Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
September 5, 2021
Read Matthew 25:14-21
14 “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving on a trip. He called his servants and handed his possessions over to them. 15 To one he gave five valuable coins, and to another he gave two, and to another he gave one. He gave to each servant according to that servant’s ability. Then he left on his journey. 16 “After the man left, the servant who had five valuable coins took them and went to work doing business with them. He gained five more. 17 In the same way, the one who had two valuable coins gained two more. 18 But the servant who had received the one valuable coin dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. 19 “Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received five valuable coins came forward with five additional coins. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Excellent! You are a good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’
Good Morning! Well done, good and faithful servant!
Yesterday was a beautiful day! I’m starting to see the tinge of reds, golds, and oranges on the sugar maples lining my road. Soon, the trees will be full of glorious fall color. It’s always funny as we begin this transition into a new season. I don’t seem to care so much which season it is, but I love the change: the sights, the sounds, and the smells. This is a bit contradictory to my idea of change in general, but seasonal changes are different. As part of a yearly cycle, we know the pattern so we can anticipate the change within the realm of what we know.
Today’s passage, the parable of the talents, is an often read passage and is the topic of many sermons. Each of us is blessed by God with unique gifts. We are called to share our gifts as we reach out in service to others. When we bury our gift in the ground as the third servant did, there is no potential for growth and the gift is of no use. If you raise a bountiful crop of tomatoes, you are called to share with others because otherwise a portion of your harvest will go to waste. God knows each of us intimately and provides our gifts in accordance with our ability. For those who have much, share much. For those with some, share some. For those with a little, share a little. When we follow the model of Christ, we will be blessed when our Lord calls us home and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. You bless us in so many ways. May we take stock of what we have been given and share our gifts with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I focus my mind and heart on scripture, God can transform my life.
Use your gifts today! Pastor Liz
Comentarios