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Peace Moravian Church

Pastor Doss delivered a sermon message dealing with the matter of “reflection”…self-examination of our faith values, a review of our service efforts in Christ’s name, and an overall assessment of our individual relationships with God. It was a message appropriate to any time, but especially important in this season of Lent as we look to prepare ourselves, examine our lifestyles as they relate to our faith values, and seek to make changes in both our lifestyles and attitudes.

Referencing our assigned Gospel Lesson for the day, Luke 4:1-13, Pastor Doss began his message by speaking of the actions and reactions of Jesus as he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness…forty days of challenge, including the consumption of no food. We know the story of the temptations well. Each time Jesus was tempted, he responded by quoting Scripture, thus showing his unwavering loyalty to God the Father. Pastor Doss also referenced our reading from the Book of Deuteronomy (26:1-11) as he told about Moses’ address to the people of Israel as they were about to enter the long-awaited Promised Land. In this passage, as Pastor Doss pointed out, Moses challenges the people to be sensitive and alert to the ways God had sustained them over the years.

Pastor Doss indicated that we, in this season of Lent, need to hear these words, and he went on to list three points that we should heed. They are:

(1) As children of God, we are to acknowledge God and his meaning to our lives. As children of God, and learning from the experience of Moses and the Israelites, we are to know that we have a new life in Christ, are entering a new land of opportunity, and should be busy about doing God’s work. Moses told the people of Israel to acknowledge God, serve him, and honor him…thus putting first things first. He further challenged them to take the first gatherings from their harvest and offer them in the Temple in thanksgiving. So doing was a way for the people to acknowledge God’s grace to them. In modern-day terms, our “harvest” comes from our paychecks, the fruits of our labors, and it is from our paychecks that we are to take those “first fruits” and offer them to God as an acknowledgement of his grace upon us. As Pastor Doss stated, when we receive our paychecks, do we give God the “first fruits” or do we pay our bills and then offer to him from what we have left? Do we give God “first fruits” or “leftovers?” We know which is appropriate for us to do, but do we “practice what we preach?”

Pastor Doss then touched on the matter of offering the “first fruits” of our time, talents, and other non-monetary resources to God. For those who tithe their money, do you also tithe your time…which would amount to 2.4 hours per day. This suggested tithe would include things like prayer time, Bible study, service to others, etc. Given that the season of Lent is a time for us to reflect on what we are offering God, perhaps it is also a most appropriate time to examine our individual efforts of service to him. Again, it can be said: In regard to your time, talents, and other skills, are you offering God “first fruits” or “leftovers?” Combining these efforts and using them to reach out into our community would do a lot of good for those in need, and it would invite others, those outside our church family, to want to join in. Acknowledging God and reflecting on his meaning to our lives means putting him first in our lives and then living to that proclamation…walking the walk, talking the talk!

(2) Deny yourself! Pastor Doss asked, “What is the priority of your life?” Each of us, as Pastor Doss pointed out, has active schedules, our days are busy with a flurry of activities, and we often have little time left for God. But, in order to give our “first fruits” to him, we have to give him top priority in our lives, even if it means denying ourselves of some things, rearranging our schedules to do those things that bring us closer to him, and adjusting our focus to always stay mindful of doing those things that please him. It’s a matter of attitude! As guidance, Moses suggested that the people recite the story of their pilgrim journeys as they made their offerings of “first fruits,” recalling all that God had done for them. The same works for us today. As we are organizing our offerings of money, time, talents, and skills, we should mentally recall God’s faithfulness to us as we have traveled through life. Undoubtedly, everyone will come to realize that God has been more than generous in providing for them, faithful in his promises and support, and always present. There may be times when we were not aware of God’s presence in our lives, but he was there!

(3) We are called as God’s children, and we hold a special place in his heart. In appreciation of his great love for us, we are to give our “best” to him. Doesn’t it warm your heart to know that you are so loved. God loves you…what sweet words to hear. There is great truth in that promise, and his promise holds true for each and every one of us. Because God so loves us, he sent his son Jesus Christ into this world to die for our sins. Because of this, we should feel honored to always offer our best to God in recognition of his great love.

Beginning now, won’t you review what you are offering to God in both monetary resources and time and talent services. As you do, keep in mind what God has done for you over the period of your lifetime. Where can you make improvements in your relationship to God that will acknowledge and honor him? What steps are you willing to take to make those improvements a reality? Acknowledge God and his meaning to “your life."

NOTE:

This message was prepared by Francis Snyder, a member of Peace Moravian Church, Charlotte, NC. It is intended to be an instrument for the fulfillment of the purpose of carrying the Good News of Jesus Christ out into the world. If you have enjoyed this message, please share it with friends and family members. Additionally, share it with someone who does not yet know the grace of Jesus Christ that is available to all. May it go forward to reach many hearts!