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Today’s Reading is Matthew 20:1-16

So who were these people that were standing around waiting for work?

Many commentators are quick to point out that they were the poorest of the poor. When we hear that today in our culture we cannot relate to the story because none of us would be standing around waiting for work….that is for the homeless and the helpless. However, in thinking those thoughts I believe we miss a key point.

These men took each day as it came. They trusted the “Landowner” to provided for their needs. Don’t we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread?” However, we live like people who have to store up bread for years to come, so we do not trust in the graciousness of the “Landowner” (GOD) but in our own ability to provide what we need and want.

We will NEVER be able to experience all that God has for us until our total dependence is on Him – NOT ON OUR WALLETS and our own ability to fill them! This is a key point of the parable and one that is worth pondering. How much time do you spend waiting on God today as opposed to making things happen yourself?

Have a GREAT day!

Scott

Today’s Reading is Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus’ parables are the best stories ever. We shouldn’t dissect them into a thousand pieces, but they do give us a lot to think about. For the rest of the week I would like to throw some things at us to think about.

Let’s look at the landowner! In this parable Jesus is using him to represent God the Father. What we learn is that God is looking for labors. He is looking for people that have time (their whole day) to work in “His vineyard.”

The landowner did NOT beg people to work; he simply went where he knew people would be waiting and who wanted to work. This brings up some interesting questions about these people who were standing around that day (we will take a look at them tomorrow)! But for now, here is a thought to ponder….

IF God is looking for laborers do you have spare time, just a little time, or all day to work for Him? Many people would ask this question out of guilt, “What does God expect?” I think a better question is, “What kind of person is God looking for?”

Ponder that and we will talk about it tomorrow!

Scott

Today’s Reading is Matthew 20: The first 5 words!

Many times I read the Bible until God speaks to me. If I have spent some time just getting focused on Him and not all the “craziness” of the world God speaks in just a few words….Today is a great example.

Today’s Reading starts with, “THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” What is the Kingdom of God? Do you live in the Kingdom of God? Are you frustrated because of the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is the place where God rules. When you trust Christ as Lord and Savior you are excepting His rule in your life. SO, you do not need to wrestle with and figure out every problem. All you need to do is listen and follow God – He has it under control. We spend so much time trying to fix, control and figure things out, but still have not learned to, “Be still and know that He is God.”

Do you live in the Kingdom of God or just know about it? Do you live under God’s rule or just talk about His Kingdom? Are you working hard to get life in order or are you following the order of His rule? I believe these are great questions to wrestle with for Jesus tells us that His path is narrow and few people find it!

Have a great day….relax…..God is in control!

Scott