put up with all the hoopla that leads to an inauguration. Then we will see what the new president does and says are all the solutions to our problems. Will that person actually do what was promised in the campaign? Who knows.
Every candidate running for office (from local to national campaigns) works hard to convince us that we really need them in office. Without “them” we will be doomed. They are trying to tell us that the joker in office now is worthless and that we need to elect someone new. Then they will solve all our problems and we can live happily ever after.
Unfortunately, much of the political process has turned in to chasing after prince charming. Are we really better off? It doesn’t seem to matter any more who is running things, the allure of power and political office seems to take over. And, that leads to the question at the top of this blog - Where is our hope?
Back in 1834, Edward Mote had a desire to write a hymn on the “ ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian”. He quickly thought of the words that talk about a solid foundation - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. He then wrote the verses and it was published a few years later. He had some friends, the Kings, and Mrs. King was dying. He visited them one day, and as they prayed, he shared these new words with her. They were a great encouragement to her and she wanted a copy to keep.
What did Mote write?
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
These words are a powerful expression of where our hope is. Even though we need to study the issues in this election process and carefully vote for who we think is the best person for every position, our real hope is not found in government. Yes, we must participate in the process of government, but that is not our hope. Our real hope is found in the promises of Jesus for this life and the next. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son. When people face the real hard issues, such as Mrs. King faced her mortality, the promise of tax relief or some jobs or education bill doesn’t deal with the real issued. Only Jesus can carry us through the real issues of life.
Where is our hope? On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.
It is impossible to live in the United States these days and not know that we are the midst of an interminable election process. I was very frustrated when, as the last election tallies were being made known, that the politicians exploded on the scene with a TWO YEAR election campaign. So much for campaign financial reform, already hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent. We have been suffering from this process for more than a year, and it won’t be over till this November. Then we will have to put up with all the hoopla that leads to an inauguration. Then we will see what the new president does and says are all the solutions to our problems. Will that person actually do what was promised in the campaign? Who knows.
Every candidate running for office (from local to national campaigns) works hard to convince us that we really need them in office. Without “them” we will be doomed. They are trying to tell us that the joker in office now is worthless and that we need to elect someone new. Then they will solve all our problems and we can live happily ever after.
Unfortunately, much of the political process has turned in to chasing after prince charming. Are we really better off? It doesn’t seem to matter any more who is running things, the allure of power and political office seems to take over. And, that leads to the question at the top of this blog - Where is our hope?
Back in 1834, Edward Mote had a desire to write a hymn on the “ ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian”. He quickly thought of the words that talk about a solid foundation - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand. He then wrote the verses and it was published a few years later. He had some friends, the Kings, and Mrs. King was dying. He visited them one day, and as they prayed, he shared these new words with her. They were a great encouragement to her and she wanted a copy to keep.
What did Mote write?
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
These words are a powerful expression of where our hope is. Even though we need to study the issues in this election process and carefully vote for who we think is the best person for every position, our real hope is not found in government. Yes, we must participate in the process of government, but that is not our hope. Our real hope is found in the promises of Jesus for this life and the next. For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son. When people face the real hard issues, such as Mrs. King faced her mortality, the promise of tax relief or some jobs or education bill doesn’t deal with the real issued. Only Jesus can carry us through the real issues of life.
Where is our hope? On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
This is Valentine’s Day!!
I heard something amazing today. It was reported that 8 million people will send THEMSELVES a valentine. I have to admit that I have never thought of doing that. I’m not sure why a person would do that. I guess they want to get some mail.
I heard something else amazing today. Actually, it is quite disgusting and the product of a pathetic mind. USA Today reported that a radio station is giving away a free divorce for Valentine’s Day.
A rock station in West Virginia is running a contest, and the “winner” will get ten hours of legal assistance in filing a divorce. On their web site, giving instructions for how to enter the contest, they say, “Good Luck, and Happy Valentine’s Day from ROCK 105, your “I Hate Valentine’s Day” station!”
The station’s program director said: “There is the lighter side of Valentine’'s Day that’s all hearts and flowers. Then there’s the darker part, where maybe you despise your spouse and resent the entire day.” This person went on to say of the contest “It’s meant to be fun”.
One reporter said he thought this may be a hoax. Who knows. I guess we’ll find out eventually.
Even if this turns out to be a hoax, to even think of something like this is really pathetic. But, then, there are many pathetic things happening in our world these days. Sadly, many don’t really understand love.
So, let’s chat about it for a bit.
First, let’s go to the most quoted verse in the Bible.
John 3:16 NKJV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Note that it says that, because God loved, He GAVE. Love is giving. Love is outward, not inward. The opposite of love is not hate, but it is selfishness. So, in thinking about love, think of an outward direction. Outward to someone else.
The definition of love that I like to use is one I heard a long time ago: Love is the accurate estimate, and adequate supply, of another person’s need.
That means that a person who shows love to another person identifies the other person’s need and does what they can to meet that need. It means that there will be an expense, sacrifice, effort - something that will cost the giver to benefit the person who is the recipient of the love. Hence, love meets real needs.
One of the reasons why so many human relationships are breaking up these days is that there is a lack of real love and too much focusing on self. As long as the three most important people in a person’s thinking are me, myself and I, their human relationships are headed for failure.
I’m thankful that I can know that God loves me. He really loves YOU, as well. It doesn’t matter what you have done, God loves you. His love makes His forgiveness available to anyone who asks for it. One Bible word is whosoever, that means anyone. And the context is that anyone who reaches out to Jesus and asks for forgiveness will receive it. They will have the love of God in their lives and begin to learn what real love is all about.
I have to admit that I feel sorry for those who have become so hardened to the real issues of love that they end up hating times like Valentine’s Day, because they are reminded of love. We all need love. God has an unlimited supply of it.
I trust that you have real love in your life. I trust that this day is a good one for you. I trust that I have stirred your thinking on this amazing topic of love.
I heard something else amazing today. Actually, it is quite disgusting and the product of a pathetic mind. USA Today reported that a radio station is giving away a free divorce for Valentine’s Day.
A rock station in West Virginia is running a contest, and the “winner” will get ten hours of legal assistance in filing a divorce. On their web site, giving instructions for how to enter the contest, they say, “Good Luck, and Happy Valentine’s Day from ROCK 105, your “I Hate Valentine’s Day” station!”
The station’s program director said: “There is the lighter side of Valentine’'s Day that’s all hearts and flowers. Then there’s the darker part, where maybe you despise your spouse and resent the entire day.” This person went on to say of the contest “It’s meant to be fun”.
One reporter said he thought this may be a hoax. Who knows. I guess we’ll find out eventually.
Even if this turns out to be a hoax, to even think of something like this is really pathetic. But, then, there are many pathetic things happening in our world these days. Sadly, many don’t really understand love.
So, let’s chat about it for a bit.
First, let’s go to the most quoted verse in the Bible.
John 3:16 NKJV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Note that it says that, because God loved, He GAVE. Love is giving. Love is outward, not inward. The opposite of love is not hate, but it is selfishness. So, in thinking about love, think of an outward direction. Outward to someone else.
The definition of love that I like to use is one I heard a long time ago: Love is the accurate estimate, and adequate supply, of another person’s need.
That means that a person who shows love to another person identifies the other person’s need and does what they can to meet that need. It means that there will be an expense, sacrifice, effort - something that will cost the giver to benefit the person who is the recipient of the love. Hence, love meets real needs.
One of the reasons why so many human relationships are breaking up these days is that there is a lack of real love and too much focusing on self. As long as the three most important people in a person’s thinking are me, myself and I, their human relationships are headed for failure.
I’m thankful that I can know that God loves me. He really loves YOU, as well. It doesn’t matter what you have done, God loves you. His love makes His forgiveness available to anyone who asks for it. One Bible word is whosoever, that means anyone. And the context is that anyone who reaches out to Jesus and asks for forgiveness will receive it. They will have the love of God in their lives and begin to learn what real love is all about.
I have to admit that I feel sorry for those who have become so hardened to the real issues of love that they end up hating times like Valentine’s Day, because they are reminded of love. We all need love. God has an unlimited supply of it.
I trust that you have real love in your life. I trust that this day is a good one for you. I trust that I have stirred your thinking on this amazing topic of love.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thoughts on a Monday Morning
I’m sitting down to write a few thoughts to you this Monday morning, and realize that it is almost not Monday morning any more. The time has flown by quickly today with phone calls (and the phone just rang again) and other work I’ve been doing to get going for the week. The sun is shining and it looks like we will finally break in to the above zero temps. Actually, our weather is better than down in Missouri, where they are having an ice storm today. (I think last week it was in the 70’s down there.) I talked briefly with my brother, Roger, and he said that Central Bible College is closed today due to the ice.
Yesterday, when we had such miserable cold, many people didn’t make it in to service. I fully understand the cold and not wanting to get out in it. I’m thankful that some were able to make it. Most assuredly, God was here with us and we had a great time.
I want to thank those who shared some of their pictures with us, wedding and dating pictures. We enjoyed them. Since it is almost Valentine’s Day, I talked on the theme of love - When You’re In Love, It’s Not a Problem. My main focus and desire was to talk about the privilege we have of building our relationship with God based on love. We don’t serve Jesus out of obligation or that “God will get you” if you don’t. How awesome it is to know that God loves us and that we can love Him.
As I think back to yesterday, I am excited at the powerful prayer time we had at the end of our service. As people came up to ask for prayer, God answered. There was a strong sense of God’s presence and we prayed, sang and enjoyed HIM. One of my points in my message was, “When you’re in love, TIME is not a problem”. And, our prayer time at the end showed the truth of that. We really enjoyed the time in God’s presence.
Now, we are in to the new week that God is giving us to serve Him. Hey, it’s Monday. There is a really strange advertisement on TV that shows a whole town trying to prevent Monday from coming. When it shows up, they all walk back to the homes discouraged and dejected. We don’t have to be discouraged at a new week, for it gives us many opportunities to serve God. This Tuesday we have our Honor Society Luncheon, and that will give us some great food and visiting together. Then Thursday is Valentine’s Day. Maybe you can think of someone who really needs encouragement and sent them a special greeting. Let’s use this week for God.
One quick followup from a previous post: Brett, a young boy I mentioned in a prayer request, is doing just fine. Praise God for answered prayer.
Have a great week. Pray. Trust God.
Yesterday, when we had such miserable cold, many people didn’t make it in to service. I fully understand the cold and not wanting to get out in it. I’m thankful that some were able to make it. Most assuredly, God was here with us and we had a great time.
I want to thank those who shared some of their pictures with us, wedding and dating pictures. We enjoyed them. Since it is almost Valentine’s Day, I talked on the theme of love - When You’re In Love, It’s Not a Problem. My main focus and desire was to talk about the privilege we have of building our relationship with God based on love. We don’t serve Jesus out of obligation or that “God will get you” if you don’t. How awesome it is to know that God loves us and that we can love Him.
As I think back to yesterday, I am excited at the powerful prayer time we had at the end of our service. As people came up to ask for prayer, God answered. There was a strong sense of God’s presence and we prayed, sang and enjoyed HIM. One of my points in my message was, “When you’re in love, TIME is not a problem”. And, our prayer time at the end showed the truth of that. We really enjoyed the time in God’s presence.
Now, we are in to the new week that God is giving us to serve Him. Hey, it’s Monday. There is a really strange advertisement on TV that shows a whole town trying to prevent Monday from coming. When it shows up, they all walk back to the homes discouraged and dejected. We don’t have to be discouraged at a new week, for it gives us many opportunities to serve God. This Tuesday we have our Honor Society Luncheon, and that will give us some great food and visiting together. Then Thursday is Valentine’s Day. Maybe you can think of someone who really needs encouragement and sent them a special greeting. Let’s use this week for God.
One quick followup from a previous post: Brett, a young boy I mentioned in a prayer request, is doing just fine. Praise God for answered prayer.
Have a great week. Pray. Trust God.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Let’s Remember to Pray - Some Missions Requests
Since we talk about prayer a lot, and since we encourage prayer, let me share a few missions related prayer requests. I share these with you so that you will pray for them. I’m not giving lots of details, but enough for you to pray. God knows the rest.
**A man named Rey in the Philippines, he has kidney stones.
**A boy named Brett in Asia with serious pain from an unknown source.
**John in Europe has had a heart attack, may be facing surgery.
**Maralyn, has had to return to the U.S.A., has ALS.
**Turning Point Christian Fellowship, a brand new church plant in Europe.
This is not a long list, but I trust that you will take time and pray. We have always encouraged people to pray, but especially this year, we have been giving emphasis to prayer. And, we have been and are praying.
This is not a long post, I trust you will stop and pray. Thank You.
**A man named Rey in the Philippines, he has kidney stones.
**A boy named Brett in Asia with serious pain from an unknown source.
**John in Europe has had a heart attack, may be facing surgery.
**Maralyn, has had to return to the U.S.A., has ALS.
**Turning Point Christian Fellowship, a brand new church plant in Europe.
This is not a long list, but I trust that you will take time and pray. We have always encouraged people to pray, but especially this year, we have been giving emphasis to prayer. And, we have been and are praying.
This is not a long post, I trust you will stop and pray. Thank You.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Thinking Ourside Our Box
Let me give you an update from the prayer request I shared over the weekend about the new church service the my brother, George, is involved in. They were excited that fifteen people showed up for their first service. It was well planned. The music and all went well. They are looking forward to what the Lord is going to help them accomplish. He said thanks for your prayer. You can keep on praying for God’s help and breakthrough.
He mentioned the involvement of one man who really has a heart to reach out to others, that they can know the love of the Lord in their hearts. He was excited about that. And, that thought of “thinking outside our box” is what is on my mind today.
As a fellowship of believers, we must be both concerned with those who are a part of our group, and, also, how to reach to those who still need Jesus. I would like to challenge us all to think of ways we can reach out to help and show concern for needs. That’s what we see Jesus did when He was walking on this earth. That’s a good example for us to follow. Reaching out to meet needs opens up doors of opportunity to share the love of Jesus.
What can you do that reaches to someone outside our “box” that really helps and shows concern? How can we work together doing that? Let me know what you think. You can send me an e mail or call and we can chat. Ask God to give you ideas.
Let me remind you of what we heard recently - listening prayer. As you spent time praying, take some of that time and wait quietly in God’s presence for Him to speak to your heart. Building on that, as you read the Bible, pay attention to what it is saying and what God wants to speak to you through the text. You’ll have some good ideas.
Have a good week serving the Lord. I’ll be back, I hope you will be, as well.
Curtis Thomassen, Pastor
Cornerstone Assembly
He mentioned the involvement of one man who really has a heart to reach out to others, that they can know the love of the Lord in their hearts. He was excited about that. And, that thought of “thinking outside our box” is what is on my mind today.
As a fellowship of believers, we must be both concerned with those who are a part of our group, and, also, how to reach to those who still need Jesus. I would like to challenge us all to think of ways we can reach out to help and show concern for needs. That’s what we see Jesus did when He was walking on this earth. That’s a good example for us to follow. Reaching out to meet needs opens up doors of opportunity to share the love of Jesus.
What can you do that reaches to someone outside our “box” that really helps and shows concern? How can we work together doing that? Let me know what you think. You can send me an e mail or call and we can chat. Ask God to give you ideas.
Let me remind you of what we heard recently - listening prayer. As you spent time praying, take some of that time and wait quietly in God’s presence for Him to speak to your heart. Building on that, as you read the Bible, pay attention to what it is saying and what God wants to speak to you through the text. You’ll have some good ideas.
Have a good week serving the Lord. I’ll be back, I hope you will be, as well.
Curtis Thomassen, Pastor
Cornerstone Assembly
Saturday, February 2, 2008
What Is In Your Hand?
Often there is a short phrase or thought that seems to jump out to a person and grab their attention. One phrase that does that comes from the story of Moses. He was arguing with God out in the desert. The thought of arguing with God is an interesting topic. Who actually thinks they are going to win when they do that? Well, that’s a topic for another time.
Moses, out in the desert is telling God that he is so worthless that he will never be able to do anything for God. Then God asks the question, and it’s a good one for each of us.
What Moses had in his had was a rod, a staff, a walking stick. What did he have? A stick. It was simply a stick.
Thinking of a stick, I’m reminded of the time on an Andy Griffith program (my favorite) when the new mayor of the town was complaining that Sheriff Andy didn’t carry a gun. Andy replied that back in England, the police don’t carry guns, but they carry a stick. He asked if the mayor wanted him to get a couple of sticks for him and Barney to carry. No, he didn’t like that idea.
Well, back to Moses. All he had was a stick. And, that was all that God needed. We often think that God can only use the spectacular. God is looking for our availability. He can take the routine and make it something spectacular.
What did Moses do with the stick? He proved the reality of God to Pharaoh, the king. He recorded it in
Moses and Aaron teamed up. This resulted from Moses’ argument with God when he was saying he was useless. In Pharaoh’s presence the stick was thrown on the ground and it became a snake. Pharaoh’s men did the same. And I love the ending, showing God’s superiority, God’s snake swallowed up the rest.
I’m not Moses and neither are you. What can we grasp from this story. Each of us has to ask ourselves the same question: what’s in your hand? Then, take what you have and let God use it. God can use a stick. In one Bible story, he used a donkey. In another place, Jesus used a little boy’s lunch. It’s not our ability or resources, it’s our availability.
We have all been gifted with some ability. Develop it. Use it for God’s glory. Be generous with what you have. You’ll be amazed at what you accomplish in life.
Let me end with something just for the fun of it.
Charley, a new retiree greeter at Walmart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, sometimes 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss was in a real quandary about how to deal with it. Finally, he called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang on job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to ear. It's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"
"They said, 'Good morning, General. Tea or coffee this morning, sir?'"
Moses, out in the desert is telling God that he is so worthless that he will never be able to do anything for God. Then God asks the question, and it’s a good one for each of us.
“WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?”
What Moses had in his had was a rod, a staff, a walking stick. What did he have? A stick. It was simply a stick.
Thinking of a stick, I’m reminded of the time on an Andy Griffith program (my favorite) when the new mayor of the town was complaining that Sheriff Andy didn’t carry a gun. Andy replied that back in England, the police don’t carry guns, but they carry a stick. He asked if the mayor wanted him to get a couple of sticks for him and Barney to carry. No, he didn’t like that idea.
Well, back to Moses. All he had was a stick. And, that was all that God needed. We often think that God can only use the spectacular. God is looking for our availability. He can take the routine and make it something spectacular.
What did Moses do with the stick? He proved the reality of God to Pharaoh, the king. He recorded it in
Exodus 7:10-12 NIV
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.
10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.
Moses and Aaron teamed up. This resulted from Moses’ argument with God when he was saying he was useless. In Pharaoh’s presence the stick was thrown on the ground and it became a snake. Pharaoh’s men did the same. And I love the ending, showing God’s superiority, God’s snake swallowed up the rest.
I’m not Moses and neither are you. What can we grasp from this story. Each of us has to ask ourselves the same question: what’s in your hand? Then, take what you have and let God use it. God can use a stick. In one Bible story, he used a donkey. In another place, Jesus used a little boy’s lunch. It’s not our ability or resources, it’s our availability.
We have all been gifted with some ability. Develop it. Use it for God’s glory. Be generous with what you have. You’ll be amazed at what you accomplish in life.
Let me end with something just for the fun of it.
Charley, a new retiree greeter at Walmart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, sometimes 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss was in a real quandary about how to deal with it. Finally, he called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang on job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to ear. It's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"
"They said, 'Good morning, General. Tea or coffee this morning, sir?'"
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