... 's laws, so that it is not appropriate for the king to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued for their destruction, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, so that they may put it into the king's treasuries.- Esther 3:8-9 Ten thousand talents of silver? Hmm. Even a king can use some extra money, and a multi-million dollar "gift" would be a nice lining to any purse, even the royal one. No, Ahasueras thought better ...
... is rooted in the reality of something already present, the fulfillment of that hope is possible. Maybe not certain, but possible. That's genuine hope. But where a beginning of what is hoped for is absent, hope is foolishness.1 For example, if you have a talent for singing, you might have a genuine hope of becoming the next American Idol, but if you can't sing, any hope of becoming the next American Idol is a foolish hope. If the hope is rooted in the reality of something already present, the fulfillment ...
328. Always Improving
Illustration
Staff
A certain amount of permanent dissatisfaction with one's talents is probably a healthy thing. Those who are totally satisfied with their work will never reach their potential. The great pianist, Paderewski, achieved tremendous popularity in America. Yet, said Paderewski, "There have been ... free from the disturbing realization that my playing might have been better." The world considered Paderewski's playing near perfection, but he remained unsatisfied and kept constantly at the job of improving his talent.
329. Practice Makes Perfect
Illustration
Brett Blair & John Troup
... By 7:a.m. most athletes have done more than many people do all day. How well an athlete performs is often attributed to mental toughness. But performance really depends on physical capacity to do work. That capacity is based on two factors: genetic talent and the quality of the training program. Good training makes up for some limitations, but most of us will never be Olympians no matter how hard we work. We haven't inherited the right genetic combination of endurance, potential, speed and muscle. But given ...
330. Hard Work and Dedication
Mark 8:31--9:1
Illustration
King Duncan
... and neurologists. Bloom and his team of researchers from the University of Chicago probed for clues as to how these achievers developed. For a more complete picture, they interviewed their families and teachers. The report stated conclusively that drive and determination, not great natural talent, led to the extraordinary success of these individuals. Bloom noted, "We expected to find tales of great natural gifts. We didn't find that at all. Their mothers often said it was another child who had the greater ...
Psalm 25:1-10, Jeremiah 33;14-16, Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Bulletin Aid
Julia Ross Strope
... , to put nutritious food on our tables, and to entertain ourselves. People: And then the world takes so much from us. Leader: At the same time, there are men and women in our town who need basic supplies for their survival. People: We will give our time, talents, and moneys to support this place and to provide for people in need. Doxology "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good will to all from highest heaven Begin and never cease! Begin and never ...
Psalm 1:1-6, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Bulletin Aid
Julia Ross Strope
... with hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done in whom this world rejoices; Who from our mothers’ arms hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love and still is ours today. Prayer Of Thanksgiving Thank you, Living God, for the talents and skills that make each of us significant to this faith family. Thank you for sufficient money to pay our way in this world. Amen. Intercessory Prayers God of Body and Soul — we devote ourselves to be in harmony with your Spirit. Heal us from ...
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 14:8-17, (25-27), Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17
Bulletin Aid
Julia Ross Strope
... the meaning of life and Mystery. We are challenged to know ourselves and to relate to God. We are soothed during the painful parts of life and in good times, we share our rejoicings! Hurrah! Yippee! Hallelujah! Offertory Statement With your own language, your own talents, and your own moneys, this is the moment when you can respond with generosity to Holy Generosity so that tangible goodness continues in this place. Doxology "The Lone, Wild Bird" The ends of earth are in God’s hand, The sea’s dark deep ...
... in you. Great Spirit, come, and rest in me. Prayer Of Thanksgiving God of Feet and Hands — we are grateful for the ways you bless us in so many tangible ways. Thank you for the health of this congregation, for all our resources, and for all the talents gathered here. Amen. Intercessory Prayers God of Naaman and Jesus — people around this planet seek wholeness. We are so fearful when we learn that disease has invaded our bodies! We want the best a health care system has to offer and there is a price to ...
Psalm 46:1-11, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79; 23:33-43, Colossians 1:11-20
Bulletin Aid
Julia Ross Strope
... reigns in highest heaven, To Father and to Son and Spirit now be given. The one eternal God whom heaven and earth adore The God who was and is and shall be evermore. Prayer Of Thanksgiving Energy of the Cosmos — thank you for the talents gathered in this place — steady bank accounts, a wealth of education, a richness of sounds, a bevy of skills, a colorful palate of people, eager souls.... Conduct us as a “benefit concert” within your reign of peace and justice. Amen. Intercessory Prayers Creator of ...
... the table and wait to be called up higher (Luke 14:10) is inconsistent with today’s message for success. We are always told to put our best foot forward. While we must maximize our potential and use God’s gifts wisely to demonstrate to others our talent and potential, it should never be done at the expense of others. When applying for a job or entrance to college or other educational endeavors, our resume must be superior and stand out from others. Still, if we take the time and use our wisdom, this can ...
... of the table and wait to be called up higher (Luke 14:10) is inconsistent with today's message for success. We are always told to put our best foot forward. While we must maximize our potential and use God's gifts wisely to demonstrate to others our talent and potential, it should never be done at the expense of others. When applying for a job or entrance to college or other educational endeavors, our resume must be superior and stand out from others. Still, if we take the time and use our wisdom, this can ...
... who lose their life for my sake will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 Jesus is asking his followers to give their lives for the betterment of others. This is not a call to martyrdom, but rather a challenge to find ways we can use our lives, our talents, our opportunities, our time, and our resources to build the kingdom of God in our world. The call to demonstrate sacrificial love is an everyday challenge to all, from youth in school, to men and women in the working world, and even those who are retired. Children ...
... because they feel they have no option. These people are apathetic; they have given up. We will encounter many people who for varied reasons have decided that they cannot use their gifts, talents, and time for a particular endeavor. Too often, however, we find apathetic people who, even with the necessary talent and time, choose not to get involved. Why? Because people believe, due to past personal experiences or by observations of others, that their efforts will make no difference in the outcome of events ...
... comes from our Lord Jesus. Paul assures us that Jesus, “will also strengthen you to the end…” The church has talented, committed, gifted people, so the question becomes what is preventing us from becoming all we can be? Like countless others, Athena Dean ... was consumed by worldly success. She admits that she was using her talents to encourage people to make money rather than inspire them to a closer walk with Jesus. She became possessed with making ...
... from you; we are trying to put you in a position where God can give something to you that you would not ever get if you didn’t give. Throughout the next few months, I want to challenge you to be a blessing to others by giving your time, talents and your resources to God. How do you think our families, our community, our church would be impacted if each of us took up this simple challenge for the next 100 days? Be a part of this simple challenge. Give in your relationships by sharing your story in Christ ...
... , God wants time with you when you just focus on Him and spend time with Him and love Him. II. We Love God With Our Talents As we have already said another way that we love God is by obeying God. One of the ways you obey God is by serving ... – which is people To hate what God hates – which is sin To do what God does – which is give Give you time, your talents, your testimony and your treasure to God. This church will never ever do anything greater for you, your children, or your grandchildren than ...
... means a “large, heavy basket.” This boy had enough left over to start a Super Wal-Mart. Do you know why this miracle is so important to you and me? That little boy is you and me. We all have lunches in our possession. We all have talents, abilities, time, and resources that God asks for. That little boy could have kept that lunch to himself and fed himself, but everybody else would have gone hungry. Because that little boy trusted Jesus and gave Him what He asked for, Jesus used what He gave and Jesus ...
... says Max DePree. “Lacking the last five yards makes the first ninety-five pointless.” (5) Christ needs disciples who will run those final five yards. It is committed people who make a difference in our world. We do not have to be the most brilliant or the most talented persons to serve Christ. We don’t have to be in a high profile position. We simply need to make a stand from time to time. Rosa Parks is one of the most famous names in civil rights history. In 1955, Parks refused to give her bus seat ...
... it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it . . .” The fact that you are a member of the church means that your gifts are needed--your abilities, your talents. And, it’s not enough to simply occupy a pew each week. Dr. Bob Reccord gives us another powerful analogy. He notes that in March of 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr., and was hospitalized for several weeks. Although Reagan was the nation ...
... been along the African coast (although no more precise indication is given). McKenzie remarks ironically: “Unfortunately for treasure seekers, the location of Ophir is unknown” (1–2 Chronicles, p. 255). The mention of four hundred and fifty talents of gold is probably an exaggeration in order to enhance Solomon’s reputation. A “talent” is normally taken to weigh between thirty and thirty-five kilograms, which would bring the weight of gold mentioned here to approximately sixteen metric tons.
... of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem. Jehoahaz probably preferred his father’s anti-Egyptian policy, and that would explain why Neco removed him after only three months. The Egyptian removal of the Judahite king was accompanied by a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold that was imposed on Judah, and thereby Judah became a vassal state of Egypt. We also hear in 36:4 that Neco took . . . Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt. The Kings version adds “and there he died,” information ...
... soon go into exile because of its faithlessness. Additional Note 8:8 According to Assyrian texts, Tiglath-pileser III boasted of his conquest of Israel, “They overthrew their king Pekah and I placed Hoshea as king over them. I received from them 10 talents of gold, 1,000 (?) talents of silver as their [tri]bute and brought them to Assyria” (ANET, p. 284a). The Cult, the Occasion of Sin (8:11-14): 8:11–14 Having treated the political realm in the two preceding oracles, Hosea in this oracle turns to the ...
... makes no sound at all. But a tiny canary or a little wren can make some of the most beautiful music ever heard. You see, God gives every creature its own gift. The mighty eagle may appear majestic as it soars gracefully overhead, but it would never win a talent contest. The little canary sing a beautiful song, but wouldn't have a chance in a tug of war with the eagle. God has made everything beautiful and special and unique in its own way. God has made you beautiful, special and unique, too. Each of you has ...
... Faithful, you can count on it that you will see it spout its water when it is supposed too. So, millions of people are familiar with Old Faithful and hardly anyone knows about Beehive. There is a rich lesson there. You will find a lot of people who are very talented, they can do lots of things well. But you can't count on them. They tell you they will do something, but they never do. So, even if they have the ability to be superstars, they never really accomplish much at all. It is one of the great secrets ...