From the Pastor's Desk

Having just been commissioned to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, Moses was apprehensive about how the Egyptians, and even his countrymen, would react. But the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A rod," Moses answered. Then He said to him in Exodus 4:17, "And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs." Most of us are familiar with the great miracles associated with that rod when Moses obeyed the Lord. It was insignificant in itself, but it became a powerful instrument when committed to the Lord.

The Lord used that rod to cause 10 plagues on Egypt before Pharaoh would the let the children of Israel go. Then when they were at the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army behind them, God had Moses use the rod to divide the waters so they could cross on dry land. When the children of Israel complained of lack of water, God had Moses use the rod to strike the rock, which caused water to come out for them to drink. God took what was in Moses' hand and used it for His glory.

An elderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about this, she realized that she could bring blessings 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.

What is it that God has placed in your hand? May I encourage you to use it for His glory? You never know what a blessing you can be to others by just using what God has placed in your hands.

Pastors Tim & Katrina