Are You Using Your Talents? n Some have observed that 10% of the people in a local church typically do 90% of the work!

Are You Using Your Talents?Are You Using Your Talents?

Some have observed that 10% of the people Some have observed that 10% of the people in a local church typically do in a local church typically do 90% of the work!90% of the work!


Some have observed that 10% of the people Some have observed that 10% of the people in a local church typically do in a local church typically do 90% of the work!90% of the work!

Regardless of what others do, I must not be Regardless of what others do, I must not be numbered amongst those who are simply numbered amongst those who are simply observers in the work of the Lord. observers in the work of the Lord.


Some have observed that 10% of the people in a Some have observed that 10% of the people in a local church typically do 90% of local church typically do 90% of the work!the work!

Regardless of what others do, I must not be Regardless of what others do, I must not be numbered amongst those who are simply numbered amongst those who are simply observers in the work of the Lord. observers in the work of the Lord.

It is simply stated in God’s word that those who It is simply stated in God’s word that those who are converted to Christ will be active in are converted to Christ will be active in God’s work.God’s work.


Because of His gracious gift, we will be Because of His gracious gift, we will be zealous of good works.zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14) (Titus 2:11-14)


(Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)(Titus 2:11-14 NKJV) {14} {14} who gave who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for from every lawless deed and purify for Himself Himself His His own special people, zealous for own special people, zealous for good works.good works.


Again every Christian is expected to Again every Christian is expected to “abound” in God’s work.“abound” in God’s work. (1 Cor 15:58) (1 Cor 15:58)


(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV) Therefore, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.in vain in the Lord.


The key to using our talents is to have a The key to using our talents is to have a heart that sees things as God does! heart that sees things as God does!


The key to using our talents is to have a The key to using our talents is to have a heart that sees things as God does! heart that sees things as God does!

That will make you a joyful debtor in His That will make you a joyful debtor in His service.service. (Rom 1:14-15) (Rom 1:14-15)


(Romans 1:14-15 NKJV)(Romans 1:14-15 NKJV) I am a debtor I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.wise and to unwise. {15} {15} So, as much as is So, as much as is in me, in me, I am I am ready to preach the gospel to ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.you who are in Rome also.


I pray that each of us may renew our love as I pray that each of us may renew our love as to have the heart of God.to have the heart of God. (Rev 2:4-5) (Rev 2:4-5)


(Revelation 2:4-5 NKJV)(Revelation 2:4-5 NKJV) “Nevertheless I “Nevertheless I have have this this against you, that you have left against you, that you have left your first love.your first love. {5} {5} “Remember therefore “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you repent.its place; unless you repent.


Let us examine how God views us and our Let us examine how God views us and our opportunities.opportunities.

I must see Myself as a StewardI must see Myself as a Steward

What is a steward? What is a steward? (1 Cor 4:1)(1 Cor 4:1)


(1 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV) Let a man so Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.stewards of the mysteries of God.


oikonomosoikonomos - steward 8, chamberlain 1, - steward 8, chamberlain 1, governor 1; 1) the manager of a household governor 1; 1) the manager of a household or of household affairs 1a) esp. a steward, or of household affairs 1a) esp. a steward, manager, superintendent to whom the head manager, superintendent to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures.receipts and expenditures.


How would our attitude change if we really How would our attitude change if we really see that all we have is really God’s? see that all we have is really God’s? (1 Cor 4:7)(1 Cor 4:7)


(1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV) For who makes For who makes you differ you differ from another? from another? And what do you And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive did indeed receive it, it, why do you boast as if why do you boast as if you had not received you had not received it?it?


Our attitude towards possessions may Our attitude towards possessions may reflect a wrong attitude!reflect a wrong attitude!


Our attitude towards possessions may Our attitude towards possessions may reflect a wrong attitude!reflect a wrong attitude!

We often become defensive when we are We often become defensive when we are told what to do with “our” affairs.told what to do with “our” affairs.


What kind of heart do you have? What kind of heart do you have? (Mt 6:33; 1 Tim 6:17-19)(Mt 6:33; 1 Tim 6:17-19)


(Matthew 6:33 NKJV)(Matthew 6:33 NKJV) “But seek first the “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.all these things shall be added to you.


““What you are is God's gift to you. What What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.”you make of yourself is your gift to God.”


““What you are is God's gift to you. What What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.”you make of yourself is your gift to God.”

God owns all things.God owns all things.


There are many talented folks who need to There are many talented folks who need to see this. see this. (Jas 1:17)(Jas 1:17)


(James 1:17 NKJV)(James 1:17 NKJV) Every good gift and Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.there is no variation or shadow of turning.


He does not need these things however. He does not need these things however. (Psa 50:12)(Psa 50:12)


(Psalms 50:12 NKJV)(Psalms 50:12 NKJV) “If I were hungry, I “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world would not tell you; For the world is is Mine, Mine, and all its fullness.and all its fullness.


God wants us to view life this way! God wants us to view life this way! (Acts 17:24-25) (Acts 17:24-25)


(Acts 17:24-25 NKJV(Acts 17:24-25 NKJV) - “God, who made ) - “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.temples made with hands. {25} {25} “Nor is He “Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.breath, and all things.


““There was a rich man showing a preacher his There was a rich man showing a preacher his possessions. The wealthy man took the preacher possessions. The wealthy man took the preacher off for lunch, and then walked him through his off for lunch, and then walked him through his elaborate gardens, woodlands, and farm. "Now are elaborate gardens, woodlands, and farm. "Now are you going to tell me," he demanded when the tour you going to tell me," he demanded when the tour was completed, "that all this land does not belong was completed, "that all this land does not belong to me?" The preacher smiled and suggested, "Ask to me?" The preacher smiled and suggested, "Ask me that same question a hundred years from me that same question a hundred years from now."”now."”


There will be a day of accounting for our There will be a day of accounting for our stewardship.stewardship.


There will be a day of accounting for our There will be a day of accounting for our stewardship.stewardship.

We must be found faithful. We must be found faithful. (1 Cor 4:2; Lk 16:10)(1 Cor 4:2; Lk 16:10)


(Luke 16:10 NKJV)(Luke 16:10 NKJV) “He who “He who is is faithful in faithful in what is what is least is faithful also in much; and he least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in who is unjust in what is what is least is unjust also least is unjust also in much.in much.


(1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV) Moreover it is Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found required in stewards that one be found faithful.faithful.


We have a greater responsibility in accord We have a greater responsibility in accord with greater blessings. with greater blessings. (2 Cor 8:12)(2 Cor 8:12)


(2 Corinthians 8:12 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 8:12 NKJV) For if there is For if there is first a willing mind, first a willing mind, it is it is accepted according accepted according to what one has, to what one has, and and not according to what not according to what he does not have.he does not have.


What will you say in your account on What will you say in your account on judgment day? judgment day? (2 Cor 5:10)(2 Cor 5:10)


(2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV) For we must For we must all appear before the judgment seat of all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things Christ, that each one may receive the things done done in the body, according to what he has in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.done, whether good or bad.

I need the courage to try new things.I need the courage to try new things.

How does God develop talents with each of How does God develop talents with each of us? us? (Mt 25:14-30)(Mt 25:14-30)


(Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV)(Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV) “For “For the the kingdom of heaven is kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to like a man traveling to a far country, a far country, who who called his own servants called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.and delivered his goods to them. {15} {15} “And “And to one he gave five talents, to another two, to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.journey.


{16} {16} “Then he who had received the five “Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.made another five talents. {17} {17} “And “And likewise he who likewise he who had received had received two gained two gained two more also.two more also. {18} {18} “But he who had “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money…..and hid his lord’s money…..


{24} {24} “Then he who had received the one “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.scattered seed. {25} {25} ‘And I was afraid, and ‘And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, Look, there there you have you have what is what is yours.’yours.’


{26} {26} “But his lord answered and said to him, “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.have not scattered seed. {27} {27} ‘So you ought to ‘So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.my own with interest. {28} {28} ‘Therefore take the ‘Therefore take the talent from him, and give talent from him, and give it it to him who has ten to him who has ten talents.talents.


{29} {29} ‘For to everyone who has, more will ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.has will be taken away. {30} {30} ‘And cast the ‘And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’teeth.’


What did God call us to do? What did God call us to do? (2 Thess 2:13-14)(2 Thess 2:13-14)


(2 Thessalonians 2:14 NKJV)(2 Thessalonians 2:14 NKJV) {14} {14} to to which He called you by our gospel, for the which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Christ.


As a Christian I am to look for doors of As a Christian I am to look for doors of opportunity and with wisdom increase opportunity and with wisdom increase my service to God! my service to God!


As a Christian I am to look for doors of As a Christian I am to look for doors of opportunity and with wisdom increase opportunity and with wisdom increase my service to God! my service to God!

One door of faith leads to another! Consider One door of faith leads to another! Consider the example of David. the example of David. (1 Sam 17:34-36)(1 Sam 17:34-36)


(1 Samuel 17:34-36 NKJV)(1 Samuel 17:34-36 NKJV) But David But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,came and took a lamb out of the flock, {35} {35} I went out after it and struck it, and I went out after it and struck it, and delivered delivered the lamb the lamb from its mouth; and from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught when it arose against me, I caught it it by its by its beard, and struck and killed it.beard, and struck and killed it.


{36} {36} “Your servant has killed both lion and “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.”the armies of the living God.”


We must remember what the work of the We must remember what the work of the Lord is. Lord is. (1 Cor 3:11-16)(1 Cor 3:11-16)


(1 Corinthians 3:11-16 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 3:11-16 NKJV) For no other For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.laid, which is Jesus Christ. {12} {12} Now if anyone Now if anyone builds on this foundation builds on this foundation with with gold, silver, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,precious stones, wood, hay, straw, {13} {13} each each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.sort it is.


{14} {14} If anyone’s work which he has built on If anyone’s work which he has built on it it endures, he will receive a reward.endures, he will receive a reward. {15} {15} If If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.through fire. {16} {16} Do you not know that Do you not know that you are the temple of God and you are the temple of God and that that the the Spirit of God dwells in you?Spirit of God dwells in you?


Let us pray for wisdom to see what we can Let us pray for wisdom to see what we can do to build up others. do to build up others.


What different abilities are needed in the What different abilities are needed in the work of the Lord? work of the Lord? (Eph 4:16)(Eph 4:16)


(Ephesians 4:16 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:16 NKJV) from whom the from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.edifying of itself in love.


Let us avoid the fruits of a faithless fear. Let us avoid the fruits of a faithless fear.


It will sell you short. (Matt 25:25)It will sell you short. (Matt 25:25)


(Matthew 25:25 NKJV)(Matthew 25:25 NKJV) ‘And I was ‘And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, ground. Look, there there you have you have what is what is yours.’yours.’


What was this man afraid of? What did he What was this man afraid of? What did he get?get?


What was this man afraid of? What did he What was this man afraid of? What did he get?get?

"Fear makes come true that which one is "Fear makes come true that which one is afraid of." afraid of."


We must act and not sit during difficult We must act and not sit during difficult times.times.


We must act and not sit during difficult We must act and not sit during difficult times.times.

Let me assert my firm belief that the only Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. thing we have to fear is fear itself. ---- ---- Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt


Without proper leadership and example a Without proper leadership and example a church often follows the example of fear. church often follows the example of fear. “Let us avoid any trouble!” Often this “Let us avoid any trouble!” Often this means running from our problems and means running from our problems and sitting and doing nothing.sitting and doing nothing.


How many churches are afraid or real How many churches are afraid or real leadership!leadership!


Backward Christian SoldiersBackward Christian SoldiersBackward Christian soldiers,Backward Christian soldiers,

fleeing from the fight,fleeing from the fight,With the cross of Jesus clearly out of sight:With the cross of Jesus clearly out of sight:Christ our rightful Master stands against the Christ our rightful Master stands against the

foe,foe,But forward into battle we are chicken to go.But forward into battle we are chicken to go.Like a mighty tortoise moves the church of Like a mighty tortoise moves the church of

God;God;


Brothers we are treading where we've often Brothers we are treading where we've often trod,trod,

We are much divided, many bodies we,We are much divided, many bodies we,Having different doctrines, not much charity.Having different doctrines, not much charity.Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms

rise and wane,rise and wane,But the Church of Jesus hidden does remain;But the Church of Jesus hidden does remain;


Gates of hell should never "gainst that Church Gates of hell should never "gainst that Church prevail,prevail,

We have Christ's own promise, but think that We have Christ's own promise, but think that it will fail.it will fail.

Sit here, then, ye people, join our useless Sit here, then, ye people, join our useless throng;throng;

Blend with ours your voices in a feeble song.Blend with ours your voices in a feeble song.


Blessings, ease, and comfort, ask from Blessings, ease, and comfort, ask from Christ the King.Christ the King.

With our modern thinking, we won't do a With our modern thinking, we won't do a thing.thing.


It will cause you to forsake reason. It will cause you to forsake reason. (Matt 25:25)(Matt 25:25)


It will cause you to forsake reason. It will cause you to forsake reason. (Matt 25:25)(Matt 25:25)

Fear painted a picture here that blocked Fear painted a picture here that blocked reason.reason.


If he has laid out all options then he surely If he has laid out all options then he surely would have chosen the right path. Fear is would have chosen the right path. Fear is blinding because it only sees the harm and blinding because it only sees the harm and stops all action.stops all action.


If he has laid out all options then he surely If he has laid out all options then he surely would have chosen the right path. Fear is would have chosen the right path. Fear is blinding because it only sees the harm and blinding because it only sees the harm and stops all action.stops all action.

““No passion so effectually robs the mind of No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” - fear.” - Edmund BurkeEdmund Burke


Consider the power of this fear.Consider the power of this fear. (Mk 14:26; Matt 28:4; Lk 9:45; 21:26)(Mk 14:26; Matt 28:4; Lk 9:45; 21:26)


(Matthew 28:4 NKJV)(Matthew 28:4 NKJV) And the guards And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.men.


(Luke 9:45 NKJV)(Luke 9:45 NKJV) But they did not But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.saying.


(Luke 21:26 NKJV)(Luke 21:26 NKJV) “men’s hearts failing “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.the powers of heaven will be shaken.


Charlie Brown: "I have a new philosophy. Charlie Brown: "I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time." - I'm only going to dread one day at a time." -

I Need the patience that will not let me quit.I Need the patience that will not let me quit.

Who are those who accomplish the most in Who are those who accomplish the most in the Lord’s church? the Lord’s church? (Jas 5:7-9)(Jas 5:7-9)


(James 5:7-9 NKJV)(James 5:7-9 NKJV) Therefore be patient, Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how how the farmer waits for the precious fruit the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.receives the early and latter rain. {8} {8} You You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.the coming of the Lord is at hand.


It rarely is the ones who have the most It rarely is the ones who have the most talent. talent.


It is always those who do what they can It is always those who do what they can every day and never quit.every day and never quit.



How do we maintain this daily strength?How do we maintain this daily strength?



How do we maintain this daily strength?How do we maintain this daily strength? I must seek the praises of God rather than I must seek the praises of God rather than

men.men.



How do we maintain this daily strength?How do we maintain this daily strength? I must seek the praises of God rather than I must seek the praises of God rather than

men.men. Pride will always seek men over God. Pride will always seek men over God.

(2 Cor 10:12,18)(2 Cor 10:12,18)


(2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV) For we dare For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.themselves, are not wise.


(2 Corinthians 10:18 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 10:18 NKJV) For not he For not he who commends himself is approved, but who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.whom the Lord commends.


When we can really live as to please God, When we can really live as to please God, we will be consistent. we will be consistent. (1 Pt 1:7)(1 Pt 1:7)


(1 Peter 1:7 NKJV)(1 Peter 1:7 NKJV) that the genuineness that the genuineness of your faith, of your faith, being being much more precious much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,


How consistent is the praise of men? How consistent is the praise of men? (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


(Galatians 1:10 NKJV)(Galatians 1:10 NKJV) For do I now For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.


I need to be encouraged by faithful men. I need to be encouraged by faithful men. (Heb 10:24)(Heb 10:24)


(Hebrews 10:24 NKJV)(Hebrews 10:24 NKJV) And let us And let us consider one another in order to stir up love consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,and good works,


Fear as well as courage can be taught and Fear as well as courage can be taught and shared by others. shared by others.


Fear as well as courage can be taught and Fear as well as courage can be taught and shared by others. shared by others.

What was the great sin of the ten spies What was the great sin of the ten spies Israel sent? Israel sent? (Num 13:32-14:4)(Num 13:32-14:4)


(Numbers 13:32-33 NKJV)(Numbers 13:32-33 NKJV) And they And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as “The land through which we have gone as spies spies is is a land that devours its inhabitants, a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it and all the people whom we saw in it are are men of men of great great stature.stature.


{33} {33} “There we saw the giants (the “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”sight, and so we were in their sight.”


(Numbers 14:1-4 NKJV)(Numbers 14:1-4 NKJV) So all the So all the congregation lifted up their voices and congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.cried, and the people wept that night. {2} {2} And all the children of Israel complained And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!died in this wilderness!


{3} {3} “Why has the LORD brought us to this “Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?”not be better for us to return to Egypt?” {4} {4} So they said to one another, “Let us select a So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”leader and return to Egypt.”


Sometimes the “leadership” of the church is Sometimes the “leadership” of the church is like this.like this.


Sometimes the “leadership” of the church is Sometimes the “leadership” of the church is like this.like this.

My steadfastness will reflect the quality of My steadfastness will reflect the quality of my faithmy faith. (Lk 14:28-30). (Lk 14:28-30)


(Luke 14:28-30 NKJV)(Luke 14:28-30 NKJV) “For which of “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he down first and count the cost, whether he has has enough enough to finish to finish it; {29} it; {29} “lest, after he “lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see finish, all who see it it begin to mock him,begin to mock him, {30} {30} “saying, ‘This man began to build and “saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’was not able to finish.’


Satan never quits. Satan never quits. (1 Pt 5:8)(1 Pt 5:8)


(1 Peter 5:8 NKJV)(1 Peter 5:8 NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.may devour.


When we loose urgency then we fail to act. When we loose urgency then we fail to act. (2 Cor 5:11)(2 Cor 5:11)


(2 Corinthians 5:11 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 5:11 NKJV) Knowing, Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.consciences.


““There is an ancient story about three There is an ancient story about three demons who were arguing over the best demons who were arguing over the best way to destroy the Christian mission in the way to destroy the Christian mission in the world. The first demon says, "Let's tell all world. The first demon says, "Let's tell all the Christians there is no heaven. Take the Christians there is no heaven. Take away the reward incentive and the mission away the reward incentive and the mission will collapse." will collapse."


The second demon says, "Let's tell all the The second demon says, "Let's tell all the Christians there is no hell. Take away the fear Christians there is no hell. Take away the fear of punishment and the mission will collapse." of punishment and the mission will collapse." The third demon says, "There is one better The third demon says, "There is one better way. Let's tell all the Christians that there is way. Let's tell all the Christians that there is no hurry" and all three immediately say, no hurry" and all three immediately say, "That's it! All we have to do is tell them there's "That's it! All we have to do is tell them there's no hurry and the whole Christian enterprise no hurry and the whole Christian enterprise will collapse."”will collapse."”


How does the Lord view my abilities?How does the Lord view my abilities?


How does the Lord view my abilities?How does the Lord view my abilities? For many of you there are things within For many of you there are things within

your ability that you are afraid to try. your ability that you are afraid to try. (Josh 1:7, 23:6)(Josh 1:7, 23:6)


(Joshua 1:7 NKJV)(Joshua 1:7 NKJV) “Only be strong and “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.you may prosper wherever you go.


(Joshua 3:1 NKJV) (Joshua 3:1 NKJV) Then Joshua rose Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.there before they crossed over.


(Joshua 3:4 NKJV)(Joshua 3:4 NKJV) “Yet there shall be a “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed which you must go, for you have not passed this this way before.”way before.”


Remember that the Lord will be with us. Remember that the Lord will be with us. (Matt 28:18; Acts 18:10)(Matt 28:18; Acts 18:10)


(Matthew 28:20 NKJV)(Matthew 28:20 NKJV) “teaching them to “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, you; and lo, I am with you always, even even to to the end of the age.” Amen.the end of the age.” Amen.


(Acts 18:10 NKJV)(Acts 18:10 NKJV) “for I am with you, “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”have many people in this city.”


This courage will help us overcome This courage will help us overcome disappointment over the outward results.disappointment over the outward results.



Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”



Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Some are following a pattern of failure and Some are following a pattern of failure and

need to learn a better way.need to learn a better way.



Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Some are following a pattern of failure and Some are following a pattern of failure and

need to learn a better way.need to learn a better way. We need wisdom in the ordering of our We need wisdom in the ordering of our

personal lives. personal lives. (Mt 11:29-30)(Mt 11:29-30)


(Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV)(Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV) “Take My “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.rest for your souls. {30} {30} “For My yoke “For My yoke is is easy and My burden is light.”easy and My burden is light.”


When you give of your time you are giving When you give of your time you are giving of your life! of your life! (Col 4:5)(Col 4:5)


(Colossians 4:5 NKJV)(Colossians 4:5 NKJV) Walk in wisdom Walk in wisdom toward those toward those who are who are outside, redeeming outside, redeeming the time.the time.


““No one has any more time than you have. No one has any more time than you have. It is the discipline and stewardship of your It is the discipline and stewardship of your time that is important. The management of time that is important. The management of time is the management of self; therefore, if time is the management of self; therefore, if you manage time with God, He will begin you manage time with God, He will begin to manage you.” to manage you.”


We need to makes these things a part of our We need to makes these things a part of our lives and not something “extra.”lives and not something “extra.”



We need to be realistic in what work we can We need to be realistic in what work we can do and the amount of work to take on.do and the amount of work to take on.



We need to be realistic in what work we can We need to be realistic in what work we can do and the amount of work to take on.do and the amount of work to take on.

Here is where we must “weed out” Here is where we must “weed out” worldliness and the ways we waste our worldliness and the ways we waste our time.time.

Christians need to begin training and showing Christians need to begin training and showing others how to do this work.others how to do this work.

Good leadership will have the wisdom to Good leadership will have the wisdom to provide training.provide training. (2 Tim 2:2)(2 Tim 2:2)


(2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV) And the things And the things that you have heard from me among many that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.who will be able to teach others also.


It is not enough just to have a strong rebuke It is not enough just to have a strong rebuke about the lack work. We need leaders! about the lack work. We need leaders! (1 (1 Cor 11:1)Cor 11:1)


(1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV) Imitate me, Imitate me, just as I also just as I also imitate imitate Christ.Christ.


How many businesses just “put one to How many businesses just “put one to work” without training.work” without training.


How many businesses just “put one to How many businesses just “put one to work” without training.work” without training.

In God’s work you learn best by seeing In God’s work you learn best by seeing someone else do it. Some may need to start someone else do it. Some may need to start by just being there while another is by just being there while another is teaching!teaching!


Training should start as early as possible.Training should start as early as possible. (Mt 28:19-20)(Mt 28:19-20)


(Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)(Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV) “Go therefore “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} {20} “teaching them to observe all things that I “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, you always, even even to the end of the age.” to the end of the age.” Amen.Amen.


When I first became a Christian in college I When I first became a Christian in college I was trained immediately how to teach.was trained immediately how to teach.



New converts often have a large number of New converts often have a large number of people who are willing to listen.people who are willing to listen.




Training should give one experience in a Training should give one experience in a controlled setting.controlled setting.




Training should give one experience in a Training should give one experience in a controlled setting.controlled setting.

How does the navy teach its recruits to How does the navy teach its recruits to swim?swim?


I have found the best training occurs in the I have found the best training occurs in the home and will simulate as much as possible home and will simulate as much as possible the conditions he will later face.the conditions he will later face.



By receiving the help of others this work By receiving the help of others this work will become more attainable.will become more attainable.



By receiving the help of others this work By receiving the help of others this work will become more attainable.will become more attainable.

How does God see the things in my life?How does God see the things in my life?



By receiving the help of others this work will By receiving the help of others this work will become more attainable.become more attainable.

How does God see the things in my life?How does God see the things in my life? The material things are only temporary. The material things are only temporary.

(1 Tim 6:6-8)(1 Tim 6:6-8)


(1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV)(1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV) Now godliness Now godliness with contentment is great gain.with contentment is great gain. {7} {7} For we For we brought nothing into brought nothing into this this world, world, and it is and it is certain we can carry nothing out.certain we can carry nothing out. {8} {8} And And having food and clothing, with these we having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.shall be content.


He see things from beginning to end. (Ex. He see things from beginning to end. (Ex. Looking at train on a high bridge)Looking at train on a high bridge)


Jesus warned us about how God views our Jesus warned us about how God views our actions. actions. (Lk 16:10-12)(Lk 16:10-12)


(Luke 16:10-12 NKJV)(Luke 16:10-12 NKJV) “He who “He who is is faithful in faithful in what is what is least is faithful also in least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in much; and he who is unjust in what is what is least least is unjust also in much.is unjust also in much. {11} {11} “Therefore if “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true your trust the true riches? riches?


{12} {12} “And if you have not been faithful in “And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?what is your own?


““God entrusts us with money as a test; for God entrusts us with money as a test; for like a toy to the child, it is training for like a toy to the child, it is training for handling things of more value.” -- Fred handling things of more value.” -- Fred SmithSmith


““God entrusts us with money as a test; for God entrusts us with money as a test; for like a toy to the child, it is training for like a toy to the child, it is training for handling things of more value.” -- Fred handling things of more value.” -- Fred SmithSmith

What work will last for an eternity? What work will last for an eternity? (Heb 6:10-12)(Heb 6:10-12)


(Hebrews 6:10-12 NKJV)(Hebrews 6:10-12 NKJV) For God For God is is not not unjust to forget your work and labor of love unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, which you have shown toward His name, in that in that you have ministered to the saints, and do you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.minister. {11} {11} And we desire that each one of And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,assurance of hope until the end, {12} {12} that you do that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Documents

Are You Using Your Talents? n Some have observed that 10% of the people in a local church typically do 90% of the work!