The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

When we hear scripture or sermons on the subject of "those that have been given much, much is expected" or "sacrifice and giving", or parables such as the ones in this devotion....we think it can only apply to money. That is a very shallow interpretation, yet it is the most relatable.
Let's go a step deeper. Last night we spoke about God's concern with people seeing but not perceiving. Of hearing but not understanding. Further down in Chapter 4 Christ explains that we have to use what we have been given in order to gain more.

23 Let the person who has ears listen!" 24 He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you're listening to! [Knowledge] will be measured out to you by the measure [of attention] you give. This is the way knowledge increases. 25 Those who understand [these mysteries] will be given [more knowledge]. However, some people don't understand [these mysteries]. Even what they understand will be taken away from them."

Money helps on the surface of problems, but if we do not give people knowledge with understanding they will never be able to get away from what creates the difficulties in life. Next time someone needs help....give them something they can take to the bank every time....God's truth.
I pray that the LORD gives us wisdom and thank him that from his mouth comes knowledge as well as understanding. I pray that foresight will protect us and that understanding will guard us. I pray that we trust the Lord with all our heart and that we do not rely on our own understanding. And I pray that we know we are blessed; that we find our wisdom and obtain our understanding.
In Jesus Name,
Candace

The King Of Fruits

READ: Luke 19:12-26
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, . . . which is your reasonable service. —Romans 12:1
The durian, a tropical fruit, is often called The King of Fruits. Either you love it or you hate it. Those who love it will do almost anything to get it. Those who hate it won’t get near it because of its pungent smell. My wife loves it. Recently, a friend, who was grateful for what my wife had done for her, sent her a box of the finest quality durians. She took great pains to ensure that they were the best.
I asked myself, “If we can give the best to a friend, how can we do less for our Lord who gave His very life for us?”
The nobleman in Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 wanted the best from 10 servants to whom he gave money, saying, “Do business till I come” (v.13). When he returned and asked for an account, he gave the same commendation “Well done!” to all those who had done what they could with the money entrusted to them. But he called “wicked” (v.22) the one who did nothing with his money.
The primary meaning of this story is stewardship of what we’ve been given. To be faithful with what God has given to us is to give Him our best in return. As the master gave money to the servants in the parable, so God has given us gifts to serve Him. It is we who will lose out if we fail to give Him our best. — C. P. Hia

Give of your best to the Master,

Give Him first place in your heart;

Give Him first place in your service,

Consecrate every part. —Grose

We are at our best when we serve God by serving others.