Which son did the father's will?

What kind of future are you preparing for? 

Jesus encourages us to think - to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not just for now but for eternity as well. The choices we make now will affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in the life of the age to come. 

Repaying a debt of gratitude and showing respect where it is due

Jesus tells a simple story of two imperfect sons to illustrate the way of God's kingdom. The father amply provided for his sons food, lodging, and everything they needed. Everything the father had belonged to them as well. The father also rewarded his sons with excellent work in his own vineyard. He expected them to show him gratitude, loyalty, and honor by doing their fair share of the daily work. 

Converting both heart and will to do what is good and pleasing to God 

The "rebellious" son told his father to his face that he would not work for him. But afterwards he changed his mind and did what his father commanded him. The "good" son said he would work for his father, but didn't follow through. He sought his own pleasure, contrary to his father's will. Now who was really the good son? Both sons disobeyed their father - but one repented and then did what the father told him. Jesus makes his point clear - Good intentions are not enough. And promises don't count unless they are performed. 

A transformed heart filled with gratitude and respect 

God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers each one of us the greatest treasure possible - indestructable peace, joy, and friendship with him in his everlasting kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace - the free gift of God's blessing and strength - which the Lord Jesus has won for us through his victory on the cross. The Lord Jesus fills us with the gift of the Holy Spirit who works in and through us for the glory of God. Do you seek to please God and respect his will and loving plan for your life? Allow the Holy Spirit to to fill your heart with the peace, joy, and righteousness of God's kingdom (Romans 14:17).

Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Jesus help me by the Father's WILL and not mine, there is NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE for You. JESUS, I Trust in You.

God doesn't expect the impossible from us, 

He wants us to expect the impossible from Him.

‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’

Matthew 19:26

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, 

believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth 

by your great power and outstretched arm. 

Nothing is too hard for you.

Jeremiah 32:17

‘Because you have so little faith. 

Truly I tell you, 

if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, 

you can say to this mountain, 

“Move from here to there,” and it will move. 

Nothing will be impossible for you.’

Matthew 17:20

JESUS HELP ME

Jesus Help me. 

 In every need let me come to you 

 with a humble trust saying, Jesus help me. 

 In all my doubts, perplexities and temptations, 

 Jesus help me. 

 In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, 

 Jesus help me. 

 In failure of my plans and hopes, 

in disappointments, troubles and sorrows, 

 Jesus help me. 

 When others fail me 

and your grace alone can assist me, 

 Jesus help me. 

 When I throw myself on your tender love, 

 as my Lord and Saviour, 

 Jesus help me. 

 When my heart is cast down by failure 

 at seeing no good coming from my efforts, 

 Jesus help me. 

 When I am ill 

and my head and hands cannot work 

and I am lonely, 

 Jesus help me. 

 Always, always, in spite of weariness, 

 falls and shortcomings of every kind, 

 Jesus help me and never forsake me. 

Almighty Lord, before you I come with all my faith,

 begging you for comfort in my difficulties. 

 Do not forsake me, my Lord. 

 Open your doors, that your almighty arms 

will open and close as you desire

to give that tranquillity that I so desire. 

O my God! 

 Receive my supplication from a wounded heart 

 that is always fighting for me 

with your Divine power. 

 Never let me scramble for want of help. 

Almighty Lord, 

 assist me to find shelter 

in your celestial bounty forever. 

 Amen.