Hidden Talents

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 25:29

Many might be familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master allotted money of various amounts to 3 different servants. Those who were given more money, invested and grew the amount. The one who was given the least hid the money but eventually lost it. I heard a message last weekend, where the pastor said, "Hiding your talents communicates to God that you are unappreciative". Yikes. It made me reflect... what has God given us that we haven't fully accepted? Are we walking in purpose? A form of worship is using the gifts that God gave us to glorify him. What are you doing with your talents? 

Tried and True

"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30 

Do you ever find yourself doubting God? Of course you would probably never say that aloud, but the heart tells a different story. Fear, anxiety, worry, and the need to rush God are all signs that we don't trust the God's ways are perfect. God's word has been tried and true. As believers, we have a relationship to the same God who parted the Red Sea, delivered Jonah from the belly of the whale, and raised Jesus from the dead. Just because we don't understand God's timeline, doesn't mean that we should question it. Surrender whatever it is that's holding you back and causing unrest in your spirit. Happy Monday! 

Wake Up

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 

I believe that God is perfect and sovereign which means that all of his children have a special anointing to impact the world. However, just like Esther, we have a choice to take action or to stay silent. What is it that God is calling you to do in this season? Whatever it is, make Jesus famous. As the song says, "Wake up child, it's your time to shine, you were born for such a time as this"-Jake Hamilton, The Anthem. Happy Thursday! 

...as unto The Lord

"Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master" Proverbs 25:13 

The messenger in this verse can be likened to an employee and the master to an employer. The Bible tells us to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23 ). As believers we should be described as teachable, adaptable, trustworthy, dependable, and a pleasure to be around. We should be a help and not a hindrance. How are your relationships with your superiors? How can you refresh their spirit? How can you serve God while serving others? Happy Wednesday!

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" Ephesians 6:7

Thrive where you're planted

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." Psalm 1:3

I read a quote this morning that said, "if you're not growing, you're dying." It almost sounds harsh until it's applied to a tangible example- like a plant. If it's not flourishing and being fed, it's withering. Unlike a plant, we have a choice of where we live and if we thrive or die. Are you planted on good ground (a healthy church)? Is your environment (circle of friends) fueling you with harmful of helpful nutrients. Are you in direct son-light (plugging into God as your power source)? If not, you're not growing. Today, think of some areas that you may be malnourished, submit them to God, and grow, grow, grow! Happy Tuesday! 

Co-Heirs with Christ

"And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering." Romans 8:17 

In the past few weeks, I have had several conversations with people about how their work lives haven't exactly turned out how they imagined. From layoffs, impending job loss, and beginning a new job search, God has used me as a vessel to speak life into a situation and offer prayer and support. However, there should be a difference in how believers react to suffering and disappointment and how the world does. Jesus paid the price for us to not be consumed by stress, feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and hurt. When we begin to let those emotions overtake us, it's time to surrender them. We know that we will face trials and tribulations. Pray for God's strength to endure through the trials instead of being crippled by them. Happy Wednesday!