Daily Bread November 19

Receive and Be Trustworthy
Stassi Cramm, Presiding Bishop, counselor to the First Presidency


‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ -Matthew 25:21 NRSV

I feel empathy for the slave who received only one talent. This slave likely wondered why the master judged him as less capable than the other two slaves. As he compared himself to the slaves who received more, he was filled with lack of confidence. He probably felt inadequate to manage the one talent he received. I understand his fear and choice not to act.

Sometimes when we compare what we receive to what we think others receive, we assume we are somehow less acceptable. We mistakenly believe that God’s blessing is measured in riches. We judge our worth by what we’ve received and fear we don’t measure up. Our insecurity makes it harder for us to be trustworthy and make responsible choices for what we’ve received.

We need to remember that all people have worth and are called according to their gifts. You and I included. You and I have something to share, and our contributions are important, as are the contributions of others.

We individually choose how to respond with what we’ve received, but collectively we can accomplish more when we work together. Lives are changed when Christ’s mission is lived-when people come together to meet the needs of another through Open Table, when a mission center cooperatively provides youth ministry, or when disciples give equally through Local and World Mission Tithes to change the world. We are called to receive gratefully God’s blessings and then trustworthily use them so we can bring about God’s vision of shalom.

Prayer Phrase

In God, I live and move and have my being.

Spiritual Practice

Breathing in the Spaces

When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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