All of us have things in our lives that keep us from the change God desires for us. Then how do we overcome these habits, addictions, thoughts, behaviors …?
We are transformed, changed when we ask God to help us know what is good, acceptable, and perfect in every situation we encounter. When He answers, and He will answer, we must follow through in obedience to His Word and His Will.
It’s all about grace! God wants us to come to Him in every situation that threatens to ruin us. He wants to guide us in all that is causing us to fall short. His grace, forgiveness, and never-ending love are ours. We only need to let Him in.
It’s all about grace! We’ve done nothing to deserve grace. He just gives it. It’s part of who He is.
Abba, Father, forgive us when we fall short. Give usstrength to make the changes You want. Shower us with Your grace!
In Matthew 20:1-16 we are told the story (parable) of the grape farmer who wants to hire workers for his vineyard. Jesus words speak to us of how much God values His people and the work they do for the Kingdom.
Sometimes people stand around thinking we don’t have what it takes or maybe we think we don’t fit into God’s plan.
In the story, the Master goes out 5 times and hires new workers each time. Think about it – 5 different times. God can use workers any time. The workers hired at the beginning of the day were probably the strongest, most skilled, and motivated. The workers at the end of the day could have been older, weaker, ill, and/or unskilled.
As we read further details we find the workers who were hired in the early part of the day complaining that they had worked longer, hotter, tiring, and taxing hours. (vs. 12 “they have born the burden of the day and the scorching heat”.) This, almost hidden, comment leads us to the conclusion that they were working in the summer. Grapes are pruned in the spring and early summer, grow and develop in the heat of summer, and are usually harvested in the fall. These words are placed here to remind us that not all the work in the Master’s vineyard is done during the harvest. There are many jobs to be done before the grapes are picked.
We are all looking for the purpose God has for our lives. We are all called to serve in the vineyard. We are told, actually commanded, to go and tell. We call all become a vigneron – one who cultivates a vineyard. The Master is not concerned with age, skill, gender, race, or denomination. He wants each of us contributing to building up the Kingdom (his Church). It takes more than pastors, teachers, and musicians. There is a job for you that He has already prepared and planned.
How are you working in your local church? What do you see yourself doing? God can use you anywhere, anytime!
Abba, Father, show us where You need us to work in the vineyard. Give us strength and courage to do the job You have determined for us.
I can hear God saying words like this. I don’t think He wants us to have just a good day. He put joy, happiness, good cheer, gladness into our hearts for a reason. He really wants us to enjoy all the goodness He created.
How? Do things that make you totally aware of the awesome world and people around you.
Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Go for a hike. Watch a good movie. Dance to your favorite praise song. Sing at the top of your voice. Make tea, grab some cookies to go with, and spend some time with your neighbor.
Abba, Father, help us let go of our concerns and have some fun.
Are you? God’s Word is so important to our daily walk. It teaches us all we need for everything that happens each day. It reminds us of our shortcomings and corrects us when we need it. It trains us in making the right choices.
We are God’s servants. We need to know what He expects of us and the only way to do that is to read and use His Word!
Abba, Father, thank You for providing the perfect plan for our lives in Your Word. Plant in our hearts a passionate desire to know You and Your Word!
A Satisfied Spirit 
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