Archive for November, 2013

The Parable Of The Talents

November 25, 2013

Beginning in Matthew 25:14, The Lord speaks of the man, whom before he embarked on his journey, entrusted property to his slaves and gave them talents, each according to their ability. Upon the man’s return, he settled his accounts and was pleased when two of the slaves informed him how they had invested the talents. The third servant admitted that his own fear prompted him to bury his talent in the ground. For that, he was exiled from the household while the other two slaves were blessed with more for their efforts.

In the last number of years, this story has reminded me of those who squander their lives and do absolutely nothing with the gifts and talents bestowed on them by God. Each one of us was created with a specific purpose that has been designed to impact the world and to bless those around us. Indeed, it is His desire that we walk in that for which we have been called and it is He alone who can bring it to pass…to prepare the opportunity…provide the necessary funds…and open doors that no one can close. Indeed, to follow God’s express will and not that suggested by another, will surely bring about the words “Well done My good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).

Our Delight In Him

November 13, 2013

In Psalm 37:4, we are told “Delight yourself in The Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

As a good father longs to bless his children, so it is with God. When it comes to Him, there are many with the misconception that The Lord is concerned only with our basic needs and has no regard for our aspirations. Yet they fail to realize that it is He who placed those same dreams in our hearts which He yearns to fulfill. All that He requires is an intimacy with Him. When we truly align ourselves with God, the desires of our heart coincide with His Word. As we focus on The Lord, and discover our joy in Him, He alone can open doors and present opportunities to us which the world deems as impossible.

I was married for the first time at 48, and prior to that, there were many who told me that to find a husband at that age was a daunting task, even for God. I disregarded their comments and instead sought Him with a fervency…not for His Hand, but rather His Heart. In essence, I delighted myself in Him and in the midst of that all, He blessed me with a man who walks in His ways.

Trust In The Lord

November 5, 2013

So many times, particularly during a fiery trial, we hear from well meaning individuals “Trust in The Lord and whatever will be will be.” However, when we search the Bible, there is nothing that alludes to or substantiates the latter, common part of that phrase.

God’s Word is replete with the promises that He has made for those that have put their confidence in Him. For example, in Psalm 37:3, we are told ” Trust in The Lord and do good. So you will dwell in the land and be nourished in safety.” Psalm 40, Verses 1 through 3 proclaim “I waited patiently for The Lord. He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in The Lord.” Isaiah 53:5 states “For He was wounded for my transgressions; He was bruised for my iniquities. Upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole and by His stripes we were healed.”

Whatever our issue may be, we already have the assurance in His Word of a victorious outcome. As we yield our hearts to Him, we will see those promises made manifest in our lives.

God’s Word

November 3, 2013

As Catholics, the Word of God needs to be put first and foremost in our lives.  So often, we faithfully adhere to the traditions of our Faith, but we fail to pursue a true intimacy with our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Our Savior loves us and has called us unto Himself.  Joshua 1:8 clearly states “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth: you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it.  For then shall you make your way prosperous and then you shall be successful.”

When we allow Him full access into our lives and choose to operate in His love, then indeed He can bring about the awesome purpose for which He created us for.