10-8-2014

Good Morning All,

          Ephesians 2: 10; “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

     So what do you want to be when you grow up?  It is a question that we ask of our children as they grow up.  It often starts as an interesting way to play with children and to help them grow in their imagination.  As they are young they want to be cowboys, super heroes, princesses and the like.  As they get older, we encourage them to start looking at things that they enjoy, have a passion for or an affinity to do.  As they get even older we encourage them to look at what it takes to pursue the job or occupation that they desire.   How much schooling does it take?  Where are the jobs located?  Do you like the other parts of the job and not just the “glory” parts?  Do you have the needed skills for this job or do you need to begin dream number 2?  All these go into the ultimate answer, what do you want to be when you grow up?

    As a Christian, what do you want to be when you grow up?  How you view Scriptures helps determine how you answer this.  Do you read the Bible and think “I am a trumpet” or do you read it, “I am a singer”?  There is a difference.  Some think that the Bible says that God has planned your entire life out; he has decided this is what you will do, so there is nothing for us to do.  When God decides you will do something; you will do it.  These people think they are trumpets.  They are simply instruments that God uses to accomplish his plan or goal.

   Or, do you read the Scriptures as telling us that God gives us gifts and talents.  God gives to us the skills and he gives us the wisdom to choose and he gives us the freedom to respond.  These people think they are singers.  God gives to them and they respond to God.  God makes us partners in the spreading of his kingdom.  God has given to you the task of spreading the message of reconciliation throughout the world.  God has made you a light to the world and he wants you to shine in this world. 

   I would encourage you to be a singer.  God has given to us as his children so much that we should desire to give to others.  He gives us all sorts of talents which can be used in many different ways; much like a singer can sing a song in different ways.  He can sing it to different melodies, different octaves, solo or part of a group; these are just a few ways to sing a song.  God gives us the gifts so don’t be afraid to try.  Many people refuse to move because they are afraid that they can’t do it or will do it wrong.  This is the devil at his best work; keeping God’s children from acting on behalf of God in this world.

    So go out and be a singer, joyfully sharing God’s mercy and grace.  It might be as grand as going to some foreign land as a missionary or it might be telling your grandchild about Jesus.  All are God’s work and all are part of God’s plan; the spreading of the kingdom of heaven.  Trust God to give you the skill, the desire and the strength to go forth in the works he has laid out for you.

Gracious Father, move me by your Spirit to go boldly out into the world and to share your mercy.  Give me the courage to respond to your call and to use the gifts that you give to me to bring your salvation to those in need.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret