In this latest Midweek Recharge, we offer two choral pieces by our Sanctuary Singers: “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” We thank God for these faithful musicians. May this music help strengthen your lives of praise unto the Lord. 

In the Parable of the Talents, a master gives talents (money) to three servants to manage until he returns from a journey. The master in the parable is Jesus and we are the servants given our talents (gifts) by Him. Pastor James asks, “What will you do with your talents–your faith and the Gospel entrusted to you by God?” Christians are challenged to use our talents productively in God’s service so that when He returns we will hear those wonderful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Christians often refer to God as their Father, but God has mothering characteristics, too, as Pastor Johann explores in this Midweek Recharge. In the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:10-12), God is described as a mother eagle: caring, surrounding, protecting, watching, hovering, carrying, catching. God is each of these things, and all of these aspects of God are available to you, right now. Pianist Dan Lamaestra plays “On Eagle Wings” for you to listen to while you reflect on this message.

The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids has an unmistakable message: We do not know the time, the hour, or the day when Jesus will come again, so we must be prepared. In this message, Jesus also assures us of His Second Coming and the wedding feast that awaits us then. Pastor James takes the meaning to a more personal level, noting that just as the bridegroom in the parable came at midnight, Jesus comes to comfort us and give us peace, even in our darkest hours.