e-Worship

Pastor Jeff shared about hearing God’s call in his message yesterday. As I listened to Mike Woody and Debbie Roth share, I heard them share about some of the stages in the journey of discipleship. Mike shared that, although he wasn’t absolutely certain if whether what he heard was from God or not, he was acting in faith and continuing to keep himself open. Debbie shared that, in obedience to what she has heard from God, she has had to step “out of her box” in many areas.

This morning, my Bible study was in the book of Exodus and I read about God’s call to Moses. Moses is famous for making excuses, but God offers him comfort and assurance of His presence in the midst of the journey. After many counters to God’s call, it seems that God, in exasperation of Moses’ doubts, responds:

"Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak." (Exodus 4:11-12, NRSV)

While I have many times stuck my foot in my mouth, I have also experienced God "being with my mouth" innumerable times. I have had my share of doubts as God draws me deeper into service for Him, but I have never had as much joy as when I have responded in spite of the doubts and seen God move in the lives and hearts of others.

The call to “Go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19) is the call to each of us. During this season of Christmas, each of us will have ample opportunities to be God’s mouthpiece. People are often more receptive to spiritual matters during the holidays. The door is open for us to embark on a journey of telling the news of Jesus. What better way to prepare our hearts to receive Him than to bring someone else along for the journey!

I have a print in my office that is captioned, “It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.” It is my hope and prayer that as we journey toward Bethlehem this year, we will listen to God’s call to share the news and bring others along with us.

Journeying to the manger,
Barbara