Monday, July 13 – “As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.” (Matthew 18:24) That’s a lot of gold! And that’s Jesus’ point. For you’ve been given a gift that’s beyond any financial understanding. And, one day, you’ll have to give an account to God, concerning what you did with this gift that’s beyond any financial understanding. That’s why today is the first day of the rest of your life. For God’s not looking to settle up, yet.
Tuesday, July 14 – “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) Reread that first question. Not what makes you different? But who makes you different? The different, that is you, isn’t because of what you do. The different, that is you, is because of who you are. Who are you? A dearly loved, sacred, child of God with gifts and talents unique to you.
Wednesday, July 15 – “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place.” (Matthew 21:33) You don’t own your life. For that would require a reality in which you could create your own life. No, you’re a tenant in your life. Merely renting, never owning. The good news is that the landowner has given you everything you need to have an abundant life.
Thursday, July 16 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) God is the same yesterday, today and forever. And God is the one who has given you every gift – time, talents and treasures. The ball is now in your court. What will you do with your time, talents and treasures? BTW, there will be a test.
Friday, July 17 – “So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back’”. (Luke 19:13) Here’s life (in a nutshell): God gives you the gifts of time, talents and treasures. And you compare what God’s given you, to everyone else. Then you feel really bad about yourself. Or you feel really good about yourself. No matter, for you’ve fallen into the trap of focusing on yourself. As opposed to focusing on why God put you right here, right now in the first place.
Saturday, July 18 – “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians 4:7) Does everyone need the same amount of grace? No. Thus, comparing graces is one of the most dangerous perspectives out there. Have you ever heard the old saying, “Apples to Apples”? Well, when it comes to comparing graces, even though we’re all dearly loved, sacred, children of God, we’re comparing “Apples to Oranges”. For, when it comes to time, talents, treasures and the need for grace, we ain’t all the same.
Tuesday, July 14 – “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) Reread that first question. Not what makes you different? But who makes you different? The different, that is you, isn’t because of what you do. The different, that is you, is because of who you are. Who are you? A dearly loved, sacred, child of God with gifts and talents unique to you.
Wednesday, July 15 – “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place.” (Matthew 21:33) You don’t own your life. For that would require a reality in which you could create your own life. No, you’re a tenant in your life. Merely renting, never owning. The good news is that the landowner has given you everything you need to have an abundant life.
Thursday, July 16 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) God is the same yesterday, today and forever. And God is the one who has given you every gift – time, talents and treasures. The ball is now in your court. What will you do with your time, talents and treasures? BTW, there will be a test.
Friday, July 17 – “So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back’”. (Luke 19:13) Here’s life (in a nutshell): God gives you the gifts of time, talents and treasures. And you compare what God’s given you, to everyone else. Then you feel really bad about yourself. Or you feel really good about yourself. No matter, for you’ve fallen into the trap of focusing on yourself. As opposed to focusing on why God put you right here, right now in the first place.
Saturday, July 18 – “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians 4:7) Does everyone need the same amount of grace? No. Thus, comparing graces is one of the most dangerous perspectives out there. Have you ever heard the old saying, “Apples to Apples”? Well, when it comes to comparing graces, even though we’re all dearly loved, sacred, children of God, we’re comparing “Apples to Oranges”. For, when it comes to time, talents, treasures and the need for grace, we ain’t all the same.
You try to eat right. You drink plenty of water. you exercise. don't forget your spirit - feed it!
daily devotions
