For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. Matt 20:1

I pray you were blessed with an awesome worship and endued with power as you gathered with your local church on this past Lord’s Day. I pray you continue to walk in His presence, walk worthy of His praise and bring glory to His Name. Why can’t everyday be like the Lord’s Day? Why aren’t there more days like the Lord’s Day were God’s people gather for common purpose and freely give Him praise without worldly pressures? The world we live in is a whirlwind of activities, pursued with so many agendas, and pressed with so much ambition that it bids our attention at every turn. Our scripture passage illustrates the nature of God and the heart of God for His people. Early each day, while the day is still fresh with the morning dew, the morning dawn is yet to break, and the dreams of the night have yet to fade, the Master comes to call. Early in the morning, the Master’s call can be heard by those who will come unto Him and labor with Him for the souls of men. The Father seeks those who will employ themselves to work in His vineyard. Those who will join Him for His kingdom work. Vineyard workers put their hands to the plow to clear the way, prepare the soil, sow the seed, root out the weeds, water the seedlings, and gather the harvest that the Father’s storehouse might be filled. The Father’s vineyard is the whole earth. “The earth is the Lord’s…the world, and they that dwell therein” (Ps 24:1). My friend, hear the Master’s call and go out into your day doing the Father’s will, tending to His work, that all you do is for His glory, knowing that you “shall receive a reward” (1 Cor 3:14) for your labor. The Father is not slack in His business but seeks those who will hear Him early in the morning to walk in Presence, work in His vineyard, and “have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). Father, thank You for Your morning call, before the day is busy by the things of this world. Guide me in the way and lead me by Your wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your word of truth. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee…” Jer 1:5

Much of life is defined and measured in terms of success rather than significance. A significant life is one of purpose and meaning and it takes on a new measure of success. Success is often defined in terms of fame, fortune, power, or achievement and miss the significance of making their lives count for more than accumulated accomplishments. Our scripture passage reminds us that true success in life is to realize the significance that God created every child to become. Every child of God is uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of God. God has a plan for each of His children. The Bible is filled with ordinary people who surrendered to God, submitted to His call, and were used significantly for His purpose. Jeremiah thought of himself as insignificant to God, but God reminded him and said to him “I formed thee…I knew thee…I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee.” Jeremiah was a simple man that submitted himself to God as a vessel in the hand of God (Jer 18:4). Another example of one who served God with his life was Joshua. God brought him out of the shadow of Moses and used him significantly through Joshua’s trust and obedience to God. God promised Joshua that He would prosper him and give him good success, if only he would follow His plan and purpose (Josh 1:8). Like Jeremiah and Joshua, and many others who looked to God, trusted Him, and followed Him, God has a plan and purpose for every child born on earth. My friend, your life is uniquely special to God (Ps 139:14). Those who trust Him by faith, are made alive in Christ, to live unto Him for His glory. Success and significance in life are measured by God’s plan and His design that all creation will exalt Him and glorify Him. Father, we love You, praise You and adore You. Thank You for Your wonderful, created design and plan for each of Your children. Help us know Your plan and live to Your glory through Your son, Jesus, the Christ. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Phil 4:4

There are many saying for how one should respond to setbacks in life. We’ve heard the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” “When you get knocked down, get back up.” “Look for the brighter side of life.” These are all encouragements for position thinking and to have a positive outlook that typically draw on personal and internal strength. Times may come when personal strength is not enough, and internal strength is exhausted. What then? Our scripture passage reminds us that the child of God gets and gains their strength always “in the Lord.” Therefore, “Rejoice.” In setback moments and adversity, be reminded to “lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths” (Prov 3:5-6). Therefore, “Rejoice.” Rejoice that Christ is presence, and He leads the way. Rejoice” and follow Him. In those moments when we are uncertain, hear the Spirit say “be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). In the stillness of the moment, God will begin to renew your strength and you can “Rejoice.” My friend, the joy of the Lord is a holy joy the delights in God and desires to see God exalted in all things. The child of God can “Rejoice” at every occasion and have “hope…because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom 5:5). The child of God is not simply an optimist in life, but a conqueror. “We are more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37) through Christ Jesus who loved us and will lead us every step of the way. Therefore, “Rejoice.” My friend it our duty and privilege to “rejoice in the Lord,” and to rejoice in Him always, and at all times. Lemons can remind us that the sun is shining, and God remains in sovereign control. In the down times, know that God has given you the perspective with the lowly and cast down. In those moments, look up and hear the Spirit say “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord” (Ps 121:1). Therefore, “Rejoice.” Father, thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love. Thank You for Your continued presence and strength through Jesus Christ. I will “rejoice and be glad.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.