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Reward for Working in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

My Pastor, Steve Ramsdell once made a point in a sermon that there are huge dividends for doing God’s work. God’s bank never goes broke and there are rewards for encouraging others. In Christ, there is a reward and your needs will be met.

The piano piece at this link In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano helped me with focus and reflection as I read the passage. You may want to click as you read and think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

Like the workers who didn’t know about the work the landowner had until later in the day in Matthew 20:1-16, many do not hear the gospel message and join into God’s work until later in life. Also, from the passage we learn that once called into God’s work, everyone receives the same reward. For all that accept Christ as Savior, the reward will be infinitely greater than deserved and all will be equally happy forever in the kingdom of heaven.

What is implied in today’s passage is that no one can work their way to heaven. Christ is our bridge to help us cross over; providing a path to follow right now and take us home to victory.

Many think that money will make them happy but it’s doing God’s work and having others join in that abundantly blesses. The effort brings multiple rewards. This day with God, think of someone you would like to invite to help in God’s vineyard. Ask for plans that will make a difference in the lives of people, pray for insight into how best to do it, and be thankful for the opportunity to do His work.

Matthew 19-20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Matthew 10:1-20 (wiseasking.wordpress.com)
Paid for Doing Nothing | Matthew 20:1-16 | 112 (commonmansbiblejourney.wordpress.com)
Saturday, February 25, 2012@Matthew 20-22 (phyllisbenigas.wordpress.com)
The First Last, And The Last First (shirlblake.com)
Dim Sum – Meritocracy vs the Grace of God (ptl2010.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, HolySpirit, Jesus, Matthew, religion & spirituality, Reward | 4 Comments

The Young Rich Man’s Question – Matthew 19:16-30

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Mark Shields

Those who neglect to ask questions many times end up where they didn’t want to go. In seeking answers to questions, we can be assured that the cross has the answer for them all. Like the young rich man did in Matthew 19:16-30, ask questions and seek answers.

Reflect on God’s lessons from His Word and experiences of life. Think about what you may pray for today. One issue might be to pray for your nation. Pray for government leaders, church leaders, leaders of families, school teachers, and leaders at places of work. Be thankful that each day with God is amazing because we can meet with Him; in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

The great baseball player, Yogi Berra said once “if you don’t know where you are going, you might end up someplace else”. We can be thankful that in seeking answers to questions, the cross answers them all. Here’s a video about knowing who to follow in preparing to lead others: I Will Follow – Maranatha Singers.

When I was leading a small group a while back, one study dealt with this question presented by the rich young man in Matthew 19:16, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” We spent several months researching and writing a document on God’s plan for us. At the end of the document is a place for a signature where one can make a first time commitment or reaffirm their commitment to Jesus Christ. Here is a link to a part of the document along with some other writings I’ve submitted: God’s Plan for Us.

Matthew 19-20 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Are You a Good Person? (truthexploration.wordpress.com)
Open your mind (Part 2) (christianpf.com)
5 Keys of Biblical Leadership, Key One: Why Are You Here? (matthewclyde.wordpress.com)
120116 – George Hach’s Journal – Monday (georgehachmyblog.wordpress.com)
Renew Our Minds, Lord (affinityforlife.wordpress.com)
In our wildest dreams (treeparker.wordpress.com)
Knee Pads (mygraceissufficient.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Matthew, Teacher, Yogi Berra | Leave a comment

Exceptional Teacher – Matthew 19:1-15

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

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An exceptional teacher doesn’t take criticism too seriously but just has a passion for what they do and loves being who they are. They really get inside the learner and motivate. Picture the scene in Matthew 19:1-15 as crowds would flock to be in the presence of Christ. Since people were drawn to Jesus, shouldn’t they be drawn to us? As my Pastor Steve Ramsdell said once in a sermon, “Jesus can shape us to be the people we need to be”. For more inspiring sermon messages, visit at this link: Sermon Podcast.

As pointed out in Matthew 19, Jesus left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him. Then some Pharisees wanted to question Jesus about divorce hoping they could force him to contradict the Law of Moses but Jesus was able to skillfully teach about the divine ideal for marriage.

Later in the passage, Jesus teaches the disciples that children are welcome to come to him for prayer. In Jesus’ day, little children were thought of as a hindrance to a spiritual leader like Jesus so the disciples rebuked those that brought their children to Him. Jesus demonstrated more love and tenderness than the best of his disciples by letting the children come to him so He could pray for them.

Click on this link if you would like: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano to help with focus and reflection. Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today?

God gives insight into how to play a part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society. This day with God, make it a part of your prayer to lift up those close to you; maybe a spouse or children. Pray for grandchildren, a niece, nephew, or another child you know. This day with God will be amazing because like jumper cables that recharge one battery from another, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, make them happy, and empower them.

“Those Pharisaical Pharisees” – Men Who Should Have Known Better!! (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
5 Reasons Jesus Would Be Fired If He Were Hired as a Youth Leader (revivalandreformation.wordpress.com)
What is the Point of “The Church”? (benjaminbradfordwhite.wordpress.com)

Posted in Matthew | Tagged Christ, Galilee, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Judea, Moses, Pharisee | 6 Comments

Matthew 19-20 Questions for Reflection

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve come to the end of my journey through Ezekiel; a book filled with much imagery and at times difficult to interpret but with teachings that are clear and of high value. Thanks for being there for me and holding me accountable to Bible study and sharing my thoughts. Each day with God is amazing because the Holy Spirit is with us; in our every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.

I’m looking forward now to continuing my journey through Matthew. I’ve posted some thoughts already in Matthew and made a separate page to log previous studies at this Link. I’ve started my study now in Matthew 19 and will share over the next few posts the exceptional teaching ability of Jesus. Also, I’ll write about the importance of asking questions, trying to find answers to our questions, and that the cross answers all of them. Then I’ll post about what truly is rewarding in life and how God’s Word gives us step by step instructions to plan and build a meaningful life.

I think it will be interesting so stop back in over the next few post as I continue to share about my journey through the entire Bible. Anyone that is looking for a new Bible study guide is certainly welcome to join me on this journey. We’ll try to answer the questions below over the next few posts.

Matthew 19:1-15
Passage Lookup

Where does Jesus go now? What is the Pharisees’ test now? How does society in Jesus’ day regard children?

Matthew 19:16-30
Passage Lookup

What is involved in the attainment of eternal life? Why? To what extent can having riches be reconciled with loving your neighbor as yourself? Why?

Matthew 20:1-16
Passage Lookup

What is the policy of reward in the kingdom of heaven? Why? What is implied about “working your way to heaven”? Why?

Matthew 20:17-34
Passage Lookup

What three experiences await Jesus in Jerusalem? How does Jesus practice what He preaches? Whom do you serve? Why?

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The inspiration for this blog started a few years ago. To read more, please visit this link: Inspiration for This Day with God. Repeated day in and day out, I believe reading the Bible can result in long-term, far reaching benefits right now and of course for eternity.

My prayer is that the readings, questions above, and the experiences I go through this week will provide some good thoughts to share over the next few posts. I’m praying that the lessons will help not only me but all who read so we can apply them in our activities and conversation as we spend each day with God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
Family Times