A Good Return by Larry Refsland
We all want to receive a good return on our time, our money and our ideas. I’ve observed people as they scan the financial section of the newspaper. Their reaction gives away whether their stock went up or down in value. Homeowners open their property tax statements with anticipation and fear. They hope the value of their home has appreciated yet still want the taxes to go down! The Bible records a story that Jesus told about a wealthy man that left some money in the hands of his servants. They were to manage his assets while away on a trip. One of the servants made investments and was able to give a 100% return on his master’s money. Another one achieved a 50% return by putting his master’s money to work. A third servant, however, hid his master’s money and simply returned it to his master upon his arrival. A 0% return! Granted, he didn’t lose any of his master’s money (unless you factor in inflation), but the fact is he didn’t even try to get a return. The application, of course, is that our master, the Lord Jesus, has given each of us a gift, a talent, or an ability that he intends for us to invest and achieve a return for him. How are you doing with what he has entrusted to you? Each day is an opportunity to make your life count for the kingdom of God. He deserves a good return on his investment in you! Detectives Wanted! by Larry Refsland
What did Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and Colombo have in common? They all loved a good mystery! A good mystery writer gives just enough facts to cause the reader to think they know the truth but still leave an element of doubt so you will read the entire story. The surprising ending usually reveals the missing facts that clear up the mystery all together. If you enjoy a mystery, you will enjoy the story of God’s plan to reveal himself to man. It’s recorded in the Bible. It is a mystery how God became flesh and was born of a virgin. It is a mystery how Jesus came back from death after the crucifixion. It is a mystery how, after our earthly lives end, our souls continue to live for eternity. We only know “in part” but we do not fully understand every aspect of these truths—that’s what makes them a mystery! The reason we haven’t been given complete knowledge about all these things is because God’s plan is for us to come to him in faith. Faith is accepting God’s word without having complete understanding. If we fully understood his love, his mercy or his power, there would be no faith required. Anyone who comes to God, the scriptures say in Hebrews 11:6, must come to him in faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Why did God set it up this way? It’s a mystery! The day will come when we will have full knowledge and understanding. On that day we will join the angels in their anthem of praise, “Holy is the Lord!” Why not spend some time this week investigating the mysteries of God as they are recorded in the Bible? May God bless you as you search for his timeless truth. |
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