Use What You Have

Scripture: Jesus: 12 A ruler once planned a journey to a distant country to take the throne of that country and then return home. 13 Before his departure, he called 10 of his servants and gave them each about three months of wages. “Use this money to buy and sell until I return.” 14 After he departed, the people under his rule despised him and sent messengers with a clear message: “We do not want this man to rule over us.” 15 He successfully assumed kingship of the distant country and returned home. He called his 10 servants together and told them to give an account of their success in doing business with the money he had entrusted to them. 16 The first came before him and said, “Lord, I have made 10 times the amount you entrusted to me.” 17 The ruler replied, “Well done! You’re a good servant indeed! Since you have been faithful in handling a small amount of money, I’ll entrust you with authority over 10 cities in my new kingdom .” 18 The second came and said, “Lord, I’ve made five times the original amount.” 19 The ruler replied, “I’ll entrust you with authority over five cities.” 20 A third came and said, “Lord, I have successfully preserved the money you gave me. I wrapped it up in a napkin and hid it away 21 because I was afraid of you. After all, you’re a tough man. You have a way of taking profit without making an investment and harvesting when you didn’t plant any seed.” 22 The ruler replied, “I will condemn you using your very own words, you worthless servant! So I’m a severe man, am I? So I take a profit without making an investment and harvest without planting seed? 23 Then why didn’t you invest my money in the bank so I could have at least gained some interest on it?” 24 The ruler told the onlookers, “Take the money I gave him, and give it to the one who multiplied my investment by 10.” 25 Then the onlookers replied, “Lord, he already has 10 times the original amount!” 26 The ruler responded, “Listen, whoever has some will be given more, and whoever doesn’t have anything will lose what he thinks he has. (Luke 19:12-26 The Voice) This parable that Jesus told always makes me stop and think. We, as God’s children, have all been given gifts. He did not mean for those gifts to be only for us, but to be used to serve. So I always have to ask myself once again, “Am I using my gifts, or am I hiding them?” What a privilege, and a responsibility, it is to have been given gifts by our Father! O Lord, help me to be more aware of what You have given me, and then to use it and not hide it away. You have been so very faithful and I am so thankful! AMEN When I pray to You, Lord, You do answer me and free me from fears I may have. As I look to You for help, I am filled with joy. Psalm 34
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