" MULTIPURPOSE "

Isn't God gooood???

I have so much to be grateful for, I'm very sure that most of you are aware of the problems, the spiritual hits that I've been receiving as of late. You know that I care about you and your family, I pray for all of our readers. Most of the time I feel like a boxer who truly wants to win the fight. Yes I get knocked down often but by the grace of God I'm able to get back into the fight again. Yes losing my laptop was monumental as sitting in a chair at a desk is physically painful for me. God always makes a way! Please understand that no matter what you are going through God loves you very much, and is saying "Don't worry, I've got this".

Last October 12th I shared with you about my wife's new goats. I'm still amazed at these creatures of God, an animal raised for its meat and milk; yet sometimes used in religious sacrifices. These goats are a year old now, they have truly done the job that my wife and son prayed that they would and in a efficient manner. These goats have been employed to keep the vegetation and foliage managable. I truly am a blessed man, I have the opportunity to gaze outside at the wonders of God, and to sit on my front porch and pray. I'm still perplexed at how almost everything in life has a multipurpose. I sometimes watch my bride of 39 years through the window as she tends to her goats. Wow she still captivates me... What was I saying? Oh Walking from one area to another with one or more goats at a time she carries a long stick. As I watch her I also wonder what the Word of God has to say about the staff.

In Exodus 4:2 the staff is mentioned. A shepherd's staff was commonly a three - to six - foot wooden rod with a curved hook at the top. The shepherd used it for walking, guiding his sheep, killing snakes, and many other tasks. Still, it was just a stick. But God used the simple shepherd's staff Moses carried as a sign to teach him an important lesson. God sometimes takes joy in using ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. What are the ordinary things in your life - your voice, a pen, a hammer, a broom, a musical instrument ? While it is easy to assume God can use only special skills, you must not hinder his use of the everyday contributions you can make. Little did Moses imagine the power his simple staff would wield when it became the staff of God.
The most basic usage was as a walking stick or a cane. A man's staff might also be a token of identification which could serve as a pledge, i.e. a symbol of it's owner's authority or responsibility.

The word "multipurpose" having or serving several purposes. When I watch my wife with her goats, herding them from one section to another I find that the staff is a very important piece of equipment for her. I mentioned that her goats are now yearlings therefore at times they can become aggressive. I tell my wife that there's nothing like a good crack on the horns to get the attention of a goat. Before anyone writes in it doesn't hurt them, remember that they love to ram each other at full force. Certain staffs mentioned in the Bible, e.g. that Moses, with special instructions from God used his staff in connection with Divine Miracles. Moses clung securely to the shepherd's staff as he left for Egypt to face the greatest challenge of his life. THE STAFF WAS HIS ASSURANCE OF GOD'S PRESENCE AND POWER. When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilize and reassure them. For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from his word and examples from great heroes of the faith. Any Christian may cling tightly to these. Read the Bible daily.

Try to pay closer attention to what God has put in your path, I for one have been working at getting rid of stuff. When I think about it many objects in my house can multi-task. Example when I'm thirsty I rarely drink soda/pop now I drink tap water.

Have a great day in the Lord, I'll be praying for you.

Jim