What's in Your Hand?

"The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

Exodus 4:2

When the Lord called Moses from the burning bush to return to Egypt and free His people, Moses questioned how the Egyptians and Hebrews would receive him. The Lord responded, "What is that in your hand?" All Moses held was a staff. But a common staff committed to God became a tool for miracles that freed the entire Jewish nation. "An elderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about this, she realized that she could bring blessing to others by playing the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in the Oakland Tribune: 'Pianist will play hymns by phone daily for those who are sick and despondent—the service is free.' The notice included the number to dial. When people called, she would ask, 'What hymn would you like to hear?' Within a few months her playing had brought cheer to several hundred people. Many of them freely poured out their hearts to her, and she was able to help and encourage them." (Source Unknown.) The simplest things committed to the Almighty can perform wonders. What's in your hand?

Seven Principles for Living

"Trust in the LORD and do good;

         Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 

    Delight yourself in the LORD;

         And He will give you the desires of your heart. 

    Commit your way to the LORD,

         Trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Psalm 37:3-5

When I look at these verses I see seven principles for living a life that pleases God. First, put all our faith in the Lord and Him alone. He wants to be first in our lives. Second, show integrity; continue to do good to others, even if they do not do good to us. Righteousness trumps unrighteousness every time. Third, bloom where we are planted. Learning contentment whatever our circumstances is honoring to God. Fourth, joy is to be found in loving the Lord. If we look for things or other people to bring us happiness, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Only Christ can satisfy the deepest longing of our hearts. Fifth, make sure our desires align with God's word. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, IF they agree with what He says. We should look at scripture and ask ourselves, "Is what I'm asking of God in agreement with what He has said is good?" Sixth, commit to follow Him no matter if He gives us what we want or not. Seventh, trust that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. Faithfulness, integrity, contentment, joy, alignment, commitment, trust. Seven scriptural principles for a God-pleasing life.

Watch the Path

"Let your eyes look directly ahead

         And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 

Watch the path of your  feet

         And all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:25-26

Each day we have a choice of where we will go. Will we walk solidly with the Lord? Or will we veer off on our own, without considering the consequences? It takes commitment and determination to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and walk straight ahead with Him, especially in a world that regards Him as insignificant. But He has promised eternal life as our ultimate reward for following Him. That's something the world can never give us.