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September Focus - Give of Yourself
What is in Your Hand?
1) Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. (Ex. 4:1-2, NIV)
Moses was reluctant to do what God has asked him to do - demand freedom for God's people. He reasoned that he could not speak well, the Israelites wouldn't believe him, he simply could not be God's choice. God asked a simple question, "What do you have in your hand?" What do you have to offer, Moses? Something insignificant as a walking stick was used to part the Red Sea!
2) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Phil 2:3-8, NIV)
Jesus - who existed before the beginning of time, who was the One through whom all things were created, who was accustomed to constant worship by the heavenly beings - surrendered all that for our sakes. He became a human being with no glory to grandeur. Though He deserved every luxury, He was born in a stable. Though He is the King of the world, He died a criminal's death. And yet, He never grasped for more. Jesus emptied Himself (kenosis) in order to be our example of humility.
These two Scriptures represent the mindset of self giving. Whatever we have to offer to the Lord is enough. It may look as unimpressive as a walking stick, but when we willingly use our gifts and abilities for God's purpose, He can accomplish great things. But we must also be willing to begin. It may feel easier to offer money as a fix, but Jesus is our example of doing more than just that. He talked to people. He shared meals with them. He listened to their stories.
This month is a chance to be "hands on". Not just giving financially (even though that is appreciated and necessary), but also reaching out the way that Christ does.
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Email: jwilliams@churchofgodcornelius.org
Website: churchofgodcornelius.org
Location: 19525 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC, USA
Phone: 704-651-0310
Facebook: facebook.com/corneliuschurchofgod