Today’s Reading: John 17:1-12; Psalm 53

Jesus knew he was about to be arrested and crucified, yet He was concerned for us.

Jesus knew that the world would not like us, so He prayed for God’s protection on us.

Jesus knew He was the only way to eternal life – so He died for us.

RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

Desiring for those who believe in Him to have eternal life, yet knowing the one way for that to happen was for us to know God, Jesus willingly left heaven and came to earth so that we could get to know God by getting to know Him – that we could find our way HOME. Jesus, knowing our natural struggle to believe, became flesh so that He could personally deliver the message of salvation.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” – John 17:9-12

SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION

How beautiful the words of our Savior as He prayed for God to protect His followers. How comforting to know that He still prays for that kind of protection over us.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:15-19

RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE

We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ made for us. He died so that we can be made holy by God’s truth. He died so that we can experience perfect unity – Christ in us and God in Christ – so that others may see and believe.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:22-26

Jesus knew that the moment of his arrest was coming. He knew that his time with the disciples was drawing to an end and he prayed for them. He prayed for them and he prayed for us. What a privilege this morning to be a RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS, a SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION and a RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE! How overwhelming to know He died so that I can live. How incredible to know that Jesus is still revealing Himself to me. What a great day to be a follower of Christ!

Today’s Reading: John 17:13-26; Psalm 61

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father.” – John 14:30-31a

This statement reminds us that Jesus could have overpowered Satan’s attempts to destroy him. Death had no power over him, but he submitted to God’s plan in order that we could know how much God loves us and experience that love firsthand. He who was without sin died so that we could receive the righteousness of God in our lives.

“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” – John 16:9-11

Judgment has already been rendered against Satan, but we are living in a time when our enemy is allowed to wreak havoc on this world we live in. As a result of that, our culture does not appreciate our faith and they mock the message of salvation that we hold so dear.

STAND TALL WHEN THE WORLD HATES YOU

Jesus’ final prayer: “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by our truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – John 17:13-21

STAND TALL AND GIVE GOD GLORY IN EVERY SITUATION

Jesus has called us to bring the message of God’s love to the world around us regardless of how they respond to that message. There will be times when our message is rejected or times when we are treated unfairly because of our faith but it is okay because we do not belong to this world. Our eternal rewards will far outweigh any earthly praise and position we could attain here on earth. So let’s stand tall on the podium of life, giving God the glory in every situation. Whether we are receiving applause or criticism, congratulations or rejection, let’s stand tall for the One who PRAYED FOR US before he DIED FOR US.

Do not be surprised, my brother, if the world hates you. – 1 John 3:13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! — Psalm 61:1-4

Today’s Reading: John 15:18-16:4; Psalm 59

STAND TALL WHILE THE CROWD IS CHEERING.

I love to hear the stories of Olympic athletes and then watch as their journey of hard work and dedication becomes the reality of a medal around their neck. I especially love the moment when an athlete throws their arms in the arm, looks to the sky and has a moment of praising the God who has been with them on their journey. Athlete after athlete has stood at a microphone and given glory to Jesus for what their body and mind were able to accomplish.

STAND TALL WHEN THE CHEERING CEASES.

In that moment, the world is cheering them on but we also know the reality that the cheering will soon cease. The patience with those who use their Olympic platform to glorify God runs out and many criticize the athlete, looking for holes in their faith and hoping for the moment when this follower of Christ will mess up. They will pull their support of the athlete, just as millions threaten to bring down Christian businesses like Chick-fil-a or Hobby Lobby.

Jesus spoke of how this world would treat his followers and how the ruler of this world would be an enemy seeking to destroy them. He mentioned this in his prayer for his disciples and spoke of it often when preparing them for what the world would do to him. Let’s look at the words recorded by John:

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me…Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.” – John 15:18-21, 23-24

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” – John 16:1-4a

When we are treated unkindly because of our faith or made fun of for our conservative beliefs, it helps to be reminded of the words of Jesus. When mistreatment leaves us feeling discouraged or defeated, we can remember that we are not alone.

STAND TALL BECAUSE GOD IS STANDING WITH YOU.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. – Psalm 59:9-10

God surrounds us on all sides because he is our fortress; he joins us in the battle because He is our hero. For that reason, we choose joy when hard times come and we praise Him for being our refuge.

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:16-17

Today’s Reading: John 16:16-33; Psalm 120

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean?…” Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” — John 16:16-22

UNLIMITED JOY

The disciples were going through a time of confusion. They wanted to understand what Jesus was saying, yet hoped they were not understanding. Because if they did understand what Jesus was saying, it would be more than they could bear. They loved Jesus and the thought of him leaving them was almost more than they could bear. So they kept asking him questions; they kept hoping for a different explanation.

Jesus did not pull back from the truth. He warned them that there was great sorrow ahead; he explained to them that he would soon be leaving them. Their grief would be great, but the joy he was promising them would be even greater. He promised them that there was a day coming when the happiness they would experience would be theirs forever.

ABUNDANT JOY

“At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy…I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” – John 16:23-27

When we completely put our faith in God, believing He hears our prayers and will be faithful to respond according to His perfect will, we experience abundant joy. When we let go of our own hopes and dreams, placing them in His loving hands, we experience a contentment that can easily be described as peace.

UNLIMITED PEACE

“Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.” Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:28-33

There is no guarantee that our world will be trouble-free, but there is a promise that we can have peace. Life will have struggles but we know that we are not alone. It may seem like the enemy is winning at times but, take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. And this same Jesus is offering to us a connection that allows us to remain in Him through the good times and the bad. This same Jesus promises that his resources are unlimited.

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. – Psalm 120:1

I spend time daily studying God’s word, but I am not sure I have done more than scratch the surface of what it means to be connected to Him and to remain in Him. If I want to produce fruit in my life, if I want to save myself from drought, all I need to do is truly devote myself to the True Grapevine. If I want to experience joy and peace in the midst of sorrow and loss, I simply need to have the faith to remain in him. There is no limit to what He wants to give me. I simply need to stop limiting how much of him I am receiving. I need to stay HOME.

Today’s Reading: John 15:1-8

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” – John 15:1-4

THIS WORLD HAS LIMITED RESOURCES TO OFFER.

During the summer of 2011, we were living in Texas during a severe drought. Restrictions were placed on how much water we could use to irrigate our yard or wash our car or fill our pool. Every month or so the level of water restrictions was increased until we could only water our yard every other week and it had to be before 10am and after 6pm. Everything was brown. The ground had huge cracks in it, roads were buckling and lakes were closed to recreational activity. Soil was pulling away from the foundations of buildings, causing cracks in walls and causing doors to not close properly.

The next summer we were living in Illinois during yet another severe drought. But this time there were no water restrictions – no signs on every corner or city officials driving around fining people for using their water at the wrong time. Trees were drying out and lawns were brown from the hot, dry summer we were experiencing, but there were no concerns that the water was going to completely run out. The grass was dry but there were no restrictions stopping us from turning on the sprinklers to water the grass and save the lawn. The source of water was readily available, all we had to do was connect our “dry areas” to the source.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great joy to my Father.” – John 15:5-8

Jesus is an endless source for us if we choose to remain connected to him — to stay “HOME” as we called it yesterday.

JESUS IS AN ENDLESS SOURCE.

We have friends in Ethiopia – Ermias and Mulu Mekuria. I have never met two people as devoted to their prayer life as this couple. They get up every morning at 3 a.m. and spend time worshipping and praying together for a couple of hours, then they go back to sleep. When someone asks them to pray for a situation, they follow through and daily lift that person up to the Lord in prayer. Time after time, they have laid their hands on someone and prayed for healing and God has answered their prayer. Listen carefully. God hears them and answers their prayer! Why? It’s not about WHO they are but about WHOM they are connected to (the True Grapevine) and where they are (HOME).

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” — John 15:7

Let’s not focus so much on the last half of this sentence that we miss the context provided in the first half – IF you remain in me and my words remain in you, THEN you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted. Are we experiencing God answering our prayers? If not, perhaps we should consider what it takes to be connected to the source – what it really means to REMAIN there.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with my Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Today’s Reading: John 16:5-15

HE CALLED IT HOME.

Jesus is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us!

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do.

It comes down to love and obedience. But sometimes loving and obeying is easier said than done. That is the beauty of God’s plan. You see there is One more who is involved in this connection that makes it possible for us to live a life that is characterized by love and obedience, One that makes this connection possible. Jesus explains this incredible gift He is giving in order for us to do what He is commanding us to do.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives WITH you now and later will be IN you…When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:16-17,26

HE LIVES WITH YOU; HE LIVES IN YOU.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment…When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.” – John 16:8,13-14

I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that convicts me of my sin and guides me into truth. It is through this Spirit of truth that I hear from Jesus. It is the work of the Spirit that changes me and strengthens me, producing fruit in my life – the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Did you catch that first fruit? He produces love in me! Isn’t that great?!! The love the Spirit produces in me is what makes it possible for me to do as Jesus commands – to love each other. The Spirit produces the love of Christ in me and, when I do what He has asked me to do, I remain in that love! As the Spirit produces love in me, I remain in the love of Jesus and He remains in the love of the Father. I love what Jesus called this connection – He called it “HOME” (John 14:23).

LET’S STAY HOME TODAY.

Let’s remain in this connection or relationship – let’s remain in His love! Then as we go about our day, we still have access to the love of Jesus living within us that empowers us to love others as Jesus would love them. And this is all because we stay home – we stay connected to God the Father and Jesus the Son through the power of the Spirit producing its fruit in us.

Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31 and 15:9-17

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17

IF YOU LOVE ME, OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS. —John 14:15

It’s a simple but very strong statement made by Jesus. He goes on to explain what it looks like for someone to respond to their love for Jesus by obeying what He has told them to do and how He has told them to live.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17

YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND. — John 15:14

This is another strong statement made by Jesus. If you truly love me, if you are really my friend, you will obey what I command. He then goes on to clearly define what He is commanding His friends to do – Love each other! Love each other the way I have loved you. I am about to lay my life down for you, my friends. That is the kind of love I am asking from you – to love me with that kind of love and to love each other with that kind of love.

That is a strong request for Jesus to ask from us – no, not a request but a command. Some people are easy to love and some people are hard to love. We are human and Jesus is asking us to do something that stretches us beyond ourselves. But Jesus does not ask us to love in our own strength. We could, for a very little while, but our love for others would not last long if we are trying to produce something from nothing – love for someone who is hard to love, who possibly does not give love in return.

Jesus goes on to explain how this is going to work. He is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us! Let’s look at the Scripture that draws the picture of our connection with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our HOME with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.” – John 14:20-21, 23-24a

ANYONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE ME WILL NOT OBEY ME. — John 14:24a

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do. Let’s open up our hearts and allow God to make His HOME in us.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. — Luke 11:37-41

CLEANSED BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Pharisees had the opportunity to share a meal with Jesus, to sit around the table and learn from him. But in their arrogance, they looked for fault in what Jesus did or did not do. Knowing they had become comfortable in their own habits of self-righteousness, he pointed out to them the condition of their hearts. Although they took pride in their spotless perfection, Jesus pointed out to them the obvious stains of their spiritual condition.

“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son… – Matthew 22:2

Invitations were sent to all the guests and, as was the custom in those days, a second invitation went out to let all of the guests know that the banquet was prepared and they were ready for everyone to arrive. The decorations were up, the food was prepared, and the wedding clothes were laid out but the guests refused to come.

So the king sent his servants out once more, extending grace to those who had so rudely refused his invitation. But some guests were too busy to be bothered and other guests were so bold as to insult and kill the messengers. So the king sent out his army to destroy them and burn down their town.

The king sent his servants back out to the street corners to invite anyone they saw. Everyone was invited to this great wedding feast, whether they had the reputation of being good or bad. The king was extending grace to all who were willing to come and enjoy the banquet he had prepared. As was the custom, wedding clothes were provided and it was an insult not to wear the gift so generously given.

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:11-14

CLOTHED BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

The guests had the opportunity to share a meal with the king, to sit around the table and enjoy the celebration that had been prepared. They did not have to prove their worthiness or their religious status; it did not matter if they had a good or bad reputation. They were being given the opportunity to accept the invitation extended in grace and the gift of the king’s righteousness was offered.

RECOGNIZED BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” – Matthew 7:15-20

Producing fruit is not something I can do on my own. I can try to be known for my good works, but my efforts will be like the Pharisees who clean the outside of the cup but are powerless to clean the inside. I can clothe myself in generosity, but my attempts to produce fruit will be like the guests who came to the wedding feast dressed in their own clothes.

“Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” I have to allow God to make me into a good tree in order to produce good fruit. I go to God, just as I am, submitting who I am in order to be clothed with who He is.

Am I properly dressed today? Am I clothed in the kind of real faith that produces spiritual fruit? Have I accepted the gift of His righteousness, fully accepting my inability to earn my place at the table. Precious Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to work in your vineyard today. Empty me of my own selfish tendencies, fill me with your Spirit and work through me to produce fruit for you today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 11:37-54, 20:9-19

“What sorrow awaits you! For you build monuments for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago. But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments! This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’” —Luke 11:47-49

Jesus told a story about a man who owned some land. He could have done anything with this land that belonged to him, but he chose to build a vineyard on it. The man took great care of this vineyard by building a wall around it for protection, as well as building a lookout tower to be used for guarding against approaching threats. He even built a pit for pressing out the grape juice so that the workers of the vineyard would have what they needed to produce wine from the fruit that grew on the vines.

The landowner found some tenant farmers to lease his vineyard and an agreement or covenant was made to define how much of the profit the farmers would keep and how much they would pay the landowner. When the time came for the farmers to bring in the harvest, the man sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servants by beating one, killing one and stoning another. So the landowner sent a large group of servants to collect the agreed upon amount, but they killed them too.

Imagine the grief and frustration of the landowner. He had thoughtfully provided this beautiful vineyard and entered into a covenant agreement with those to whom he was entrusting his property, yet his tenants had broken their covenant and viciously killed his servants.

“Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’

“But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him. – Matthew 21:37-39

The owner of the vineyard had equipped them with a watchtower to be used to protect the fruit of their labor, but they used it instead to plot against the son he had sent to make right all they had made wrong. Had they forgotten the promises they had made? Had they allowed their hearts to harden against the one who had been so generous towards them?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO REJECT HIS SON?

The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”

Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’

“I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” – Matthew 21:41-44

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PRODUCE FRUIT?

There were times when those listening did not understand the meaning behind Jesus’ parable, but this day the religious leaders fully understood he was talking about them. They were the wicked farmers who were plotting against God’s son.

But what about us? Do we see ourselves in this story? We may not be plotting against Jesus but are we living out our covenant relationship with God as we promised Him we would do? Are we using the gifts He has given us and grateful for the territory He has provided for us?

Father God, give us hearts of obedience and hands willing to work for you. Renew in us a passion to walk in relationship with you, remaining faithful to our promises. Refresh a spirit of generosity and gratitude for all you have done for us and all you have provided.

Today’s Reading: John 14:1-14

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1

The disciples were unaware of what was ahead, but Jesus knew. He spoke the words he would want them to remember when times ahead became difficult – TRUST ME. Do not be troubled or afraid. Place your trust in me and I will give you peace of mind and heart.

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

These last few years, God has taken me on a journey of faith and trust. When faced with an unfamiliar situation, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When faced with a tough decision, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to let go of something God has given me, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to walk away from the known into the unknown, I can again hear God saying, “Trust me.”

There are many times when I have to trust God with my girls, something that is often difficult to do. Other times I am at such a loss that it is easier to trust God because I know I do not have the answers. But what I do know is that God is God, and I can trust Him. So when Libby moves to Missouri for medical school this summer, I have to place her in God’s hands. When Madeira gets married in a couple of months and moves out of our home, I have to trust God. When Brooke spends another summer traveling around the midwest to do ministry, I have to believe that the God who called her will be with her. When Scott goes back for his next surgery, I choose faith in the God who keeps saying, “Trust me.” He is worthy of my trust and it is in Him that I put my hope.

HE IS WORTHY OF MY TRUST AND IT IS IN HIM THAT I PUT MY HOPE…ALL DAY LONG!

This week we have been soaking in one of my favorite verses:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long.

This morning, I pray that you hear God’s voice saying, “Trust me.” I pray the response of your heart is to say with confidence – You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in YOU all day long!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. – Psalm 28:6-8a

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. – 1 John 4:16

Can you add to this? What verse or words has the Lord given you when you need to trust Him in any situation? What situation do you need to trust God with today? Find us on Facebook at My Morning Coffee and share a word of encouragement with all of us.