A Devotional Thought: "Tired Arms".
We're having an ice problem. Perhaps you've noticed. There is a build up of ice that forms right in front of the side door to the church. Tony Verlinden has helped by building a small ramp that we place in front of the door that keeps the ice from freezing on the cement, but it didn't get put in front of the door yesterday and I had to chop ice with the "ice chopper" (I'm sure there's a more accurate name for it). I find I have to be careful when I use the "ice chopper" because my hands shake for over an hour after I'm finished. My writing becomes unreadable and my typing is slowed (and I do a lot of writing and typing). It's weird. No, I don't think it's anything to be concerned about, probably just using muscles I don't normally use.
In Exodus 17, there's this neat story about how when Moses hands were lifted up, the armies of Israel were victorious. But when Moses arms got tired and he lowered them, the armies were defeated (Exodus 17:10-13). I'm reminded that there are many who are doing good, serving God, and whose arms sometimes get tired. What a beautiful picture of supporting others we find in verse 12, "When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset" (Exodus 17:12, NLT).
Who needs help holding their arms up today?
Sermon Recap: If You Want to Grow Up, You Have to Get Your Hands Dirty.
Key Verse from Sunday: "...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." -Ephesians 4:12, NIV.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
We are all called to serve. Some need to step it up. Some need to slow it down. But we all need to be in the game.
i. The Why of Service is Obedience to Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12a
ii. Service is Necessary for our Spiritual Growth.
Ephesians 4:12b
iii. One Product of Our Service is Unity.
Ephesians 4:13a
iv. The Outcome of Our Service is Maturity.
Ephesians 4:13b-14
v. The Focus of Our Service is Jesus.
Ephesians 4:15-16
vi. The Reward for Our Service is for God to Figure Out.
Matthew 25:21
Question(s) for Reflection
Does it really make any difference as to the motivation for our service? Serving is serving, right? What do you think?
I welcome your comments.
-Jason
We're having an ice problem. Perhaps you've noticed. There is a build up of ice that forms right in front of the side door to the church. Tony Verlinden has helped by building a small ramp that we place in front of the door that keeps the ice from freezing on the cement, but it didn't get put in front of the door yesterday and I had to chop ice with the "ice chopper" (I'm sure there's a more accurate name for it). I find I have to be careful when I use the "ice chopper" because my hands shake for over an hour after I'm finished. My writing becomes unreadable and my typing is slowed (and I do a lot of writing and typing). It's weird. No, I don't think it's anything to be concerned about, probably just using muscles I don't normally use.
In Exodus 17, there's this neat story about how when Moses hands were lifted up, the armies of Israel were victorious. But when Moses arms got tired and he lowered them, the armies were defeated (Exodus 17:10-13). I'm reminded that there are many who are doing good, serving God, and whose arms sometimes get tired. What a beautiful picture of supporting others we find in verse 12, "When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset" (Exodus 17:12, NLT).
Who needs help holding their arms up today?
Sermon Recap: If You Want to Grow Up, You Have to Get Your Hands Dirty.
Key Verse from Sunday: "...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." -Ephesians 4:12, NIV.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
We are all called to serve. Some need to step it up. Some need to slow it down. But we all need to be in the game.
i. The Why of Service is Obedience to Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12a
ii. Service is Necessary for our Spiritual Growth.
Ephesians 4:12b
iii. One Product of Our Service is Unity.
Ephesians 4:13a
iv. The Outcome of Our Service is Maturity.
Ephesians 4:13b-14
v. The Focus of Our Service is Jesus.
Ephesians 4:15-16
vi. The Reward for Our Service is for God to Figure Out.
Matthew 25:21
Question(s) for Reflection
Does it really make any difference as to the motivation for our service? Serving is serving, right? What do you think?
I welcome your comments.
-Jason
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