Excuses Are Like Armpits…

            Excuses are like armpits, everybody has them and they stink.  In Exodus 3, God calls Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.  Instead of accepting God’s call, Moses makes excuses to weasel his way out.  First excuse, Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Ex. 3:11).  God reminds him that He will be with him.  Second excuse, Moses wants to know what he will say to the people when they inquire the Lord’s name (Ex. 3:13).  God responds with, “I AM WHO I AM.”   Third excuse, Moses said, “Suppose they will not believe me” (Ex. 4:1).  God reassures him by showing him signs and wonders.  Fourth excuse Moses brings to God is, “I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Ex. 4:10).  God challenges him by asking, “Who has made man’s mouth?... Have not I, the Lord?” 

            Like Moses, God has called us on a mission to “Seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  What excuse will you give to God in order to weasel your way out of accomplishing this mission?  God has a response for any excuse you would like to offer.   Excuses are like armpits, everybody has them and they stink.  God doesn’t want your excuses, He wants results.  

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I pray that you have a safe and happy holiday, but be reminded of the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"  May you be thankful to the one who gives all good and perfect gifts from above. 

Your Spiritual Guidence

 Proverbs 3 is filled with great insight and reminders for us.  Notice what is found in the first four verses.  Solomon says:

Verse 1 - Don't forget God's law!             Why?   (v.2) You will have long life and peace. 

Verse 3 - Don't forsake mercy & truth!    How?  (v.3)  Write them on your heart 

Verse 4 - Find favor with God & men!     When? (v.4) All the time.  (implied) 

Notice the sequential order they have.  If you don't forget God's laws then you will know truth and mercy.  If you have truth and mercy then you will find favor with God and men.  May you strive everyday to exhibit these traits!  May God bless you as you serve Him.   

Recipe for Growing the Church

In Acts 2 we have the beginnings of the New Testament church.  Right here it shows us how we can grow the kingdom of God. Here is the recipe given for how to grow the church:

1. 1 Cup of encouragement & 1 Cup of the hope of salvation (Acts 2:40).
2. Submerge a person underwater and immediately raise up saved (Acts 2:41).
3. Mix together people for fellowship, continue adding doctrine and prayers (Acts 2:42).
4. Add a handful of the fear of God (Acts 2:43)
5. Combine all things together and distribute evenly (Acts 2:44)
6. Knead Christians by meeting together, eating together, and constant contact with one another (Acts 2:46)
7. 1 Heart full of praise for God & a coating of favor with all people (Acts 2:47)

Let us be a part of the Lord's church. Let's grow!