"To those who use well what they are given even
more willbe given and they will have abundance."
Matthew 25:29
October 28, 2010
Day 301
64 Remaining
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Do I watch for Him? Am I on guard and alert-living like He will be here any minute?
Something New:
Matthew 25:18
Am I hiding the talents the Lord has given me using and developing them to grow the Kingdom?
Matthew 25:24
Do I presume to know the Master and His ways?
Matthew 25:25
Am I so paralyzed with fear that I don't use the talents that I have been given?
Something to Do:
Help me Lord to use what you have given me not so I can have more but so that I can hear you say, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Let's celebrate."
18 Comments:
Thank you Wendy and GIG's for being
"a faithful, sensible servant whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them." (Matt.24:45)
Wendy is managing and feeding us-His other servants God's Word. May you be rewarded in the here and thereafter.(Many of us read without commenting.)
Did ya'll notice the superlatives:
be on guard; stay alert; watch for him; watch out; keep watch.
Webster says "watch" means be attentive or closely observant; keep guard; take care of, tend, guard; a keeping awake for the purpose of attending, guarding, or preserving.
When we help out a brother or sister who can't repay the deed, that's when we are like our Master, Jesus. That's when we are doing it as unto Him-Matt.25:40.
Mostly I live "now" and am not watching for "where God is working" so I can join Him in His work. (Henry Blackaby) Nor am I looking for my Master's return as I should be. Anyone else?
I'm working on doing all things without grumbling, complaining, arguing, disputing. (Phil.2:14)
Have a wonderful rest of the week. I know, there's only 1 workday left.
Please pray for our safety as hubby and I fly to RI tomorrow am. We're off to see the grandchildren and their parents. Of course spoiling in 1 week is difficult, but I'm sure I can manage the task.
Love ya'll sisters,
Linda from Ark.
I can't see Wendy's video again today :-( but I just LOVED today's reading! Maybe it's because of all the tornados yesterday. I grew up with snowstorms, not these scary windstorms, and it's a very big deal to me, but yesterday we had to take shelter in our hallway. We lost a tree just from general wind but we're okay - a 79 year old lady had her whole house picked up and spun around before it was plopped back down near here, though. She's okay.
Whew! Anyway - we're supposed to be watching and waiting. I must confess, as a new Christian, as a kid, when I read Matt 24 I was just scared and didn't think too much about the warnings. Looking around the world, those people who were out waving signs and shouting about the world ending tomorrow seemed kinda kooky to me. I dont' think I'm ready to make a picket sign, exactly, but I do see that Jesus WANTS us to be actively watching world events and waiting for His return. He doesn't want us to miss the boat! His Word doesn't just tell us how to live today but also how to look ahead and get ready. I've loved the 'Left Behind' series and the "Last Jihad" series for quite some time now and can't wait to read Rosenberg's new one - but now I feel as if I've become one of the kooky ones watching the sky, only it's okay because Jesus wants us to pay attention. I don't think He'd mind us reading about it in our spare time, too. Sorry for rambling - it's just exciting!
Hope all of you are safe from the storms and have a wonderful day!
In today's reading Jesus tells about the 10 bridesmaids and only 5 having oil for their lamps. When the Bible speaks of oil it usually is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Jesus says He is coming...but we don't know when...so we must be prepared. We must have the Holy Spirit (oil) in us (salvation) so that when He does come, we don't find ourselves standing outside of the door, wishing we could get in.
We are told to Keep watch! (exclamation point); and this means be watching for Jesus and not the antichrist.
Prayers for sister Lori...
Thank you for all that you do Wendy...and "hello" to Griffin!
Morgen
Ladies I have not read yesterday’s posts or any yet today. I am numb right now, but my faith will be stronger for what my family is going through. Tues. evening my son, Connor was picking up a friend at HS. About one mile from here, headed down a two way street, with cars coming on both directions, driving 45 miles an hour, the speed limit, 3 precious people on bikes crossed into the traffic. A father and his young two young daughter’s all on bikes. No stop lights, no intersections, just driving across the road. Connor swerved and missed the two, but hit the third little girl head on, killing her instantly. God was in the midst. A respectable man was following Connor who stopped to relay details, along with several others who witnessed it. It’s a nightmare. The detective looked Connor in face and told him he was not at fault, it was an accident. He saved two lives by swerving. He was not sighted or given a ticket, and my husband was able to drive the truck home. At the very end, one of the dozen of police officer’s present – I realized she was a member of my church! A sweet lady that I took a Bible Study with several years ago. We were able to talk for a few minutes. Also, my face-to-face prayer partner, came to the scene, standing in the back and prayed the whole time. God was there, girls. The community has been most supportive, no one is blaming Connor. The family has been kind also. We both have sophomores attending the same HS. They are suffering, like we are.
I know now why God brought me to sweet Wendy two years ago. Frankly, if I had not been in God’s Word, for two years straight, daily soaking up His promises, and surrounding myself with all of you, I would not be fit to handle right now, what I am going through. It’s very, very hard. I am clinging to God. This is nothing I am equipped to handle. But, God’s indwelling Spirit, full of power and might is letting me take each step. His peace is coming over me in waves. The enemy is looming and pouncing, but God is prevailing. By clinging to my Father, creator of Connor, a God who loves my son, more than I even do, ---I will be able to get through this. There will be good. God allowed it to happen for a reason –He only would allow what is best for Connor, to happen. God is Sovereign, and hard as it is, I am praising Him for His glorious plan.
My time right now is with my family. The doorbell has been ringing nonstop, along with my phone and cell phone, I can’t keep up, and my place for a bit is with my family. You all our in my thoughts and I know God will touch some of you to pray. There was a reason why I was brought to this group. A reason as this. God gives us special, encouraging people to stand in the gap – at just the right times. I love you deeply. May you each receive a spirit of revelation and wisdom today as you go out and touch the lives of the people around you. Share the love that Jesus has placed in your hearts with those you come in contact with.
A very special and dear prayer partner emailed me this –that I will leave you with.
We all need to remember that this day was the day that the Lord destined for that child to return home and there is no why but for the "others" who were involved in the accident they were also part of this plan. The Lord knows that this day will be a turning point in everyone's life and that He will ask you to come to Him alone for comfort and He will heal you and make you whole. My prayers for Connor are that he allow Jesus to be his consoler, that he recognize that this is all part of the plan for his life and that he will become a stronger man, reliant on the Lord for his strength. My prayers for you and Dave are that you both will be at peace knowing that this was not in your control but in God's control alone. My prayers for this child's family is that they know Christ as their personal savior and that they recognize that she did not die alone but died in the arms of her heavenly Father and that she now lives in victory with Him. Love, Lori
Lori, you and yours are in my prayers. Amen to the prayer of your friend. May you know His peace and comfort during this time.
Lovingly,
Teeny
Lori,
Prayers are with you and your family and the family of the girl. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand.
Gaylene
Lori,
My prayers are with you, your family and the family of the young girl. May God surround you all with comfort and peace.
Tara
Lori,
You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts today. Peace to you and all who are walking through this with you.
Briget
Lori - you and everyone touched by this situation are in my thoughts and prayers. The poem "footprints" comes to mind as I pray for you now. I know the Lord is lifting you in His arms as we speak to carry you through this storm. Take refuge and comfort in His love for you and your family.
For anyone who did not get my update yesterday - my mom's trip to Israel is back on. Our prayers have penetrated the enemies plans to steal this trip from her - there is healing in both mind and body. Please keep her in your prayers as she prepares to leave this Friday. Thank you for your prayer support.
Today I was caught by Wendy's question about being afraid to use our gifts. I believe God has given me a gift for writing. I attended She Speaks this summer and have submitted my first article in hopes of getting published (with Guideposts magazine). But there are many times when I hide my writing, my words, my prayers from friends and family who are not believers in fear of losing them. Lord - please help me come more courageous, so that when I stand before You I will hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant."
Love to you all today,
Jodie from Ottawa
ps Teeny - thank you for your words of encouragement the other day. I pray that I will never be put to the test like that! God certainly must have strengthened you for such a battle.
ps Rhonda - I did get an opportunity to say the rosary - thanks for posting the devotional.
Oh my dear Lori, Connor, your family, and all those impacted by this tragedy, the LORD is with you. Your prayer partners prayer was right on - when it is our time to go, it is our time. God's hand was on this child, and on Connor as well. We may never know the why's or the how come's - it is not for us to know. He is in charge and this is all according to His plan. Knowing that though does not make the pain go away or make this time of trial any easier to get through. You are clinging to your Savior, and for that, I am grateful. He will provide for all your needs, faith, love, patience, comfort. He is the answer.
I pray for all of you, that you will find the peace only He can bring.
Lori, My prayers are with you but especially with Connor. Please make sure he is able to talk with someone when he needs to. The pain he must be feeling is overwhelming to think about. I pray God will bring people into his life that will be able to understand and minister to him, recognize if Satan is taking advantage of the situation and just being there. The rest of the family is in my prayers but I am feeling a real burden to pray for Connor. God bless and be with you all.
Carrie
Oh my precious and dear friend Lori I know in this very moment in which I wish I could reach out and hold you and provide in person comfort...He is...He is doing it right now! You are covered my beautiful friend in prayer. Heaven is being bombarded by us, your girlfriends, your sisters, those who do life with you! God is all over this situation!
I love you Lori!
On Purpose,
Nichole
Dear Friends!
There is nothing I can add to the wonderful thoughts and prayers of everyone. Further words fail me except to believe that God is holding all of you in the palm of his hand - Always has, always will, we have His promise on that.
Dixie
Oh, Lori, I'm praying for you, for your family, and for the other girl's family, as well. I don't know what else to say - but I'm sure that He's going to use your faith in many ways throughout the coming weeks. I'll keep praying.
Living high in the Lord this week! Even amist the battles of this life. Love my time spent with the Lord and in His Word.
Lori-Will be keeping you, your son, your family, and this other family in my prayers. May the Lord wrap His arms around each of you and hold you tight all the while as He holds you up.
Sweet Lori, I am sending you hugs! I will be praying for you, Connor, your family and the other family today and in the days to come. I just pray that you will experience God's peace and comfort each hour and each day to come.
Much love, Susan
My very dear friend Lori...just reading this now. Wasn't on here yesterday. Loving you and praying for you.
HUGS,
Joy
Just read this today as well...my heart goes out to you, your family and the other family, will be praying for God to surround you all and bring you comfort and strength as you walk this path set before you. You have been abiding in Him and He is abiding in you. I pray that you will experience the absolute peace that only comes from Him.
Much love , your sister in Christ,
Michelle in VA
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