Week of July 26, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
Morning Scripture
"Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.”
Mark 12:1-3 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.1-3.nkjv
“Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.”
Mark 12:1-3 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.1-3.nlt
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, forgive us for not seeing that You prepared for us. Forgive us for our selfishness, believing that the wealth of the land and it’s resources were ours alone. And forgive, us for not taking an opportunity to share our wealth with others. Father, teach us to be good stewards of the land, love, and wealth that you have placed in our hands. We love you, Lord, and seek to be in your will - not in your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
"Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.”
Mark 12:1-3 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.1-3.nkjv
“Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.”
Mark 12:1-3 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.1-3.nlt
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, forgive us for not seeing that You prepared for us. Forgive us for our selfishness, believing that the wealth of the land and it’s resources were ours alone. And forgive, us for not taking an opportunity to share our wealth with others. Father, teach us to be good stewards of the land, love, and wealth that you have placed in our hands. We love you, Lord, and seek to be in your will - not in your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
There are so many layers to this scripture for me.
First, the parable - in its entirety - represents God’s creation in its beauty and all that he has done for us. Then he sent prophets to remind us of his love and our service, and most were cruelly treated - even the Son of God.
Second, the parable reminds me of stewardship. We have been given beautiful resources - land, people, intelligence - and we are sometimes selfish. Some believe the land is only for a few, some believe only certain people are worthy, some believe that only certain people are eligible. But God planted this vineyard, we are only it’s caretakers. It isn't ours to decide or judge.
And Third, it's harvest time. God is giving each of us time to grow and mature in Him. But at harvest time, He will seek us to see the fruits of our labor. At harvest time are we going to fight against the truth, be selfish with our abundance, or are we going to greet God with the love that He shows us everyday? Harvest time is seasonal. We have multiple times in our lives when opportunity is planted and we are charged to water and nurture. Will we be ready for the harvest?
Thank you, Lord, for your Word that teaches us daily to reflect and self reflect on the life you have given us. Strengthen us, Lord, to see and seek the truth that is You, so that our lives reflect You. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
First, the parable - in its entirety - represents God’s creation in its beauty and all that he has done for us. Then he sent prophets to remind us of his love and our service, and most were cruelly treated - even the Son of God.
Second, the parable reminds me of stewardship. We have been given beautiful resources - land, people, intelligence - and we are sometimes selfish. Some believe the land is only for a few, some believe only certain people are worthy, some believe that only certain people are eligible. But God planted this vineyard, we are only it’s caretakers. It isn't ours to decide or judge.
And Third, it's harvest time. God is giving each of us time to grow and mature in Him. But at harvest time, He will seek us to see the fruits of our labor. At harvest time are we going to fight against the truth, be selfish with our abundance, or are we going to greet God with the love that He shows us everyday? Harvest time is seasonal. We have multiple times in our lives when opportunity is planted and we are charged to water and nurture. Will we be ready for the harvest?
Thank you, Lord, for your Word that teaches us daily to reflect and self reflect on the life you have given us. Strengthen us, Lord, to see and seek the truth that is You, so that our lives reflect You. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
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Morning Scripture
“Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.” Mark 12:2-8 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.2-8.nkjv “At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. The owner then sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. The next servant he sent was killed. Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’ “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.” Mark 12:2-8 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.2-8.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for sending your Word over and over again to reach us and teach us of your Glory. Father, forgive us for being selfish and stubborn, not realizing that you have stored these treasures up for us. Oh Lord, hear our prayer and walk with us toward restoration in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. |
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
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Morning Scripture
“Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” Mark 12:9-11 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.9-11.nkjv ““What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others. Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’ ”” Mark 12:9-11 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.9-11.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. Thank you for his life that is the cornerstone and foundation of our freedom and faith in You. Father, thank you for reminding us to build our life and love around the life and love of Christ - because he is marvelous. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen. Thank you, Jesus’ for reminding us that rejection is not the end. It can be a part of the journey; it can be the beginning of a new chapter. Thank you for reminding us that there can be promise and praise in the end. Thank you, Lord, we praise. Amen. Don’t give up!’ |
Thursday, July 30, 2020
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Morning Scripture
“And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.12.nkjv “The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.12.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, forgive us when you speak truth and we become angry, dismissive, or leave your presence. or Lord, prepare our hearts to receive your Word. Lord, grant us courage to proceed on the path you have for us. And, increase our faith as we move forward, believing and knowing that if you brought us to it, You will bring us through it. In Jesus’ name we pray, praise, and seek you, Jesus. Amen. Did you notice that the scripture and prayer says that we leave Jesus? He doesn’t leave us. Amen, Ouch, and Hmmmm. |
Friday, July 31, 2020
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Morning Scripture
“Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it. ” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” Mark 12:15-17 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.12.15-17.nkjv “Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.” Mark 12:15-17 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.12.15-17.nlt |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things - for clarity. Father, thank you for making us in your own image. Thank you for stamping us in your image and in the blood of Christ. And, thank you for reminding us that we should willingly give ourselves back to you. We are Your creation. My Lord, Our God, you have not asked us to pay you, you have only asked that we give back to you what is yours. Thank you, Father, for revelation and the joy that is You. In Jesus’ name we praise and pray. Amen. ************** If this prayer seems to ramble… let me explain. This scripture has always puzzled me. Probably because of the concept of payment. But when I read this morning the word IMAGE stood out. We are made in the image of God. Then we ask God to write his Word in our heart. We are (should be) the image and inscription of God. So give to God what belongs to him - Ourselves. Glory!!! |
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