"For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place; and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went."
- Matthew 20:1-4
For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we , though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation, he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:4-8
Today, while working Jess and I were discussing the stories which Pastor Wilson highlighted Wednesday night at "Wonderful Wednesday Worship". In his discussion, he was pointing out that Christ calls us to "go into the vineyard" and he will pay "whatever is right". He also highlighted that we all are blessed with spiritual gifts and as one family, we are to use them to help and grow the church.
Every now and again, Jess and I stop and think about our present circumstances. Sometimes it hits us at the same time and sometimes we have our own moments, but every time it ends up with us looking at each other, smiling and praising the Lord. Today, for me, it seemed too good to be true.
Jess and I were alone and working on a house. We had just the tools we needed, it was a cold brisk morning. The street which the house was located on was empty and the only noises being made in the neighborhood were our hammers banging on the nails and wood. Occasionally, the sound of power-tools was heard. For the most part, it was quiet and peacefull. The neighbor across the street, Mr. Hallaway, would come over every now and again to check the progress, joke around, and give us any tips that came to mind. Mainly he came over just to start up conversation. Mr. Hallaway is 77. Short man about 5'5, gray hair with a round face. Every time I see him he has a big smile and his eyes shine. When he laughs, he seems to do a short hop and slaps his knee, like you would see in a broadway production. When I asked him about the purpose of the house wrapping paper we were putting up he said "I don't know, we didn't have that in my day". Today we also enjoyed a conversation about his garden. It is too cold yet to plant anything, but the first things he will plant are his potatoes. "You used to plant them in early January, but since the weather has changed, you just have to wait till it gets warmer".
It was about mid-day that I was reflecting on our work, our living situation, Pastor Wilsons sermon, Mr. Hallaway, Jess and the kindness of Ray and Annie. I was overwhelmed with disbelief and praise that Jess and my plans were able to come to fruition and we were actually out "working in the vineyard" and serving the Lord by serving his people. As you all know, this has been in the planning since around August of last year, when we started saving our money so that we could provide for our food while we were working. However, the Lord seems to have had this in his plans long before. He has told us that if we just go out and use our gifts which we were given and went to work, he would provide for our living. Once again, He has gone above and beyond with His compensation. Jess and I are sleeping like Kings and Queens in our comfortable beds, we are able to share food with Ray and Annie at their generosity, and most importantly we are able to work hard to lighten the burden on the shoulders of others.
As we are realizing, we are meant to live as one family in Christ. When we come together with our diverse gifts and put our pride, selfishness and worries away; we are able to accomplish great things. By helping others, we help ourselves and together we grow stronger in unity. Of course, without Christ this would not be possible. He has laid the foundation for our family. Hope all is well with everyone. You are all in our prayers.
- Matthew 20:1-4
For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we , though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation, he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:4-8
Today, while working Jess and I were discussing the stories which Pastor Wilson highlighted Wednesday night at "Wonderful Wednesday Worship". In his discussion, he was pointing out that Christ calls us to "go into the vineyard" and he will pay "whatever is right". He also highlighted that we all are blessed with spiritual gifts and as one family, we are to use them to help and grow the church.
Every now and again, Jess and I stop and think about our present circumstances. Sometimes it hits us at the same time and sometimes we have our own moments, but every time it ends up with us looking at each other, smiling and praising the Lord. Today, for me, it seemed too good to be true.
Jess and I were alone and working on a house. We had just the tools we needed, it was a cold brisk morning. The street which the house was located on was empty and the only noises being made in the neighborhood were our hammers banging on the nails and wood. Occasionally, the sound of power-tools was heard. For the most part, it was quiet and peacefull. The neighbor across the street, Mr. Hallaway, would come over every now and again to check the progress, joke around, and give us any tips that came to mind. Mainly he came over just to start up conversation. Mr. Hallaway is 77. Short man about 5'5, gray hair with a round face. Every time I see him he has a big smile and his eyes shine. When he laughs, he seems to do a short hop and slaps his knee, like you would see in a broadway production. When I asked him about the purpose of the house wrapping paper we were putting up he said "I don't know, we didn't have that in my day". Today we also enjoyed a conversation about his garden. It is too cold yet to plant anything, but the first things he will plant are his potatoes. "You used to plant them in early January, but since the weather has changed, you just have to wait till it gets warmer".
It was about mid-day that I was reflecting on our work, our living situation, Pastor Wilsons sermon, Mr. Hallaway, Jess and the kindness of Ray and Annie. I was overwhelmed with disbelief and praise that Jess and my plans were able to come to fruition and we were actually out "working in the vineyard" and serving the Lord by serving his people. As you all know, this has been in the planning since around August of last year, when we started saving our money so that we could provide for our food while we were working. However, the Lord seems to have had this in his plans long before. He has told us that if we just go out and use our gifts which we were given and went to work, he would provide for our living. Once again, He has gone above and beyond with His compensation. Jess and I are sleeping like Kings and Queens in our comfortable beds, we are able to share food with Ray and Annie at their generosity, and most importantly we are able to work hard to lighten the burden on the shoulders of others.
As we are realizing, we are meant to live as one family in Christ. When we come together with our diverse gifts and put our pride, selfishness and worries away; we are able to accomplish great things. By helping others, we help ourselves and together we grow stronger in unity. Of course, without Christ this would not be possible. He has laid the foundation for our family. Hope all is well with everyone. You are all in our prayers.
Jess' Bedroom. My Bedroom
Peace and Love,
Jordan and Jess
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