Using what God gives us... BIG or small
Jesus taught many parables in His word and on Sunday evening my Pastor highlighted the parable of the servants in Matthew 25: 14-30. I’m sure you all know the story and how the servants were given a sum of money from the Master as he was away. He gave one 5 talents, one 2 talents, and the last servant her gave 1 talent. He focused on these points and it really struck home for me… so I thought I would share.
1) What is the mater looking for in a good and faithful servant?
a) He wants the servant to understand that the wealth they are investing is NOT THEIR OWN.
b) He wants them to work as hard with his wealth while his is away as they would if he were present.
2) The faithful servants eliminated the temptation to misuse or waste their master’s goods by setting to work with them right away. The one with the five talents WENT AT ONCE… This is so in line with the concept that so many of us have when ministering to kids… let them use what God has given them, at once for fear that it will be misused, or not used for God’s glory.
3) Servants are rewarded on the basis of faithfulness, not giftedness (Thank-You Lord !!) The master rewarded the one who had made 10 talents with the very same words that he rewarded the one who had made 4 talents. God is so good, He gives each of us abilities some many some few but as we continue to serve, and teach other to serve using what they have, God’s delight and reward are the same. It’s in the sacrifice of serving that God finds greatest delight not in how much…
4) Lessons from a wasted life…
a) By his own admission, fear kept this steward from doing his job for his Master (vs.25) The servant didn’t even know the Master, indicating that as we serve we also learn more about the Master. The Master knows exactly what’s in our heart as he described the servant as both wicked and slothful…
b) Uselessness is an eternally damming as wickedness (vs. 28-30)…you don’t have to lose what you’ve been given. The one talent servant didn’t lose any of his master’s money. He simply did nothing to multiply it. There were chances to put his time and energy into his master’s work and he didn’t bother…
May God always continue to press on our hearts the areas of service we are to be offering to him as a sacrifice and continue to work in our hearts as we teach others (young and old) about the value of service in His kingdom.
What’s Going On…
Blown Away – Children’s Leadership Conference March 2 & 3, 2007
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION before Feb 9th Register your group, parent & jr. leaders on line at www.kidzvillage.ca or www.wod.paoc.org
Call or email Pam McArthur at pmcarthur@wod.paoc.org if you have any questions
Keep in mind the Jr. Leaders Workshop track and the Parenting Track and advertise accordingly in your church.
Check out all the great speakers and workshops available on line at www.kidzvillage.ca
Burlington Hotel Options (20 min east of church)
Admiral Inn (in Burlington off the 403)
(905) 639-4780
(Mention that you are part of the PAOC)
Travelodge Burlington
(905) 639-9290
(mention that you are part of the PAOC)
APM Conference in Sioux Lookout – Feb 22nd – 25th
I will again be joining Pastor Tom and Kathie Quinn for a trip into the snowy north to minister and encourage sr. and children’s pastors as they emphasize reaching the lost children in their communities and through-out Canada. Please continue to pray that God would guide my steps as I prepare.
www.kidzvillage.ca
I have updated the resource section with many of the great memory verses ideas you sent in after last week’s kidzvillage. I would also like to update the celebration page but that’s entirely up to you… is God doing some great things in your ministry, in your church or community… let us all know so we can celebrate together !
Here to serve…
Pam