Whose Hand Are You In? | Moses | Pastor Steve Andres

How has God prepared you to be a blessing? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our MOSES series with a message about servant-leadership.Exodus 18:1Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how the Lord had rescued them from Egypt.After the miracle of the Red Sea, after the waters of Marah and Elim, after the battle with the Amalekites, Moses is taking a crash-course on leadership. Jethro comes to give him a lesson that will save his life.1) Kindred spirits nurture rejoicing. Familiar spirits nurture resentments. Pay attention to how people tell their story. If God‘s goodness and redemption don’t take center stage, be careful. Like Jethro, good friends and family nurture a spirit of gratitude and hope.2) Sin complicates your life in all the worst ways. God’s blessings complicate your life in all the best ways.When God blesses your life, it will always require a leveling up. Moses is experiencing a whole new set of challenges that require greater wisdom and greater character. 3) Other people can see beyond what you say.Moses gives a report on what is happening, but the next day, Jethro sees what Moses didn’t say, and he challenges Moses to change. Who have you invited into your life to SEE beyond what you SAY? 4) Gifting won't take you any farther than your character can sustain.Jethro tells Moses to select capable leaders who are honest. One of the worst things that can happen to a person is to have gifting that outpaces their character. 1 Timothy 4:16Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.Skill and integrity go hand in hand. Don’t do so much working that you stop watching your own life and character. 5) The Spirit gives gifts to everyone. Love activates those gifts.Everyone has been given gifts to build up the body of Christ. The only two reasons those gifts aren’t in operation is because people are disqualified by sin or because they are withholding because of a lack of love. How has God graced you to be a blessing to those around you? Consider a few things:YOUR PASSION. What professional skills have you developed? What excites you about the church’s mission? YOUR PEOPLE. Who do you know that you would enjoy serving with? Often this is a great first step to find your fit. Who are you interested in serving? YOUR PAST. Where did you first experience the grace of God? What challenges has God helped you overcome? What past pain has equipped you to encourage someone today?YOUR PACE. What time does this season of life allow for you to wisely commit? What does a healthy balance look like with your family, work and other commitments?God is able to use everyone to encourage and build up the body of Christ. Remember, it’s not the instrument that matters most, but whose hand it is in!