In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a story about a man who entrusts his wealth to his servants for them to manage according to his desires, not their own. They don’t own the money they have been given, their master owns it. The parable reveals that God entrusts us with time, talents, and resources. We don’t own what we’ve been given by God. It belongs to him. But we are responsible for managing it according to how he commands us. Are you using your God-given time, talents, and treasures, according to God’s will? Are you investing what you’ve been given so that our “Master” will receive a return on his investment?

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

Sunday (11/8)

Today I am going to offer God ______________________________________.

During the worship service God revealed ____________________________________________________________________________________.

Read Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:1-4 and pray in response to what you read.

Tuesday (11/10)

Read Jesus’ message from Matthew 6:19-24 and pray in response to what you read. Ask yourself, “Am I serving God or money? Which of the two is my master?”

Wednesday (11/11)

Read Jesus’ harsh words to the Pharisees and teachers of the Hebrew laws in Matthew 23:23-24 and prayerfully wrestle with the questions below. In the verses Jesus notes how meticulous the teachers and Pharisees are about giving a tenth (tithe) of all of their produce and income, including herbs and spices, yet they neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Are justice, mercy, and faithfulness priorities for you? Which of those three need more of your focus and attention in 2021?

Thursday (11/12)

Read Jesus’ parable (story) about the Kingdom of God from Matthew 25:14-30 and prayerfully ask yourself:

Am I investing the time, talents, and resources God has given me so that he will receive a greater return on what He gave me? If not, what needs to change in my life so that my time, talents, and resources are invested for kingdom-purposes?

Friday (11/13)

Read the account of the woman who anointed Jesus with “very expensive perfume” in Matthew 26:6-13 and pray in response to what you read.

Saturday (11/14)

Rest, enjoy some recreation, and reflect upon the past week. Re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?