Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

Skill Set!

I was seven years old when I started piano lessons. I practiced faithfully every day-my mom made sure of that. But by the time Junior High arrived, baseball was my future, and piano lessons had to go. My parents cleverly coerced me into continuing lessons for "just a little longer," and eventually my dreams of professional baseball faded while I continued to practice piano. Jr. High turned to High School, then to college, then to graduate school-all focused on piano and music. Then I got saved.

I soon found myself leading worship, and it was then that I realized what all of my training was for. To this day I continue to lead worship and am able to use the training and investment into my gifts in ways I never could have imagined. Our church has grown in size and evolved in its culture, and so the need for me to grow and evolve is essential. Lately I've been investing in my Gospel and Latin chops, as well as learning much of the technology available today like never before. Obviously, I can never come close to learning all there is to learn, so the need to learn and practice my skills will be a lifelong endeavor.

In Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents illustrates this need to continually invest-not only in money, but also in all gifts of service to the Lord. That's when a return is realized, and that's when the Lord is honored and pleased. The best part is that the amount of talent or skill isn't the main factor. It's the effort and the investment that realizes the return.

I expect my pastor to prepare and study every time he teaches. Why wouldn't he expect the same from me every time I lead worship? Why wouldn't God expect the same from you in what He's called you to do?

Whether you're a worship leader for a mega-church, a small group worship leader, a handyman serving widows, or a hairstylist serving orphans, the expectation is the same: Invest in your gifts. Practice and get better at what you do. That's how we "play skillfully," and in doing so, we honor our Gift Giver.

-Pastor Clay Hecocks

Worship Pastor Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

In Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents illustrates the need to continually invest-not only in money, but also in all gifts of service to the Lord. Whether you're a worship leader for a mega-church, a small group worship leader, a handyman serving widows, or a hairstylist serving orphans, the expectation is the same: Invest in your gifts. In doing so, we honor our Gift Giver.

Think about it...

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?