Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

Faithful: Faith Receives, Day 12

JOHN 10:10 | The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

What does God want to give us through faith? He wants us to receive deeper emotional life, full of rewards and satisfactions, and an inner wholeness that triumphs over depression and anxiety. In the ordinary world of life and death, which the Bible calls “bios,” fear and worry are necessary emotions to ensure survival and to alert us to the dangers that could and inevitably will lead to our demise. But in the Kingdom, we get to experience another kind of life, zoe, which is immune to disease and death and which can free us from fear and anxiety. The deeper our experience of God’s love and faithfulness, the more we can receive the assurance of his promises, enabling us to see threats and dangers in the light of eternity.

Which emotions unsettle you the most?

Memorize today’s verse and repeat it throughout the day.

Faithful: Faith Receives, Day 11

MATTHEW 25:14-23 | “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

What does God want to give us? Effectiveness in our responsibilities. God wants us to be multipliers. He gives us opportunities to make a Kingdom impact with our lives. When we share knowledge with someone, they grow in understanding and are equipped to help others. When we offer comfort or solace, burdens are shared and lifted. When we solve problems, invent new things, start businesses, we advance opportunities for others. When we encourage a young person and solidify their confidence, when we right a wrong, offer a testimony, or befriend another person, new possibilities emerge. When we set an example of fruitfulness in relationships, despite difficulties, there is a trail for others to follow.

Do something effective today, and celebrate it with your Heavenly Father.