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Listen while you read: "He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought"1 (Lyrics) |
Matthew 25:21 – His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (NIV)
As a pastor, I have seen many people do wonderful things for God that are remarkable, as well as effective. Their faith is both enthusiastic and energetic, as well as considerate and compassionate. Some people think that churches are full of self-righteous hypocrites who look down on everyone else. I must say that I have not found that to be the case in any of the congregations that I served in Scotland or in the United States. Christians may be imperfect and sinful like everyone else, but they are also moved by love to support those in need, comfort those who are grieving, and befriend those who are lonely.
The parable of the talents from Matthew 25 is about a rich person giving his servants fiscal opportunities and responsibilities while he is away from home on a long journey. The money, however, represents the gift of faith that Christ gives to each of us, His servants on earth. What we are meant to do with that precious gift is to share it with others in ways that will attract them to Jesus, too. No matter what the world tries to tell us, faith is not a private and personal thing; it is a potentially powerful present from God which can be multiplied when we honestly, sincerely, positively, and compassionately share it with our families, friends, and other people.
One day, we will be ushered into God's presence to show Him what we have done with our faith. When God expresses those beautiful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," we will instantly know that the gift that He gave us has not been hidden, diminished, or wasted, but that through our loving words and acts, faithful service, and compassionate deeds, we have multiplied our faith, pleasing both God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Point to ponder: What faith-sharing opportunities has God given me this week?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith which keeps us connected to You. Help us to share the love that we feel both for and from You, with others around us. In Your holy name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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Amen John.
John, Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Am always so happy to read your messages. They always cheer the heart and are full of good wisdom. Blessings to you.
Dear John Stuart,
I appreciate your words so much. I appreciate having heard your conversion story. Please pray for increased faith for us, your readers.
Thank you for explaining what this scripture really means.
For the last few years I am listening to a pastor over the internet. I have learned so much through his messages. I have trouble understanding what the Bible is saying to me.
Thank you for this message. I was always confused about this.
Hi John
Thank you for your devotional this morning. Sharing God’s message of love for ALL people, regardless of the issues that some churches have difficulty with, is a gift that needs to be shared. And with that in mind, as in biblical times, we who fight for the labelled ones, will find opposition. Martin Luther, was one who, by God’s grace, was ousted, because of what he believed God told him to speak up against.
I pray for our churches that our man-made veils that cover our minds and hearts will one day be removed. I look forward to that day when we ALL hold hands and dance together around the throne of God.
Dear John Stewart,
Thank you for the reassuring and challenging devotional that urges on to be faithful witnesses.
Let us pray that God will give all of his saved ones a kind and effective approach to the unsaved, and to persons needing any kind of help to grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer — Lord, please cause us to be effective in using words of loving kindness.
Hi John,
God gives me a number of faith opportunities every day, but sometimes I just can’t do everything I should, time runs out and I am tired, so I have to be selective. I hope you understand.
Thank you for writing.