Daily Verse
Wednesday, August 26
Acts 21:19 NKJV
When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Explanation
This verse shows Paul respectfully greeting James and the elders before carefully recounting the work God accomplished among the Gentiles, emphasizing that the success of his ministry was God’s work rather than personal achievement; the phrase told in detail highlights transparency, accountability, and the importance of testifying to God’s faithfulness, while through his ministry clarifies that Paul functioned as an instrument through which God acted.
Application:
Believers are encouraged to give God the glory when sharing testimonies, recognizing that ministry fruit results from God’s power working through obedient servants rather than human effort alone.
Practical Introduction to the Verse
Acts 21:19 teaches that testimony is an act of worship and accountability, reminding believers that recounting God’s work strengthens unity, faith, and clarity within the church.
Background
- Author: Luke, a physician and close companion of Paul, wrote Acts as a carefully documented historical narrative emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Book: Acts records the spread of the gospel beyond Israel and into the Gentile world through God’s power.
- Context: Acts 21 records Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem and his meeting with James and the elders; verse 19 captures Paul’s formal report of God’s activity among the Gentiles, setting the stage for discussion about unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Strong Concordance Word Study
- Greeted – G782 – aspazomai: to welcome or salute with respect and affection, reflecting relational honor.
- Told – G1834 – exēgeomai: to explain thoroughly or recount in detail, indicating a complete and careful report.
- In detail – G2596 – kata + G1520 – heis: according to each part, stressing orderly and comprehensive testimony.
- Things – G3739 – hos: matters or events, referring to concrete acts of God rather than abstract ideas.
- God – G2316 – theos: the true agent and source of all ministry fruit.
- Done – G4160 – poieō: to accomplish or bring about, emphasizing completed divine action.
- Among the Gentiles – G1484 – ethnos: nations other than Israel, highlighting God’s inclusive redemptive plan.
- Through – G1223 – dia: by means of, showing Paul as an instrument rather than the origin.
- Ministry – G1248 – diakonia: service or assistance, underscoring humility and servant leadership.
5 Practical Applications
- Share testimonies that glorify God rather than self.
- Practice accountability by reporting ministry work faithfully.
- Recognize God as the true source of spiritual fruit.
- Celebrate God’s work across cultural and ethnic boundaries.
- Serve with humility, remembering ministry is stewardship.
Insights and Cross References
Key Themes:
- God-centered testimony
- Accountability in ministry
- Unity between Jewish and Gentile believers
- Servant leadership
- God’s sovereign work in missions
- Cross References:
- Acts 14:27 – Reporting what God had done through them
- Romans 15:18 – Speaking only of what Christ accomplished
- 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 – God gives the increase
- Psalm 66:16 – Declaring what God has done
- Galatians 2:7–9 – Recognition of Gentile ministry
Final Thoughts
Acts 21:19 demonstrates that faithful ministry points consistently to God’s work, not human success, reminding believers that testimony, accountability, and humility preserve unity and honor God’s purposes.
3 Takeaways
- God alone deserves credit for ministry fruit.
- Testimony strengthens unity and accountability.
- True ministry flows from humble service to God.
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Share this with someone who needs encouragement to stop comparing and keep growing in faith.
#Galatians64 #Faithfulness #NoComparison #GodsPurpose #StayFocused #GrowInFaith #WalkByFaith #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #Lordsbook🌿 Focus on faithfulness, not comparison. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to stop comparing and keep growing in faith. #Galatians64 #Faithfulness #NoComparison #GodsPurpose #StayFocused #GrowInFaith #WalkByFaith #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #Lordsbook
0 Comments 0 Shares 17 Views - Dear Father,
We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned.
I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others.
Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character.
What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.
Dear Father, We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned. I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others. Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character. What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.0 Comments 0 Shares 18 Views1
- Matthew 22:37 NLT
[37] Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.37.NLTMatthew 22:37 NLT [37] Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.37.NLT0 Comments 0 Shares 6 Views - TONIGHT
Around the Fire get-togethers at 18:30pm /19:30pm SA
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85604605317
Passcode:-please request by emailing novahazon@gmail.comTONIGHT Around the Fire get-togethers at 18:30pm 🇬🇧 /19:30pm SA🇿🇦 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85604605317 Passcode:-please request by emailing novahazon@gmail.com0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views - DAY 26 - Morning
Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow.
Morning Reflection
Fight the Problem, Not Each Other
Good morning,
Every marriage has disagreements.
The question is not:
"Will we ever disagree?"
The better question is:
"How will we disagree?"
When the issue becomes:
"You are selfish."
"You never listen."
"Your family is the problem."
the discussion has moved from solving a problem to attacking a person.
Instead, learn to say:
"We have a problem. Let's face it together."
The goal is not to defeat your spouse.
The goal is to defeat the problem.
God's Word
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
Today's Love Action
If a disagreement arises today, deliberately use "we" instead of "you."
Let's Talk
What words or habits tend to make disagreements worse in marriage?
Prayer
Lord, help us remember that we are partners, even when we face problems. Give us wisdom and gentleness in conflict. Amen.
From My Counselor's Chair
When couples stop seeing each other as enemies, many conflicts become easier to solve.
Marriage Nugget
"Don't fight your spouse over the problem; stand beside your spouse against the problem."
Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.DAY 26 - Morning Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow. 🌅 Morning Reflection Fight the Problem, Not Each Other Good morning, Every marriage has disagreements. The question is not: "Will we ever disagree?" The better question is: "How will we disagree?" When the issue becomes: "You are selfish." "You never listen." "Your family is the problem." the discussion has moved from solving a problem to attacking a person. Instead, learn to say: "We have a problem. Let's face it together." The goal is not to defeat your spouse. The goal is to defeat the problem. 📖 God's Word "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1 ❤️ Today's Love Action If a disagreement arises today, deliberately use "we" instead of "you." 💬 Let's Talk What words or habits tend to make disagreements worse in marriage? 🙏 Prayer Lord, help us remember that we are partners, even when we face problems. Give us wisdom and gentleness in conflict. Amen. 🌿 From My Counselor's Chair When couples stop seeing each other as enemies, many conflicts become easier to solve. 💎 Marriage Nugget "Don't fight your spouse over the problem; stand beside your spouse against the problem." Remember In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views - August 26
“WHO GOD IS TO ME”
MY HOPE
Psalm 71:5 (LLV) —
“For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You have been my trust since my youth.”
Hope
is often
spoken of
as something
we wish
will happen.
“I hope
things get better.”
“I hope
everything works out.”
“I hope
tomorrow
will be easier.”
But biblical hope
is different.
It is not
a wish.
It is
confidence
placed
in Someone.
“For You
are my hope,
O Lord GOD.”
The psalmist
does not say,
“My hope
is that
my circumstances
will improve.”
His hope
is God.
Then he looks
backward.
“You have been
my trust
since my youth.”
There is something
beautiful
about faith
that has lived
long enough
to remember.
Years
bring memories.
Some joyful.
Some painful.
Some we would
gladly live
again.
Others
we are simply
grateful
to have survived.
But when
we look back,
we can often see
something
we could not see
while we were
living through them.
God
was there.
Through doors
that opened.
Through doors
that closed.
Through prayers
answered
as we hoped.
Through prayers
answered
in ways
we did not
understand.
Through beginnings.
Through endings.
Through laughter.
Through tears.
God
was there.
And yesterday's
faithfulness
becomes
today's reason
for hope.
The psalmist
does not pretend
the future
holds no uncertainty.
Later he prays,
“Do not cast me away
when I am old;
do not forsake me
when my strength
is gone.”
He knows
life changes.
Strength fades.
Tomorrow
contains things
we cannot predict.
But God
does not change
with our seasons.
The God
who held us
when we were young
does not become
less faithful
as the years
pass.
So hope
does not require us
to know
what happens next.
Hope says,
“I know
who will be there.”
Perhaps
that is why
this is
the right place
to finish
our journey.
We have called Him:
My Rock.
My Shepherd.
My Light.
My Refuge.
My Strength.
My Keeper.
The One
who walks
with me.
My Hiding Place.
And now,
after remembering
all those things,
we can look
toward whatever
comes next
and say:
You are
my hope.
A new beginning can face an unknown tomorrow because it remembers a faithful yesterday:
I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the God who will be there.
Reflection: When I look back over my life, where can I see God's faithfulness giving me reason to trust Him with what still lies ahead?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been faithful through every season of my life. Thank You for the times I recognized Your hand and for the times You were working when I could not see it. When tomorrow feels uncertain, help me remember yesterday's faithfulness. You have been my trust, and You remain my hope. Whatever years or days lie ahead, let me face them with confidence—not because I know what they hold, but because I know You will be there. In Jesus' name, Amen.
August 26 🌿 “WHO GOD IS TO ME” MY HOPE 📖 Psalm 71:5 (LLV) — “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You have been my trust since my youth.” Hope is often spoken of as something we wish will happen. “I hope things get better.” “I hope everything works out.” “I hope tomorrow will be easier.” But biblical hope is different. It is not a wish. It is confidence placed in Someone. “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD.” The psalmist does not say, “My hope is that my circumstances will improve.” His hope is God. Then he looks backward. “You have been my trust since my youth.” There is something beautiful about faith that has lived long enough to remember. Years bring memories. Some joyful. Some painful. Some we would gladly live again. Others we are simply grateful to have survived. But when we look back, we can often see something we could not see while we were living through them. God was there. Through doors that opened. Through doors that closed. Through prayers answered as we hoped. Through prayers answered in ways we did not understand. Through beginnings. Through endings. Through laughter. Through tears. God was there. And yesterday's faithfulness becomes today's reason for hope. The psalmist does not pretend the future holds no uncertainty. Later he prays, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” He knows life changes. Strength fades. Tomorrow contains things we cannot predict. But God does not change with our seasons. The God who held us when we were young does not become less faithful as the years pass. So hope does not require us to know what happens next. Hope says, “I know who will be there.” Perhaps that is why this is the right place to finish our journey. We have called Him: My Rock. My Shepherd. My Light. My Refuge. My Strength. My Keeper. The One who walks with me. My Hiding Place. And now, after remembering all those things, we can look toward whatever comes next and say: You are my hope. A new beginning can face an unknown tomorrow because it remembers a faithful yesterday: I may not know what lies ahead, but I know the God who will be there. Reflection: When I look back over my life, where can I see God's faithfulness giving me reason to trust Him with what still lies ahead? Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have been faithful through every season of my life. Thank You for the times I recognized Your hand and for the times You were working when I could not see it. When tomorrow feels uncertain, help me remember yesterday's faithfulness. You have been my trust, and You remain my hope. Whatever years or days lie ahead, let me face them with confidence—not because I know what they hold, but because I know You will be there. In Jesus' name, Amen.
0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views - God designed YOU to be part of something bigger!
What ministry has captured your heart at Chateau? Tell us your story
Visit Our Website: thechurchatchateau.com
#ChateauChurch #KingdomWork #Love #ChurchCommunity #UseYourGifts #HolySpirit #ShareYourLight #ServeWithJoy #GodIsGood #ChateauMinistries👉 God designed YOU to be part of something bigger! ⛪ What ministry has captured your heart at Chateau? Tell us your story 🌐 Visit Our Website: thechurchatchateau.com #ChateauChurch #KingdomWork #Love #ChurchCommunity #UseYourGifts #HolySpirit #ShareYourLight #ServeWithJoy #GodIsGood #ChateauMinistries
0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views - They put Jesus in a tomb—but death couldn't keep Him there.
#Faith #Resurrection #HeIsRisen #EmptyTomb #DailyDevotional #Inspiration✨ They put Jesus in a tomb—but death couldn't keep Him there. #Faith #Resurrection #HeIsRisen #EmptyTomb #DailyDevotional #Inspiration0 Comments 0 Shares 79 Views - Here is the uncomfortable question:
What if you are one of the "100 lions"?
What if you are strong?
What if you are gifted?
What if you are intelligent?
What if you are passionate about God?
What if you have been in church for 10, 20 or 30 years?
But you are following teaching that never confronts sin, never calls people to repentance, never teaches holiness and never prepares souls for eternity?
Strength without truth can become a dangerous combination.
https://youtu.be/KEbgJb0bG3g?si=CQFSI4-QwOca_zIBHere is the uncomfortable question: What if you are one of the "100 lions"? What if you are strong? What if you are gifted? What if you are intelligent? What if you are passionate about God? What if you have been in church for 10, 20 or 30 years? But you are following teaching that never confronts sin, never calls people to repentance, never teaches holiness and never prepares souls for eternity? Strength without truth can become a dangerous combination. https://youtu.be/KEbgJb0bG3g?si=CQFSI4-QwOca_zIB0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views - I N V I T A T I O N
Dear Friends,
If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race.
Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985.
Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'.
Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only.
Thank You
Rajeev Joseph
Chairman
International Action Council for Democratic World Government
New Delhi, India
Whatsapp: +91 9315503394I N V I T A T I O N Dear Friends, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You 🙏 Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394
0 Comments 0 Shares 20 Views1 - I N V I T A T I O N
Dear Friends,
If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race.
Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985.
Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'.
Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only.
Thank You
Rajeev Joseph
Chairman
International Action Council for Democratic World Government
New Delhi, India
Whatsapp: +91 9315503394I N V I T A T I O N Dear Friends, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You 🙏 Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394
0 Comments 0 Shares 20 Views1 - I N V I T A T I O N
Dear Friends,
If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race.
Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985.
Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'.
Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only.
Thank You
Rajeev Joseph
Chairman
International Action Council for Democratic World Government
New Delhi, India
Whatsapp: +91 9315503394I N V I T A T I O N Dear Friends, If the WARS between nations are to end, the time has come to establish a 'Democratic World Government' elected by people around the world. If the people of the world are unable to pressure world leaders to do this, a 'Third World War' could break out at any time. If that happens, there will not be a single human left on this earth to even write the history of the human race. Understanding this terrifying reality and urging world leaders to act is the responsibility of all human beings on this planet. It is in this context that the people's movement 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government' has been working globally since 1985. Irrespective of party, political, caste, or religious differences, all peace-loving people across the world can become members of the 'International Action Council for Democratic World Government'. Membership is free. All Action Council members who work for 'World Peace' will be declared as 'Peace Ambassadors'. Those interested in working as a 'Peace Ambassador' for the Action Council should send their name, age, address, e-mail ID, WhatsApp number, and photo, along with any ID card, to the WhatsApp number +91 9315503394. Details must be written in English. Please do not call this number; send a message only. Thank You 🙏 Rajeev Joseph Chairman International Action Council for Democratic World Government New Delhi, India Whatsapp: +91 9315503394
0 Comments 0 Shares 19 Views1 - Dear Father,
We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned.
I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others.
Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character.
What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.
Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese
#LettertoGod
#assignment
#stewardship
#consecration
#talentsDear Father, We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned. I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others. Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character. What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #assignment #stewardship #consecration #talents0 Comments 0 Shares 3 Views1 - Dear Father,
I love the teaching style of Jesus, particularly because He used parables to make illustrations, and from these parables, so much can be deduced. Today, I pondered the Parable of the Talents, which says: “The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his servants and entrusted his goods unto them. He gave one five talents, another two, and another one. The one with five talents traded and gained five more talents, and he that had received two also gained two more. The last one did nothing with what he was given…”
However, between the periods of receiving the talents and the reward lies a season of struggle. Such great conversions are not instantaneous; if they were, they would all have brought back returns. And perhaps the five talents measured as returns for the five given were not a literal representation of how his harvest was without losses. Perhaps, in the process of conversion, he gained some harvests and some lessons. And perhaps both the lessons and the fruits are counted as gains in this kingdom.
In seamlessly telling the story, He had no intention of bypassing the struggle; He left us to discern the various ways in which it applies: that both the fruits and the lessons are counted as gains in this kingdom, so long as we proceed-- not to bury what has been entrusted to us, but to put it to use.
I’d like to write You about the struggles and the lessons I’ve encountered, and how all people see are the fruits. But do I need to? When most of all, You see how in the midst of all these, I’ve grown.
Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
#LettertoGod
#stewardship
#purpose
#gifts
#talentsDear Father, I love the teaching style of Jesus, particularly because He used parables to make illustrations, and from these parables, so much can be deduced. Today, I pondered the Parable of the Talents, which says: “The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his servants and entrusted his goods unto them. He gave one five talents, another two, and another one. The one with five talents traded and gained five more talents, and he that had received two also gained two more. The last one did nothing with what he was given…” However, between the periods of receiving the talents and the reward lies a season of struggle. Such great conversions are not instantaneous; if they were, they would all have brought back returns. And perhaps the five talents measured as returns for the five given were not a literal representation of how his harvest was without losses. Perhaps, in the process of conversion, he gained some harvests and some lessons. And perhaps both the lessons and the fruits are counted as gains in this kingdom. In seamlessly telling the story, He had no intention of bypassing the struggle; He left us to discern the various ways in which it applies: that both the fruits and the lessons are counted as gains in this kingdom, so long as we proceed-- not to bury what has been entrusted to us, but to put it to use. I’d like to write You about the struggles and the lessons I’ve encountered, and how all people see are the fruits. But do I need to? When most of all, You see how in the midst of all these, I’ve grown. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #stewardship #purpose #gifts #talents0 Comments 0 Shares 3 Views1 - Dear Father,
We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned.
I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others.
Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character.
What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.
Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese
#LettertoGod
#assignment
#stewardship
#consecration
#talentsDear Father, We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned. I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others. Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character. What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #assignment #stewardship #consecration #talents0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views1
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