Pondering Point

Who is thanking God for you because you are applying your God-given treasures to meet their needs? When people receive blessings out of a bounty you have, it is a form of God’s grace coming through you to them. Isn’t that an awesome picture? Let’s be conduits of grace!

Looking back to last week’s parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) and taking risks for God with His resources, Jesus acknowledged that those who are faithful with small things will get the chance to manage greater things. One of the best things we can invest our resources in is people. Add the thought that God’s grace flows with that giving, and you have a beautiful picture of the work of God in action.

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 25
Grace

Christians may often feel compelled to just tell others what type of conduct is not acceptable. They may moralize, evaluate, judge, criticize, and preach at nonbelievers. Their messages can convey unacceptance, thinking that by such means those in authority can force Christian growth. Christians cannot push growth. Unbelievers often think that if they act a certain way, they are then going to become a believer. A relationship with Jesus Christ is to be introduced, not just information given on how to act or behave.

God is the One who gives and develops the Christian life and faith. He does it as the Holy Spirit works through the Word, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. It is through His power a person turns from sin to Him. This is power to “become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

Got his book?  Read pages 122-125 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.

Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #45 on page 287: “How come God sometimes doesn't answer prayer?"