A Note from Todd Haymans
Dear Green Acres Family,
This past week, our Senior Adults came together for a Revival, and I can confidently say that the Holy Spirit moved in power. It was a special time of fellowship, prayer, worship through song, and teaching. Our guest speaker, Dr. Jim Henry (Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Orlando, FL), preached powerful words on salvation, assurance, and service to God’s kingdom. The last day of revival, we focused on Jesus words in Matthew 25:14-30. Here’s the passage:
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’
21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
22 “The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’
23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’
24 “The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
26 “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned.
28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
I am sure you’ve heard the phrase, “You only live once.” Well, that’s not true. The truth is, you only live forever, and everything you do will bring either reward or regret. Let’s resist being a people that takes all that God has given us to steward for ourselves. Let’s steward the talents in a Christlike way for the building up of the Church. Remember, God doesn’t need our good works, but people do! Whether God has given us five talents, two talents, or one talent, I pray that we would continue to be faithful in multiplying them for His Kingdom. Remember, God has a unique call on all our lives, and he has uniquely gifted each of us to serve one another and those who don’t yet know Him. Green Acres has a legacy of servanthood and faithfulness to the Lord, and it is a privilege to continue to see God move mightily in Tyler!
Perhaps the Lord is nudging you toward serving. There are many ways to serve the body here at Green Acres, and our staff would love the honor of connecting with you.
We have many ways for you to continue to plug into the life of our church. If you have not joined a Connect Group, please touch base with me. I would love to talk with you. Lastly, please be on the lookout for the ‘MDWK at Green Acres’ brochure. This will give you lots of great information on our ministry activities, Bible studies, and more for the Fall.
The Best Is Yet to Come!
Todd