UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS
Suggested Reading: Luke 17-18
(click scripture link to read online)
This is a millstone from the time of Christ that was uncovered in Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Luke 17:10
So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.”
Imagine the millstone pictured above hung around someone’s neck. Imagine that person with the weight of that stone being cast into the sea. Jesus presented very graphic word pictures. Judgement for offending little ones is severe. Jesus goes on to teach that if someone sins against us seven times in one day and says to us, “I repent,” we are to forgive that person. All this is humanly impossible. No wonder the disciples said to Jesus, “increase our faith.” Jesus’ response to this request is as follows: First, take the tiny mustard seed faith we already have, and take authority over the mulberry tree and its roots. Get rid of anything that would take up space in our lives so that we’ll have room for an increased level of faith. Second, consider ourselves “unprofitable servants.” Being small in our own eyes will leave more room for an increase of faith. Check out 1 Sam. 15:17 and 2 Cor. 12:7 – 10.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m getting rid of anything that would clutter up my life. Please help me to identify the “mulberry tree.” Also, Lord, I humble myself before You and consider myself an “unprofitable servant.” Please fill the additional space now available with an increase in my faith in You. Thank You Lord! In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Thanks to all who sent congratulations for the 54th anniversary of our wedding on September 19th. I’ve read every comment sent. You are most thoughtful!
I will never forget one of our frequent guests on the 100 Huntley Street telecast, Dr. John Wesley White. He is a native of Saskatchewan, an associate evangelist with Billy Graham, and a PhD from Oxford University. The very first time on air with me he looked into the camera and said to the viewers, “God has given you a guarantee that if a person will simply pray, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner,’ that precious person will be made right with God.” Since that time, I’ve asked people to repeat that prayer with me. I believe that thousands have been justified as a result of humbly praying that prayer (Luke 18:13 & 14). Another guarantee from God is found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Yours for the sure knowledge that we are justified before God by believing and acting upon His Word,
David
Lord, help me to focus on you alone, to bring every thought and deed into alignment with your word; that I may decrease so that you might increase. With the aid of the Holy Spirit I want to be known as an unworthy servant, to make room, that a measure of faith might be added this day and every day. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Little can be accomplished spiritually or otherwise, with a heart full of pride. I pray for a humbling of spirit, that I my know your presence in my life surpasses all. That as your servant, I may extend your love to others without reservation, having patience in our differences, such as you have created.
That was “cannot” … not “can”.
Thank you for including a picture of a millstone, it made me realize again the importance of “offending”, and the utmost importance of “forgiving”.
It is no wonder that the apostles cried out: “Increase our faith”
Thank you for your ongoing blogging, so appreciate it.
Father God
if there anything that is in the way before you tell me/show me what it is
I want you to be first in my life so that you can increase and for me to decrease.
In Jesus name
Amen
Lianne Hogg
We can rejoice for we are HIS testimony with “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me” words to treasure from Psalm 23. “O give thanks unto the LORD, for ” HE IS GOOD, yes, HIS MERCY endures forever”! Psalm 136:1. God’s faithful Love abides forever!