To the Work!

 

Tonight in my women’s Bible study, we will begin looking at and working through the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. While some think that Jesus’ parables are just little stories He told, we have come to realize that there are deep thoughts in each parable and plenty of ways to relate these lessons in our lives. Today’s lesson is no different.

 

There’s a Florence Nightingale quote in our lesson book that should stir each heart. See if you don’t agree.

 

DSC02392m“If I could give you information of my life it would be show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything.”[i]

 

In the parable of the talents, we see three men given different amounts of money. Two invested the money stewarded to them. They worked hard at making something of what was given to them. They were rewarded by making more money and blessed by their master.

 

The third man worked…just a little. He dug a hole and buried the money. Obviously, nothing was gained by this action and by doing so, enraged the master.

 

How much or how little are you working for your Master? How much or how little are you using your talents for the Kingdom of God? How much or how little are you developing the talents that have been entrusted to you?

 

Much like Florence Nightingale, we are ordinary people. Nothing extremely special about you or I. But when we allow God to work through us and when we put our own hard work into it, God will do some remarkable work. Perhaps some of His best work.

 

Today I pray that you will take a look at your talents and skills and determine whether you are using them for God’s good. If not, what changes need to be made?

 

I also pray that you will ask God to use you in a way you can’t even imagine. Use you in a way that is outside your comfort zone or abilities. When He does, it will be in those moments that you will know God had His hand in it.

 

Let’s get to work!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of Jesus, Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose, David C. Cook, 2009, page 167.

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Pray Continually

 

Do you recall my “How I Want to Live” list? These ten things are what I want to be doing on a daily basis. Here they are again.

 

Choose joy.

Know God’s Word.

Live abundantly.

Speak truth.

Forgive.

Pray continually.

Serve wholeheartedly.

Give generously.

Be thankful.

Love.

 

This is a good reminder for me. It’s how I want to live my life. It’s what I want to be remembered for. It’s who I must be. Big list. Big desires.

 

Pray continuously is a discipline that I continually work through. Of course, there are those “popcorn prayers” that are continuously in my thoughts. Praying for that person who I said I’d pray for. Praying for my husband as he drives out of the driveway. Praying for my pastor before he begins his Sunday message.

 

These prayers do fall into the “pray continuously” category. But there are also times when I must spend more time with God. Times I need to have a deep conversation with God. Or perhaps just longer conversations.

 

I believe the little girl in me has come to life. I have fallen in love with coloring. While I could just color to be coloring, I have found that when I combine this art form with my prayer time, I am more engaged, alert and find I pray for longer periods of time.

 

You’ve heard this concept from me in the past. This isn’t new. But now that I’ve searched for coloring pages that have a spiritual theme, I’m hooked even more. Praying through a verse of Scripture while coloring brings God’s Word to a fun, new level for me.

 

Now I have worked with kids in my lifetime. Perhaps you have too. Do you recall that one of the activities children do while in Sunday School is color? And what are they coloring? A verse of Scripture or a picture of a Biblical story, right? So why not use these same tools in our adult life? Sorry, I can’t think of any reason not to.

 

I’d like to share some coloring pages that I will be using in my prayer time. Perhaps you will find coloring to be a great tool for you as well.

 

How would you pray through 1 Corinthians 13?

Pray through 1 Corinthians 13

 

Praying through the rooms of your home

Pray through the rooms of your home

 

Praying for your neighbors

Pray for your neighbors

 

Prayer at Easter

Prayer at Easter

 

Pray for your friends

Pray for your friends (Proverbs 17:17)

 

I know this form of praying isn’t for everyone. If not, I understand. But let’s not forget that any time we spend with our Lord and Savior is time well spent. Just a thought.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Hymnals – Monday Musical Musings

 

Hymnals. These beautiful books line the pews of church buildings throughout the world. Within the pages of these books are hundreds of “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19) In our newer hymnals, you’ll find praise music in addition.

 

???????????????????????????????There is more to the hymnal than just music however. Oh yes, I love some of the old hymns. Songs like “I Love to Tell the Story” and “Praise Him! Praise Him!” will always top my favorite list. But there are little pieces of inspiration intertwined with these hymns. You’ll find them noted as “Call to Worship” or in some hymnals, “Services and Medleys.”

 

These calls to worship are words that would be spoken by the worship leader and in response, the people would respond. These words were passages of Scripture that would lead into a song or a grouping of songs. Here are a few that might interest you (if you click on the song, you’ll be able to listen to each piece).

 

The Name of Jesus

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9-11

Songs: “There Is No Name So Sweet on Earth,” “His Name is Wonderful,” “There’s Something About that Name,” and “Blessed Be the Name.”

 

He is Risen! Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-6

Songs: “Alleluia! Alleluia!,” “Christ Arose,” and “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.”

 

God’s Amazing Grace

Scripture Reading: John 1:16-17; 13:1; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 John 4:9-10

Songs: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin,” “Amazing Grace,” and “And Can It Be?

 

How powerful these musical medleys are! As I searched for each song, I was stirred by their words and how music added to their meaning. How blessed we are!

 

I pray that you have felt like you’ve been in a worship service this morning. Each moment of our lives should express worship to our God and King. So as you go about your day, remember the grace, the love and the Name of Him who gave so much for you.

 

You have been called to worship.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A Snowy Morning

 

Good snowy morning from Colorado! We don’t have a lot of snow where we live, but apparently some areas of my state was hit pretty hard. This morning a lot of churches cancelled services. But not Rocky!

 

unnamedRocky partners will be gathering this morning for fellowship with one another as well as hearing a message from God’s Word (Acts 4). We will reflect on our lives as we partake of the Lord’s Supper and spend time in prayer (Acts 2:42). And I know that we have two baptisms scheduled to take place this morning. It is going to be great Lord’s Day.

 

Now I also know that there will be people who are unable to get out in this weather. I have family and friends all around the country who have to make this same decision today. The main thing is safety. You will be missed, but please make your own decision about getting out and traveling.

 

Whether you will be worshiping in a church building or in your living room today, as believers we are “one in heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32) A little snow cannot keep us apart as we are united in God’s Spirit.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about keeping our eyes where they should be. Also good advice on this snowy day. Enjoy!

 

Where Are Your Eyes?

 

This week my daughter had a mishap with her vehicle. She took her eyes off the road for just a few moments and she veered to the right. Her tires hit the loose gravel; she started to skid and then over corrected. When her car came to a stop, she was in a marshy area very close to a small lake. She was pretty scared.

 

Fortunately, there was no real damage to the car or to herself. One tire needed to be fixed, but the worst part was how muddy her car was. The entire white car was covered with splashes of mud. Front to back. Side to side. Even on top.

 

Peter also had an experience where he was distracted and ultimately found that he was lacking faith. Jesus sent the disciples out onto the lake ahead while He spent time in prayer. In the middle of the night, Jesus met them somewhere on the Sea of Galilee.

 

Frightened, they cried out. Jesus told them not to be afraid because He was coming to them. Peter wasn’t so sure and asked for proof. Jesus simply said, “Come.”

 

Peter stepped out of the boat and began the journey toward Jesus. However, the waves frightened Peter. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus. Just for a moment. Suddenly, Peter began to sink and he cried out for the Master to save him.

 

Another lesson in faithlessness was taught to Peter that night. Jesus reached out to Peter and together they climbed into the boat. The wind died down and the group believed Jesus to be the Son of God. (Matthew 14:22-33)

 

Oh, how I feel that faithlessness at times. I know I should believe. I know I shouldn’t doubt. But I do. And Jesus says the same thing to me that He said to Peter. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

I too, take my eyes off of Jesus and need to be rescued by the Savior. I reach out my hand and repent for my lack of faith.

 

Good thing for me, Jesus doesn’t tire of pulling me out of the water.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Delight

 

The snow has started to fall here in Colorado. I wish I could express to you how beautiful it is. Big snowflakes slowly making their way to the ground. Delightful.

 

snowflake2As I considered the delightful snow, I thought of how God delights in us, His creation. Over and over in Scripture we see God’s delight. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) expresses it this way. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

How refreshing! But I know that there are moments when I’m not so delightful. It’s in those moments that I need to recall what delights God. Let’s look at a few.

 

  • God delights in those who fear Him and wait for His loving-kindness (Psalm 147:11)
  • God delights in those who are just (Proverbs 11:1)
  • God delights in those who walk blamelessly (Proverbs 11:20)
  • God delights in those who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22)

 

What I find most appealing is that I can always find delight in God. God doesn’t have mood swings. He is delightful…all the time. Scripture points out where our delight should rest. Let’s see what we can find.

 

  • We delight in God because God will deliver (1 Samuel 2:1)
  • We delight in God because God’s Name is to be revered (Nehemiah 1:11)
  • We delight in God because of His law (Psalm 1:2)
  • We delight in God because of our inheritance (Psalm 16:6)
  • We delight in God because of our salvation through Him (Psalm 35:9)
  • We delight in God because His great works (Psalm 111:2)
  • We delight in God because His statutes, decrees, laws and commands are delightful (Psalm 119)
  • We delight in God because of what He has clothed us with (Isaiah 61:10-11)
  • We delight in God because we bear His Name (Jeremiah 15:16)

 

You may not find delight in the weather today, but know that you can always find delight in God, your Savior. And how blessed we are to know that He finds delight in us!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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