Thursday Devotion

by Lynda Ambrose

Prayer – Heavenly Father, We are all guilty of burying our talents that you have so generously given us.   Please open our hearts as we read this and help us all to know how to serve you better.   In Jesus name, Amen

Burying Our Talents

I think about this often as I try to know how to serve in our precious church and also in my own personal life.   I never really thought of it as theft though until I read a devotional in my Guideposts Devotional Bible.  Several passages mention our gifts or talents that God has so graciously given to each and every one of us.   The 3rd chapter of Malachi talks a lot about this and how burying your talents is a sort of theft of services from God!  WHOA!  I didn’t ever think of it like that, did you?  That’s Old Testament talk right there.   The New Testament also mentions it in Mathew chapter 25 and Romans chapter 12.  One thing I have learned, and I know that I know, is that serving God opens that peace that passes understanding and when you serve God with an open heart and to the best of your ability (YOUR ability, not my opinion or anyone else’s opinion).   God will have your back whenever you need Him and especially in those times when you can’t think fast enough to ask Him for specific help.  Knowing this also lifts my spirit and, at the risk of sounding selfish, is self-rewarding.

My gifts or talents are not your gifts or talents, and vice versa, so you have to know what you are comfortable doing, giving, serving.   Whatever it is, you will be somewhat comfortable in it because that is how gracious God is.   He will not make your gift impossible to use and He will be right there with you and help and guide you while you do.  And as you use it, you get better and better and more comfortable doing it!  How great is that?

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father – please know we love you and want to serve you better.   Guide us always and help us to use the doors you open for us that we can walk boldly through them, giving you the glory and honor that waits on the other side of them.  In Jesus our Saviour Brother’s name, Amen.