Matching Pairs Great Stories!Online version Match the "earthly story" with its "heavenly meaning." by Donna Johns 1 A farmer sows seeds in many kinds of soil; some seeds take root, and others do not. 2 Three servants received money; two invested it and reaped a profit; the third simply returned it. 3 A shepherd discovers that one sheep has wandered away; he leaves to search for it. 4 A manager erased his servant's debt, but the servant demanded payment from those owing him. 5 It's an ill-advised builder who starts building before he knows if he's able to complete it. 6 One man built his house on sand, and it fell; another built on rock, and it withstood the storm 7 A widow pleas for justice; she finally receives it, because the judge realizes she will not give up. 8 Workers were all paid the same, whether they worked all day or only part of the day. 9 A Samaritan who was looked down upon was the only one who stopped to help a man in need. Firm faith in God will carry us through life's troubles and difficulties. The one who we despise may possess more faith, compassion, and generosity than we do. God will not fail to notice if even one of us strays from faith in Him; and He will look for us. God rewards persistence in prayer; at the right time, He will answer. We are to fully use whatever gifts God gives us and not let them lie dormant. Discipleship may cost us, and we should know this before we declare ourselves His disciples. Because God forgives us, we must forgive others. Some who receive God's word believe; others reject the gift of faith. God is as generous to new believers as He is to life-long believers.