Matthew 25:15-30

How much is enough? Lisa Mikitarian talks about the parable of the talents and learning to focus on using what we have and not saying, "If only"

Are you willing to risk to honor God? Rubel Shelly reminds us that caution rooted in the fear of God can be a bad thing when we are trying to serve him with the gifts he has given us to be used for his glory.

"[Jesus continued:] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and....."

"[Jesus continued his story about the man who entrusted various servants with different amounts of his money while he was on a trip:] "Then the servant..."

"[Jesus continued his story about the servants entrusted with different amounts of money while the master was on a trip. Concerning the servant who..."

You've been there, haven't you, where you needed help and wondered if anyone was there? Phil Ware talks about using our summers to do God's work.

"His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share..."

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 25:21 -- "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

So is it really better to be safe than sorry? Phil Ware talks about the old adage, better to be safe than sorry, and shows what Jesus says about it: the follower who takes this approach will be condemned.

Don't you just love to hear the words said to you! Tom Norvell reminds of how beautiful it will be to hear "Well done!" from the Lord and how important it is for us to say it to each other until his coming.

Let God train you. He watches the way we handle the little jobs. Max Lucado reminds us that we can get through whatever we are facing right now because God is at work in us and will be with us until we are fashioned into a person of character.

Are you using what God has given you? God has given us all special abilities. If we use them, then God is glorified, but if we don't, we'll lose those abilities.

How do you honor a servant who is not trying to be noticed but simply trying to do good things for others? Phil Ware talks about a university honoring students for their acts of service and it leads him to wonder how we honor God's servants today.

So you started well, but how did you finish? While starting well is important, finishing is the most important thing of all!

Joy in trials and the expansion of influence in times like these? YES! Alan Garner describes a prayer and exhortation he gave at the Volunteers of America meeting and how wisdom and opportunity can be found in caring for the trials and troubles of those around us.

How do you honor a servant who is not trying to be noticed? Phil Ware talks about a university honoring students for their acts of service and it leads him to wonder how we honor God's servants today.