Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 July 15

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. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
(Matthew 20:1-10)

Today’s Morsel: When I was young, I could not wait until I was old enough to get my first job and make my own money.  That day came and I was making 25 cents per hour carrying sticks.  Then as I grew older, others began to hire me and my wages increased.  I was once asked by a young man what my job was.  He didn’t see being a pastor as a job.  I pondered that question and even today I ponder it, because many do not see the ministry as a job.  The ministry should not be seen as a job, but an adventure.  It should not be seen as employment, but a way of life.  Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven was like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.  When you receive the Holy Ghost, it’s not a time to be idle, but a time to labor.  It not a time to complain about your wages, but a time to share truth.  If you are laboring for Jesus, it’s not about the money, it’s  about the kingdom.  Who are you working for?  If you are working for the Lord, you are a rich person.

Sing:  When He calls me, I will answer, when He calls me I will hear, when He calls me, I will answer, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord.  I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord!  I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord. I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working, I’ll be somewhere working for my Lord!

Thought For Today:  Working for Jesus may not pay much, but the retirement benefits are out of this world.