In the Parable of the Talents, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, we see a profound lesson on responsibility and accountability to God's commands. The story tells us about a master who leaves his property in the hands of his servants, each according to their ability. Upon his return, the master evaluates their efforts. The servants who actively multiplied their talents were rewarded, demonstrating their understanding and alignment with their master’s expectations. However, the servant who buried his talent offered excuses — fear and a misjudgment of the master’s character — as reasons for his inaction. His master sharply rebuked him, revealing that excuses, especially those rooted in fear or a wrongful image of God, are not acceptable in the kingdom of God.

This narrative drives home the message: God expects us to engage actively with the gifts He has entrusted to us. When the servant who hid his talent blamed his master for his own inaction, claiming fear of the master’s harshness, it mirrored how some of us might justify our lack of action in life. We might say, "God is too demanding," or "I'm afraid of making mistakes." But the master's response — taking the talent away and giving it to the more productive servant — shows that God does not accept these kinds of excuses. He expects us to step up, using whatever we have been given, no matter how small it may seem, to work towards His purposes.

Let this parable be a reminder to us all. No excuse stands when it comes to not doing God's work. It challenges us to avoid complacency and fear, pushing us to seize every opportunity for spiritual growth and service. In God’s kingdom, every gift, every moment, is a precious resource meant for us to use in service to Him and to others. It's a call to action — be bold, be faithful, and multiply what you have been given for the greater glory of God.

Just a thought,

PSS

Unshakable Assurance

The rhetorical question, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" posed by Paul in Romans 8:31, offers profound assurance to believers. This statement is nestled within a passage that highlights God's unending love and inexhaustible support for His people. It is meant to comfort and embolden those who might feel overwhelmed by adversities or opposition. By emphasizing that God's presence on our side is mightier than any possible foe or obstacle, Paul underscores the invincibility that comes from being under God's protection. This isn't merely about facing human adversaries but confronting life's trials with a steadfast heart, knowing that the ultimate victory is assured through divine advocacy.

Comprehensive Victory

This declaration is further explored through the succeeding verses (Romans 8:32-39), where Paul elaborates on the nature of God’s support. The argument builds from the general to the specific: not only is God for us, but He also did not spare His own Son, Jesus Christ, to ensure our well-being and salvation. This ultimate sacrifice exemplifies the depth of God’s commitment to His followers. It leads to the conclusion that if God has already provided for our greatest need — salvation through Jesus — then surely He will also graciously give us all things necessary to triumph in life’s battles. The verse powerfully points out that nothing can hinder God’s plan for His people, be it trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword.

Enduring Confidence

Paul’s query, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" invites believers to live with a spirit of boldness and confidence. It serves as a reminder that God's favor is not a temporary or flimsy shield but a profound and enduring commitment to those He loves. The subsequent verses paint a vivid picture of this protection, affirming that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell — can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord. This eternal security fosters a courageous and hopeful outlook, encouraging Christians to face challenges with the knowledge that they are not alone and ultimately undefeatable with God on their side.

Just a thought, 

PSS

The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one.

                                                                                  — Elbert Hubbard

Fear of:

One of the worst fears people deal with is the fear of failure. Fear of failure is really fear of change and of what others may think of you. This fear limits us, our opportunities, and our growth and progress in life. Without mistakes we wouldn’t ever learn and grow.

Inevitability of:

It’s not that we want to make mistakes: it’s the reality we all will. They are inevitable. They will happen. What we need to be able to do is to recover from them. A doctor told me that after a workout what determines what kind of shape you’re in is how quickly you recover — your recovery time. In life, what is your recovery time from making a mistake? So many don’t attempt much in their lives because they are afraid of making a mistake. Everyone God ever used in the Bible blew it at some point. As Christians we think we have to be perfect to serve the Lord, to honor Him. This is simply not true.

Power of:

We just have to be willing to learn from our mistakes and keep on moving forward. Let’s not keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Failure is an event, not a destiny. Failure is not final. It happens to all of us.

Let’s learn how to overcome and never see failure as our enemy. Look at it and be thankful that we are growing and learning and becoming more like God.

Just a thought,

PSS