family

Talented people

Re: Verse reading–Deuteronomy 8:10-18; Matthew 25:14-30 (day one)
“A man going on a journey. . .called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent.” (Matthew 25:14-15) Our English word actually comes from this story. In the time of Christ, a talent was a coin or weight of measure. As the gospel spread through the world (and we praise God for it’s gradual, powerful influence) talent came to mean a God-given ability or skill. There are no untalented people! That is what Jesus would say. Some receive many gifts. Others few. All some. “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) The important point is that we all owe the Giver effective use of His gifts. Money, time, family, freedom, health, opportunities, skill, education, creativity, mentors. . .What has God given you? What will you employ in His kingdom service?

Re: Verse reading – Jeremiah 29:1-14 (day five)
It’s worth noting that God’s hope-filled Word of encouragement and challenge to His people in the midst of exile in Jeremiah 29 has great regard for the family. “⁵Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. ⁶Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease.” He points to family life and the hope and mission that can be in operation in each home. Seems to reverberate the command given in Deuteronomy 6. So… Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters- is there hope (The love, goodness, strength, and power of The Living God) being taught, talked, and celebrated in your home? It is the task of each family to lead out in worship and discipleship. It is the task of the church to partner with moms, dads, kids, and grandparents to equip and encourage.

A Good Boss

Re:Verse reading–Psalm 8 (day two)
If you’ve never had a good boss, it is hard to appreciate the significance of Psalm 8:6. “You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet.” A good boss makes everyone’s life better. Objectives are clear. Less time is wasted. Conflicts don’t get out of hand. The organization flourishes, and everyone joyfully does their part. When the New Testament authors thought of Jesus, they thought of him as a good boss. Consequently, they referred to this psalm to celebrate Jesus’ reign over their lives and all creation (see Ephesians 1:20-23). When you see an organization well run, a home well-managed, a life well ordered, you are seeing the thumbprint of the perfect boss who “does all things well” (Mark 7:37). His work of restoration is not yet complete, and He invites us to participate in it. Are you a “good boss” of your own life, family and work?