WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

“And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand?” - Exodus 4:2

Moses responded to God’s call with excuses.  Just like many people today, Moses could not see how the Lord could ever use a person like himself.  As a result, Moses responded to God’s challenge with a series of empty excuses.  In Exodus 2:1, Moses complains, “... they will not believe me, nor harken unto my voice ...”.  In response to this excuse, God asked Moses, “... what is that in thine hand?” 

Just like Moses, every Christian is called to serve in some capacity.  When it comes to serving God, most Christians offer excuses by mentioning all the things they cannot do.  They speak about the talents and gifts they don’t have.  When prompted with an opportunity to serve, do you, like Moses, ask, Who am I to serve?   I’m not very great.  I’m not all that talented.  Yet God is asking you, What is that in thine hand?  In other words, what do you have and what can you do?   You see, God is asking you to use what you do have, not what you don’t have.  He is asking to do the things you can do, not the things you can’t do. 

As we look at Moses’ situation, we learn several things.  First, we cannot serve God in our strength.  Without God’s help, our efforts will be in vain.  All of Moses’ excuses hinged on his own ability, not God’s.  While it was true that Moses couldn’t do anything by himself, he was forgetting that God has the power to use unworthy, weak people in a great way.  Excuses actually reveal our tendency to doubt God and serve in the flesh.  We can only serve as He leads and by His Spirit.  Thru His power, a weak, unworthy person can be used in a dynamic way. 

The second lesson we learn is, God can use anything to accomplish His work.  In Moses’ situation, all he had was a rod.  The simple staff that he held would be used of God to perform miracles.  Isn’t it great that God can use the simple things in your life in a powerful way? 

Third we learn, God uses the things that we surrender to Him and His work.  God asked Moses to cast down his staff.  God began to use the rod when Moses released it into God’s will.  In Exodus 4:20, the same rod was called, “... the rod of God...”  Possession of the rod transferred from Moses to God.  Is there anything that you’re unwilling to give to the Lord? 

Next, what we have should be used faithfully for God.   Moses took the rod and used it regularly.  He used it at his first meeting before Pharaoh (Ex. 7:9-10, 12).  The rod was used when the water of Egypt was turned to blood (Ex. 7:19-20).   The rod was further used in bringing frogs (Ex. 8:5), lice (Ex. 8:16-17), & locusts (Ex. 10:13).  The rod was used to bring water from a rock (Ex.17:4-6) & was lifted high as the Israelites defeated the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-13).  Moses faithfully used the rod.  God expects you to faithfully use the talents, gifts, and opportunities He gives you. 

Finally, obey the Lord as He leads.  Moses used the rod in response to God’s command.  Happy is the person who uses all they have as God commands. 

Maybe you’ll never preach.  Possibly you can’t sing as well as others.  Maybe you’re not a gifted teacher.  God is not asking you about the things you don't have.   Instead of making excuses (and regretting every one of them), honestly give the Lord what you do have.  Serve Him faithfully.  

God is asking you, “What is that in thine hand?”

BEGINNING AT THE BEGINNING

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

I love to read.  When I begin to read a book, the opening pages are critical.  A good author will grab my attention early in the book and keep me captivated as I continue to read.  Sadly, some books begin boring and get worse with each page.  I rarely finish boring books. 

The Bible is the greatest Book ever written.  Actually, the Bible is a book of books.  66 books are found in the grand library of Holy Scripture.  God is the author of this fine work of literature.  Yet the Bible is more than just good reading material, it is God's inspired word to us.  Although the Bible has great stories, wonderful poetry and historical records, it is the Book we should live by.  God has written a book with us in mind.  Each page is lovingly written for our benefit.

Like any good book, the Bible has a great beginning.  The book of Genesis outlines the beginning of human time for us.  We need to be clear about something:  God did not begin with the first chapter of Genesis.  God has always been.  He is eternal.  The human race and planet earth are not eternal.  There was a beginning to them.  Time itself had a beginning and will ultimately have an end.  The word "genesis," literally means origin or beginning.  The book of Genesis records the beginning of creation and the human race.

Although God existed before the recorded history of Genesis chapter 1, the beginning of creation is traced back to its source, God Himself.  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  God is the creator of all things.  Although many may argue this point, it doesn't change the truth that all things were made by Him.

The book of Genesis begins with the creation of the world and beginning of mankind.  Furthermore, the book of Genesis documents the fall of man and gives us the reason for the evil, pain and suffering that exists to this day.  The fall of man brought sin into the world.  

As the book of Genesis continues, the focus is narrowed to a specific group of people:  the descendants of Abraham.  There has never been a more hated group than the Jews.  I believe that the main reason for this hatred is the fact that God chose this group of people for Himself.  Because of this, the devil has sought to destroy the Jews through the years & seeks to destroy them even today.  While many debate the "political" problem in the Middle East, the Bible-believing Christian knows that the core issue is not a political dilemma but a spiritual matter. 

The book of Genesis describes the beginning of mankind, but it also leads the reader to understand that there is a deeper story that is unfolding.  The problem of sin requires a remedy. This remedy would be provided through the arrival and ultimate sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ.  In Genesis 49:10, Jacob prophesied that the Messiah would come through the lineage of his own son, Judah:  "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10).  In this verse, Jacob referred to Jesus Christ.  In the last book of the Bible, Jesus said of Himself, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13).  Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter.  Using the Greek alphabet in an analogy, Jesus declared Himself to be the beginning and the end.

The Bible has a beginning and an end.  The Bible begins with God and ends triumphantly with Him.  God is the author of the Bible and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the hero.  Through the death and resurrection of Christ, a lasting remedy for the problem of sin was provided to those who would repent and believe.  Jesus was born King of the Jews, but He ever lives as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

No greater story has ever been recorded.  Yet it is more than a story, it is the life-changing truth that changes lives.  God was in the beginning, but more than that, He is the beginning.  Now He offers a new beginning for sinful man --- and this new beginning is available through Jesus Christ.  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17).  The world around us may seem to be unraveling, but the Christian has no reason for despair.  Rejoice, my brother, for "... he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6).

Although God has no beginning or end, He is the beginning and the end for us.  As time races toward the end, God's people need not fear because He will still be Lord of all and we can depend on Him.  Soon we will be with Him in heaven & time will be no more.  

You & I had a beginning --- but because of Jesus we will have no end.  Sure, we will die physically, but because of Jesus we have eternal life.  Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).   

As we get older, we're tempted to think that the best years are behind us.  Actually, the best is yet to come.  I'm looking forward to it, what about you?

ROUTE 66

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:15-16

This past week, I spent a great deal of time traveling.  Interstate travel is busy and often stressful.  Each road is numbered.  For instance, this week, I traveled on I-77, I-74, U. S. Route 52, I-40 and other roads.  In order for me to reach the right destination, it was vital to be on the right road.

Life is like a highway.  For the Christian, it is important that we keep ourselves from being lured onto side roads or the wrong highways.  Just because a road looks impressive doesn't make it the right road to travel.

The Christian needs to keep his journey simple.  We just need to stay on Route 66.  What is Route 66?  The Bible contains 66 books, each designed to keep us headed in the right direction.  The Bible is Route 66.

The Bible says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  I am amazed at the number of Christians who claim that they, "believe the Bible from cover to cover," yet rarely open the covers. 

Are you traveling daily on Route 66?  Here are some things we know about the Scriptures:

1.  THE PURITY OF THE BIBLE

First of all, the Bible is God's Word.  Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God."  The word, "inspiration," means, "God-breathed."  When you speak, breath is used in transmitting your voice.  On a cold day, you can see the steam come from a person's mouth as he speaks because his breath is used as he talks.  The Bible is God's Word to us.  He has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible. 

The psalmist wrote, "Thy word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it." (Psalm 119:140).  The Scripture is pure because it is the very Word of God. 

Notice that Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." (Emphasis added).  There are many people who wish to declare only part of the Scripture as inspired.  Many think only the New Testament is inspired, but that is simply not true.  The books of Leviticus and Nahum are just inspired as the books of Matthew and John.   All of the Scripture is pure because it is the Word of God.

2.  THE PROFIT OF THE BIBLE

Paul wrote that all of the Scripture is inspired, "... and is profitable."  The Bible is beneficial for all of God's people.  The Bible is more than a book we read from during church services, it is the most beneficial book you will ever read.

I admit that I love to read.  I read some books for entertainment and other books for instruction.  The Bible is the one book that has the power to change a person's life.  I may read from other books, but the Bible is the only book I read from daily.

Ray Comfort often asks professing believers, "Do you read the Bible daily, without fail?"  That is a good question.  You'll never find a more beneficial book than the Bible, so read it daily.

3.  THE POWER OF THE BIBLE

The Word of God is "... quick and powerful," (Hebrews 4:12).  People often underestimate the power of God's Word.  Paul wrote that the Scripture is "... profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  As we travel through life, the Bible does a number of things to help us.

First of all, the Bible informs us.  Our text teaches us that the Scripture is profitable for doctrine.  The word, "doctrine," means teaching.  The Bible informs us.  One of the greatest blessings given to help us travel is a GPS.  A GPS informs you about your trip.  While traveling this week, my GPS gave me vital information, such as the road I was on, the speed limit and the current speed I was going.  In a similar manner, the Bible is like a GPS for Christian living.  The Word of God gives us the vital information we need for our journey through life.

Secondly, the Bible rebukes us.  Paul wrote that the Word of God is profitable for reproof.  The Bible lets us know when we get on the wrong road.  There are so many road signs that can confuse or mislead us in life.  The Word of God alerts us when we take the wrong road.

Third, the Bible corrects us.  The Word of God is profitable, "for correction."  Just as a GPS "recalculates," and gives directions to get you back on the right road, God's Word also directs us back to where we need to be.  Without God's Word, we are prone to drift further away from the direction we need to go.

Finally, the Bible leads us.  Paul wrote that the Scripture is profitable for "instruction in righteousness."  If we follow the Scriptures, we will stay on the right road.

Basically, the Bible is profitable to change us.  God uses His Word to transform our lives.

4.  THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE

Finally, Paul wrote that the inspired Scriptures are profitable, "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  The word, "perfect" refers to being complete or mature.  God intends for us to be spiritually mature & fruitful.  A mature, fruitful believer honors and delights God.  A believer who lives a fruitful life brings glory to God. 

Realizing the importance and impact of the Scripture, we need to open God's Word and read from it daily.

Route 66 is not a congested highway.  Few are traveling this freeway, opting for newer roads of philosophy, new age or science.  Yet those who travel Route 66 are the ones who are on the right road and are headed for the right destination.

Consider this message to be your invitation to travel Route 66.  Clean the dust off of your Bible and read it.  Be challenged by this final quote: 

"Read the Bible to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy."

WHO WILL SEEK THE GLORY OF GOD?

"And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." - Exodus 33:18

Google is famous for its search engine.  Millions of people have used Google to find items on the internet.  Google made the internet more user-friendly for countless people. 

It is amazing what people search for on the internet.  Even more interesting are the things that people look for in life. 

Moses sought something unique.  He made this petition of the Lord:  "Show me thy glory."  Prior to this, we don't find record of any person making that kind of request.  I suspect that very few people have ever desired to see the glory of God.  What about you?

Moses asked to see the glory of God at a vital time.  He had been used of God to lead Israel out of Egypt's bondage.  Miracles had been performed during their wilderness journey --- yet despite all of this, the people were superficial and rebellious.  Finally, the Israelites enticed Aaron to create a golden calf during Moses' long departure in the holy mountain.  No doubt, Moses was weary and needed encouragement.  He had close fellowship with God and yet he desired more.

I fear that many Christians are content to have shallow fellowship with God.  They are content with a Sunday morning church service, but are unmotivated to go deeper with God than that.  They don't seek the glory of God, merely His blessings.

What is God's glory?  Marvin Rosenthal once defined God's glory as His intrinsic, eternal perfections.  God's glory is the fullness of His being. 

Far too many believers focus on one or two attributes of God, instead of meditating on His numerous attributes.  It is wrong to treat the attributes of God like a buffet --- choosing the ones you like and rejecting the rest.  By doing so, many are guilty of mental idolatry --- creating a god that they want rather than the fullness of God Himself.   

Do we really seek God's glory or our own?  Do we really wish to behold God in His glory or is heaven our goal only because it is the better of the two eternal options available?

You cannot separate God from His glory.  If you desire God, you must desire His glory.  Many church members seek God only when they get into trouble.  They want the grace of God but not the God of grace.  It is one thing to desire God's blessing but it is something entirely different to desire God Himself.

Moses' request was only granted in part.  God permitted Moses to only see part of His glory.  God mercifully kept Moses from being consumed by certain aspects of His glory. 

One day, genuine believers will be permitted to see the glory of God.  Our new bodies will be designed to behold God in His fullness.  Our concept of heaven is often tainted with sentimentality and human reasoning.  Heaven will be a place where the glory of God will be on display. 

We tend to get too attached to this world.  As a result, we no longer seek the glory of God.  Instead, we pursue the temporary trinkets of this world rather than seeking the eternal glory of the Lord.

We were created for more than a career, family, and retirement.  When we settle for anything less than God's glory, we sin against God and cheat ourselves.

Moses sought God's glory.  It is time we do the same.

FIGHTING FEAR WITH FAITH

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10

We are living in troubled times.  Our nation is deep in debt.  Many families are struggling financially.  Religious liberty is under assault in our country.  Churches are struggling.  Marriages are falling apart.  Drug addiction is widespread.  There is racial unrest.  Violent crime is increasing.  The political climate is tense. To make things worse, there seems to be little hope for a turnaround.

It would be easy to let fear run our lives.  It is tempting to give up hope and simply hang on till Jesus comes.  I find that most Christians are pessimistic about the future.  There is an undercurrent of fear and dread. 

We need to remember Paul's words to Timothy:  "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7).  God does not want us to live by fear.  Instead, the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17).

We can overcome fear with faith, but it needs to be the right kind of faith.  Our faith should not be in circumstances, people or politicians.  Our faith needs to be anchored in the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ.

God challenged Israel to trust Him, despite the temptation to live in fear.  In Isaiah 41:10, God said, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  The words God spoke to Israel parallel New Testament truth for believers today.  God gives His people five reasons not to fear:

1.  WE HAVE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

First of all, God said, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee."  Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."  (Hebrews 13:5).  God will always be with us regardless of what the future holds.  The psalmist wrote, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  We have an ever-present God for our ever-present need.  Why worry, then?

2.  WE ARE THE POSSESSION OF GOD

God said, "... be not dismayed; for I am thy God."  We belong to Him.  You can be sure that God will take care of His possessions.  John wrote, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..." (1 John 3:1).  God takes care of His children.  Good parents look out for their children and take care of them.  Certainly our Lord loves us and will take care of us, thus we don't need to worry or fear.

3.  WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD

Furthermore, God said, "I will strengthen thee."  God give us strength that we need at the exact time we need it.  Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Phil. 4:13).  Without Him, we can't do anything; but with Him working in us and through us, all things are possible.  Fear, worry and dread are unnecessary if the all-powerful God is at work within us.

4.  WE HAVE THE PROVISIONS OF GOD

God said, "... I will help thee."  God will provide what we need.  Paul wrote, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:13).  God never promised us a life without problems.  We will need help.  It is great to know that help is available 24 hours a day.  Help is just a prayer away. 

In my work, often I have to call an expert to help me resolve technical problems.  This is fine until I work in a location that doesn't have a telephone or cell service.  In life, I have help available all the time.  He knows the answers to my problems.  When I pray, the Lord is there to help.  Have no fear, God is near with the help we need.

5.  WE HAVE THE PROTECTION OF GOD

Finally, God said, "... I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." God keeps His children.  Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28).  The President of the United States is protected by the Secret Service.  God Himself protects the child of God.  Why fear if the Lord is protecting you?

Unbelievers have every reason to worry and fear.  For the child of God, our future is held in the hands of God.  He is in control and we can trust Him with the future!