Shared Strength

 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. ~ Hebrews 13:15

Moses was admittedly weak of tongue and all-but refused the job that God set before him in a blaze of burning glory. He doubted his own strength and abilities to complete the assignment of bringing God’s people out of Egyptian slavery and into the promised land. Little did Moses realize that his greatest tribulations would not come from the hard-hearted Pharaoh of Egypt, but the ungrateful, complaining hearts of God’s chosen people. Time and time again the Israelites cried out to Moses with complaints to which Moses replied something to the effect: “Am I God? Cry out to God!”

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The lips of God’s own, newly-delivered people did not acknowledge His name; rather the embittered Israelites questioned the intentions of the one whom God sent. Why have you brought us here to die? It was better for us in Egypt. Did you bring us here for us to hunger and thirst to death?

But in each case, Moses produced fruit of lips that acknowledged God’s name. He petitioned the Father on the people’s behalf and interceded when as yet the Intercessor, Christ Jesus, had come. Moses was a godly, gracious leader who lived continually in the practice of praising and petitioning God. Yes, his temper had the better part of him on a few occasions, but his example is primarily exemplary.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.~Hebrews 13:16

Sometimes that which we are called to share is simply our strength.

Moses, shortly after exiting Egypt, appointed Joshua to gather men to fight with Amalek. Moses, with the staff the Lord had provided at the burning bush, went up to the top of a hill overlooking the battleground. He took his brother and spokesman, Aaron, and another man, Hur, with him. As the battle raged, Moses discovered that whenever he held up his hands, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Moses needed his hands to be lifted high towards heaven in order for the battle to be won. A stance of surrender, a stance of awe and praise towards God. But oh how we grow tired and weary in battle!

But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ~Exodus 17:12

Sun Set

Are you a Moses in your own time, or perhaps you know a fellow servant like Moses? Remember, Moses needed a rock on which to rest and friends to help him persevere in a surrendered posture until the setting of the sun.

Could it be that God has brought us into someone’s life for such a time as this to stand alongside and declare, “I am here to serve you with the strength God has given me until the sun sets on your battle.”

May we find the practice of praise amidst our arsenal and the pursuit to serve one another in our creed. May we see each other to the sunset and our arms can rest in Him.

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Labor and Contentment

 

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As we celebrate Labor Day, a day to honor the workers of America, there are some points of contentment for us to consider.

In Acts chapter 17, Paul is explaining to the Greeks in Athens that God placed man in his determined dwelling places at their appointed times so that they would seek after Him and find Him though He is not far from us.  God has placed us here at this time for His purposes and our good. Likewise, He has blessed us with the resources that we now posses in order that we would use them for His glory.

The resources that God has granted us are a gift from His hand that can be removed at any moment. Today as we rest from our labors, why not reflect on our present level of contentment with what we have and take time to be grateful?

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” ~Luke 12:15

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. ~1 Timothy 6:6-8

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~Hebrews 13:5

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. ~Psalms 119:36-37

I am very grateful to live in the land of opportunity and freedom. I want to protect these God-given rights and offer up the sacrifice of praise to God, the giver of all good gifts, with a heart of contentment and as a worker approved.

Happy Labor Day friends! Thank you for how you serve your fellow-man and the Risen Savor with your labors. May we continue to work in such a way as to bring Him glory and our brothers and sisters good. May we serve out of a contented heart; grateful for all that we are given.

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What I Am Reading Wednesday

{Alternately Entitled} What I Am Eating Wednesday

My favorite mom and pop store in my hometown was a hardware store. The wood flooring easily indicated where everyone was in the store as a hollow sound resonated with each step.

The bins and bins of bolts, nuts, nails, and screwdrivers provided ample opportunity for my sister and I to rummage. Perhaps the old-time feel came from the Coca-Cola machine. When you put your quarters in, a beautiful glass bottle rolled out to your palm. The cool refreshing drink was made even more delicious by the quality of the packaging and the novel experience.

This is the way that millions feel about the popular fast-food chain, Chick-fil-A’s, service.

Coca-Cola and Chick-fil-A have a relationship that goes perhaps 80 years back.  Founder of Chick-fil-A, S. Truett Cathy was selling Coca-Cola long before he “invented” the chicken sandwich. As a young boy, Mr. Cathy learned the power of a profit. He would buy a 6-pack case of Coca-Cola for 25 cents then sell each one door-to-door for a nickel each. Making a nickel’s profit per case.

Mr. Cathy recently published, Wealth is it Worth it?

This is a fast, insightful read that I would liken to the easy reading of,Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. Mr. Cathy uses brief personal stories and narratives of other wealthy men and women to help the reader determine if wealth is worth the cost. Multiple pages interspersed throughout with insightful business and life-quotes make great inspirational points that readers will walk away quoting.

The Chick-fil-A story is one that teaches readers the power of business which considers consumers as customers with a story, not merely a means to make money.

Additionally, Chick-fil-A is committed to helping you write new stories in your family with special nights like Daddy Daughter Date Night.

Last night, my husband and I received a copy of Wealth: Is It Worth It? at our local Chick-fil-A Customer Appreciation Dinner.   Here are some photograph highlights:

 

As our final parting gift, we were given a first taste of Chick-fil-A’s new chocolate chunk cookies due in stores next month. I ate mine this morning with a hot cup of black tea…it is the best chocolate chip cookie that my mama didn’t make! Be sure and purchase one in April. It may be the treat to eat while reading Mr. Cathy’s book.

 To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” ~Chick-fil-A Mission Statement, Wealth Is It Worth It

That’s what I am reading this Wednesday. What about you?

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