Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - "A Wise Investment" Tuesday, 25 November 2014 - Scripture: Luke 19: The Story About Investment

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - "A Wise Investment" Tuesday, 25 November 2014 - Scripture: Luke 19: The Story About Investment
11 While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God’s kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story:
12-13 “There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, ‘Operate with this until I return.’
14 “But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: ‘We don’t want this man to rule us.’
15 “When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, he called those ten servants to whom he had given the money to find out how they had done.
16 “The first said, ‘Master, I doubled your money.’
17 “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been trustworthy in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’
18 “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’
19 “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’
20-21 “The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’
22-23 “He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’
24 “Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’
25 “They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’
26 “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
27 “‘As for these enemies of mine who petitioned against my rule, clear them out of here. I don’t want to see their faces around here again.’”
"A Wise Investment" by W. Talmadge Johnson
Jesus told a story of a nobleman who, before going on a trip, gave ten servants each a sum of money to invest in his absence.
When the nobleman returned, an accounting revealed that one servant had earned ten more, another five more, and one, out of fear, had hidden his. He had no increase to show. The nobleman took his and gave it to the one who had earned ten.
Kayla waited on me at the supermarket checkout. I simply said, “Have a blessed day.” She responded, “I am trying,” then added, “This is my birthday.” I had received change, so I gave her a one-dollar bill and left the store. Upon my departure, I felt checked by the Holy Spirit–I should have done more. So I went back and asked for the dollar bill. In return, I gave her a 10-dollar bill. She was overwhelmed and at first refused, but I said, “The Lord told me to do this,” and she was thankful. I may never see Kayla again, but my prayer is that the investment will pay dividends in her life. I know I was blessed.
Hymn for Today:

"Give of Your Best To The Master" by Howard B. Grose
1. Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
2. Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,

Join in the battle for truth.
3. Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,

Join in the battle for truth.
Thought for Today: 

“The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he’ll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!"(Luke 12:47-48).
Please Pray:
For the distribution of Holiness literature in Mesoamerica.
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