Matthew 20:17
   There were some things that Jesus shared only with his disciples. God’s truth is for all. However, everybody will not believe or understand everything. Even the disciples, who had been around Jesus for several years, did not understand well. Those who seek to serve Christ will be the recipients of the illumination of the Spirit, but we must study to understand all that we are taught. We must not assume that God will give truth to some without expecting a certain amount of responsibility on the part of the recipients. The disciples were told what others were not told, but more was expected of them as a result. he will tell us much, but we must listen.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Corinthians 3:18

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we nay know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit! You have made a way for our lives to be so different. Without Christ we would never know what it is like to know You as we do. Thank You for the rich blessing of spiritual life. May we grow in Christ, and in our praise. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man having tests done for cancer. Pray for a woman with cancer. Pray for a woman having trouble with her pancreas.

Journal Entry #14069

Matthew 20:16
   The bottom line is here expressed. God doesn’t do things the way we do them. Many are called in that many hear the gospel, but few are chosen in that many turn away without accepting the invitation of Christ.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-15:58

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we nay know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making the gospel available. Though Your ways are different from ours, You always treat us fairly. None can accuse Your grace. You know us all, and you love us. Thank You for Your holiness. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man with cancer. Pray for a woman with cancer.

Journal Entry #14068

Matthew 20:15
   The master of the house had every right to do as he had. The money was his. None could say they received less than what they had agreed upon. The master was justly upset that these workers would accuse him of impropriety.
    The idea of having an evil eye carries with it the idea of jealousy. These first workers were jealous of all of the others, and of the master of the house, even though they mentioned only the last group. They wanted nobody to have, or receive, more than they. And, they wanted the rich master to play by their rules, not his own.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12:31

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:19 “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I owe all I have to You! I will praise You because You alone can create something good. Make me Your child not only in my heart, but in my actions. Help me to allow Your Spirit to fill me to overflowing with Your joy, peace, and hope. Give me Your love, that I may win others to You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who had a miscarriage. Pray for a woman with lupus.

Journal Entry #14067

Matthew 20:14
   It seems that the master of the house dismissed these first ones from his service. He tells them to go their way, implying that they need not come again to him for work since they would be unhappy with the wages.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9:27

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:19 “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and love. May we never forget Your justice and holiness. You are not like us. Yo use righteous judgment. Thank You for Your perfect Son! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a husband and wife who both have cancer. Pray for several who are traveling.

Journal Entry #14066

Matthew 20:13
   There was no ill will here. The master of the house had no intention of slighting anyone. He paid exactly what was agreed upon. The first were paid by contract. He had agreed specifically with them for an exact amount. The others had agreed to work on the promise that the master would pay them what was right. So, this left the man free to pay however he saw fit for all but the first group.

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-6:20

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:19 “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings that You bestow on each of us. Your goodness is obvious. We can do nothing but praise You and Your great wisdom. You are great, just, holy, and pure. May Your name be forever praised! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for several people with spiritual issues in their lives. Pray for a man in the hospital.

Journal Entry #14065

Matthew 20:12
   It is absolutely hilarious to see so many in this day clamoring for equality. Like these workers, many in our modern day feel that their own sense of equality should outweigh the needs of others. Rather than being impressed with the generosity of a man who shared his wealth for the good of society, they just wanted more for themselves. This is exactly what is happening in our world today. Those who have wealth must not dare to presume that they may then judge how to use that wealth. Instead, they must allow society (specifically those who won’t work hard enough to get wealthy on their own) to distribute their wealth in a egalitarian manner. Pulling down tyrants is commendable, but preventing the gentleman from being benevolent will destroy any nation.

Bible Reading: Romans 16:1-1 Corinthians 2:16

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing as You see fit. It is good to know that the wrong will fail and the right will prevail. Thank You for Your benevolent and wise care for our world. I love You! Thank You for Jesus, and the hope we have in him. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for the lost. Pray for several people recovering after surgery. Pray for several people with cancer.

Journal Entry #14064

Matthew 20:11
   Murmuring, complaining, this is often or reaction when our  judgment has not been followed. Yet, it was not their judgment they had agreed to, but the contract made with the master of the house. We will agree, and then complain afterwards. Selfishness is never flattering, is it?

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-15:33

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your Word. We can know so much more when we have a solid foundation to work from. Thank You for the truth! We would much rather believe a lie, but the truth will not let go of us. Thank You for Christ, and what he means to our lives. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a family that just lost two children. Pray for the leadership at Bryan college as they take a stand for the inerrant Word of God.

Journal Entry #14063

I will be taking a three day break from posting. I will resume, the Lord willing, on Monday.

Matthew 20:10
   It is amazing how our sentiments cause us to justify our own greed. We will be kind to others, but let us be slighted in our own eyes, watch out! This is how we are in the flesh, greedy and self-centered.

Bible Reading: Acts 28:1-Romans 2:29

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderful day to serve You. The blessings of family and friends is so nice. You are good to us. May we testify to Your greatness at all times. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman recovering from surgery. Pray for several people traveling.

Journal Entry #14062

Matthew 20:9
   These had worked but one hour. Thus, it is obvious that their pay was due to the generosity of the landowner rather than the quality or amount of their labor.

Bible Reading: Acts 25:1-27:44

Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:18 “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for your generosity upon us all. That we can have life through Christ is the greatest mercy we could ever hope for. Knowing him is the most comforting thing. May we praise You forever for sending Your Son to die for us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Requests: Pray for a man who was run over by a tractor. Pray for a woman having surgery today. Pray for a young woman considering several job offers.

Journal Entry #14061