Effective in Our Service

 

Matthew 25:14-15 (NASB) says, "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey." It is an excellent reminder that we are all called to use our talents to serve God’s purpose. The parable of the talents is a reminder that the gifts and abilities we have been given are to be used for God’s glory. When we use our talents to serve God’s purpose, we can expect to receive a reward.

By focusing on our purpose, we are able to be more effective in our service to God. It is easy to get distracted and become sidetracked by other activities and people. However, when we stay focused on our purpose, we can be sure that all of our efforts will be used for God’s glory.

The parable of the talents also teaches us to have faith in God’s plan. When the master in the parable entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents, he does so knowing that each servant will use the gifts according to his own ability. We can have faith that God will do the same for us. He will give us the gifts and abilities that are needed to accomplish His will.

Finally, the parable of the talents reminds us to use our gifts and abilities to the best of our ability. Each servant was given a different amount of talents, but each was expected to use the talents to the best of their ability. We too should use the gifts and abilities we have been given to the best of our ability. We can trust that God will honor our efforts as long as we strive to do His will.

Matthew 25:14-15 is a reminder that we are all called to use our talents to serve God’s purpose. By focusing on our purpose, having faith in God’s plan, and using our gifts and abilities to the best of our ability, we can be sure that all of our efforts will be used for God’s glory.

Remember to Focus on Your Purpose!

Joy and Contentment

 

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:24... "I don’t mean that we are trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own happiness." He and his fellow workers were striving for the happiness of the believers. Paul was not attempting to manipulate their faith, but rather standing in solidarity with them. This passage is a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of companionship and community. When we are surrounded by others who are striving for our own joy and contentment, we can find peace and fulfillment.

This passage encourages us to accept the help of those around us and to be open to support in times of need. We need to remember that we are not alone in our struggles and that there are people who genuinely care about our wellbeing. The comfort and encouragement from others can help us to stay strong in our faith and to find joy amidst difficult circumstances.

When we have the support of our community, we can face anything with confidence. We can stand firm in our beliefs, knowing that we are surrounded by people who have our best interests at heart. This reminder can help us to find joy and peace even in the most trying of times. In the same way that Paul and his fellow workers were striving to bring joy to their readers, we too can bring joy to those around us. Let us strive to be workers for each other’s happiness and support one another in faith.

Remember... Be joyful in everything you do!

Doing Good Will Bring You Joy

In 2 Timothy 2:21, the Bible teaches us an important lesson about how to live our lives in a way that pleases God. This verse tells us that we should strive to be pure and holy and to stay away from evil. When we do this, we become special in God's eyes and are able to do good deeds that are pleasing to Him.

In order to make ourselves pure and holy, we must take the time to examine our lives and determine what areas need improvement. We must search our hearts and minds for any thoughts or actions that are not pleasing to God and strive to change them. This can be a difficult but rewarding process. As we work to become pure and holy, we draw closer to God and develop a deeper understanding of His love for us.

In addition, 2 Timothy 2:21 reminds us of the importance of doing good deeds. When we are able to do good deeds, we show God that we are actively seeking to follow His will. Doing good deeds can be anything from helping out a neighbor to donating to a good cause. Every act of kindness is an opportunity to glorify God.

Ultimately, 2 Timothy 2:21 encourages us to strive for purity and holiness in our lives and to do good deeds for the glory of God. As we do this, we become special in God’s eyes and can enjoy the blessings that come from living in accordance with His will.

Remember... Be joyful!

Sing to the Lord

 

Singing is a great way to keep joy in your heart and stay focused on the journey. It can be used to express gratitude to God, to celebrate victories, to encourage others, and to express emotions of joy and sorrow. Singing can also be a powerful tool to keep yourself motivated and focused on the path of faith.

In the Bible, singing is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments and is seen as a sign of joy and praise. In the New Testament, Paul writes in Ephesians 5:19 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”

When you sing to the Lord, you are expressing your love and gratitude for everything He has done for you. It can be a great way to start or end your day in prayer, to focus on the promises of God, to ask for strength and courage, and to celebrate all that He has done for you. Singing can also be a reminder of God’s goodness and mercy, as well as a way to express your faith and trust in Him.

Singing can also be a great way to lift up your spirits and stay focused on the journey. When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, take a few moments to sing a song of praise or worship. It can be a great reminder of the power of God’s love and faithfulness, and the hope that we have in Him.

Singing is a great way to remain joyful as you walk this journey. It can be a powerful tool to express your love and gratitude to God, to focus on His promises, and to stay motivated and encouraged. Singing can also lift your spirits and remind you of the power of His love and faithfulness.

Remember… You are called to be joyful as you go on this adventure!

Make A Change

Sometimes, we need to make a change. The plans we made may not have worked out. The goals we set may not be the right ones. We are just off track and need to go a different direction. That is okay. It happens in everyone’s life. We must trust God and be willing to change.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 reminds us to trust God will all our heart and to not rely on our own intelligence. Then we must acknowledge Him in all areas of our lives and then let Him lead us to where we need to go.

When you need a change, ask others to pray for you, seek wise counsel from godly friends, listen to God’s voice as you read His Word, take your time so that you can make good decisions, and let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Always remember, God’s Word will give you excellent guidance. Trust God and His timing.

Focus on Philippians 1:6… Be sure of this one thing… God who has begun the good work in you will complete it.



Remember, you are called to an adventure.

Life Can Be Fun

Sometimes, life can be fun when you live in a spontaneous manner. But, in truth, we need an itinerary. Another way to say itinerary is a plan. And when you have a plan, you need to set goals to help you accomplish this plan.

Setting goals show that you are spiritually responsible, focus your energy, keep you going, and will help you see your progress.

As you go on this adventure with God, use an itinerary that gives you a clear plan of what God would have you to do. Set goals that will help you have good success. But most of all, keep Proverbs 16:9 (CEV) in mind… We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.



Remember, you are called to an adventure.

Endure to the End

 

Philippians 3:12-15 (CEV) says...
I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don't feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you.

We all have goals we want to reach. We want to become a better version of ourselves, or reach a certain milestone in life. But, sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to reach the finish line. We can get discouraged and feel like we’re failing, but it’s important to remember that we’re not perfect and it’s ok to make mistakes.

The same is true in our faith. We may not feel like we’ve arrived, but we cannot give up. We need to keep running and striving to reach our goal. We need to focus on the prize that awaits us, which is the promise of being called to heaven because of what Christ Jesus has done.

We should all strive for this goal, no matter how hard it may be. We should focus on what lies ahead and forget about the failures and mistakes of the past. With God’s help, we can overcome any obstacle, even if it seems impossible. We just need to stay focused on the prize and keep running towards it.

Remember... we are called to an adventure.

We Run Out of Gas

Sometimes, we run out of gas. We probably do not fill up regularly by coming to church, reading the Word, praying, etc. We sometimes are in too much of a hurry and need to slow down and rest. And, we forget that fellowshipping with believers is important. But, we can fill up and stay filled up if we remember that God is our source.

Romans 15:13 -Easy-to-Read Version says, “I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This means that we only need to come to God when we need to be filled up.

When you run out of gas, come to Jesus, let God have control of your life, trust God and His plans, start each day with God, and connect with your church and fellow believers.



Remember, you are called to an adventure.

We Need A Fresh Start

Sometimes, we need a fresh start. We may have gotten off track. We may have made a mistake. We may just messed things all the way up. But, there is a solution to get back on track and have a fresh start.

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) says, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This means that God will make a way for you to start over and get back on track.

When you get off track, stop making excuses, evaluate your situation and take stock of what you have and what you need, act in faith as you rely on God, refocus, and trust God to help you get back on track and stay focused.



Remember, you are called to an adventure.

We're Going on an Adventure!

 

We're going in an adventure in God @ggbc-edmond.

We are blessed to have the opportunity to embark on a Biblical adventure together over the next month.

As we explore the Scriptures, we can find inspiration for our own lives and be encouraged by the stories of God's faithfulness as He leads us on an adventure to discover Him, His Son, and all that He has for us. We can also uncover new insights and perspectives to help us understand God's word more deeply.

Through this adventure, we can strengthen our faith and grow closer to God. Let's take a look at how the Bible calls us to an adventure and how we can seek out that adventure together.

This is a journey we can take together and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us!