Follow Me | Time, Talent, & Treasure | Devotionals
September 30, 2024 3:10 PM
Day 1: Understanding Faithfulness
Devotional: In the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches us about the importance of faithfulness. The master entrusts his property to his servants, each according to their ability. The first two servants double their talents and are rewarded, while the third hides his talent and faces punishment. This story highlights the difference between legalism and true faithfulness. Legalism is driven by fear and guilt, while faithfulness stems from a secure relationship with Christ. When we act out of love and trust, we can use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and serve others.
Verse: 'For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.' - Matthew 25:14
Question: How can you shift your mindset from fear and guilt to love and trust in your relationship with Christ?
Quote: "The difference between legalism and faithfulness is relationship."
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand the true meaning of faithfulness. Teach me to act out of love and trust, and to use my gifts to glorify You and serve others. Amen.
Day 2: Operating from Security
Devotional: Faithfulness operates from a place of security, not fear. When we have a relationship with Jesus, we are secure in His love and grace. This security allows us to be faithful with what we have been given, without the burden of trying to earn God's approval. Jesus says, 'My yoke is easy. My burden is light.' When we trust in Him, we can use our time, talents, and treasures to build His kingdom with joy and confidence.
Verse: 'Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.' - Matthew 25:19
Question: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in Jesus' security and let go of fear?
Quote: "Legalism is you are trying to earn security. Whereas faithfulness operates from security."
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the security I have in You. Help me to trust in Your love and grace, and to be faithful with what You have given me. Amen.
Day 3: Multiplying Your Talents
Devotional: The parable of the talents teaches us that what we have been given is worthy of being multiplied. Our talents symbolize more than just money; they include our time, skills, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts to their fullest potential for God's glory. It doesn't mean perfection or an all-or-nothing approach. It means a long obedience in the same direction, continually striving to serve God and others with what we have.
Verse: 'He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed.’ - Matthew 25:24
Question: How can you use your time, talents, and treasures to multiply what God has given you for His kingdom?
Quote: "What you have been given is worthy of being multiplied."
Prayer: Father, show me how to use my gifts to their fullest potential. Help me to be faithful in multiplying what You have entrusted to me. Amen.
Day 4: Faithfulness as a Fruit of the Spirit
Devotional: Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, something that the Holy Spirit wells up in us to produce obedience and good works. It is not about our own strength or perfection, but about relying on God's Spirit to guide us. When we have a relationship with Christ, we can ask Him to help us obey His good and perfect law. By being faithful, we can look forward to the reward of hearing Jesus say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'
Verse: 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.' - Galatians 5:22
Question: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to help you be faithful in your daily life?
Quote: "Faithfulness is a fruit of the spirit. It's something that the Holy Spirit wells up in you to produce obedience, to produce the good things."
Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me with Your presence and help me to be faithful. Guide me in obedience and good works, so that I may glorify God in all that I do. Amen.
Day 5: The Reward of Faithfulness
Devotional: Being faithful with what God has given us is not only about obedience, but also about the reward that awaits us. Jesus promises that those who are faithful will hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' This reward is worth pursuing, as it brings us into the joy of our Master. We have a purpose, and it is to be faithful with our time, talents, and treasures. By doing so, we can look forward to the ultimate reward of entering into Jesus' joy.
Verse: 'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' - Ephesians 2:10
Question: What steps can you take today to be more faithful with what God has given you, in anticipation of the reward He promises?
Quote: "The reward is worth pursuing. Jesus saying, well done. Enter into my joy."
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the promise of reward for faithfulness. Help me to be diligent and faithful with what You have given me, so that I may hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Amen.