A day's work = a day's wage. An hour's work = a day's wage? As Jesus told the parable of the generous vineyard owner, it seemed natural for the day-long workers to expect more than a day's wage after seeing the hour-long workers receive just that. Was this unfair? What was the owner of the vineyard thinking?

Jesus answers those questions through the words of the owner, "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?"

The generosity of our God is incredible. The grace of our God is unexpected. The love of our God is completely undeserved. And that's what makes the message of Scripture so astounding. As those who trust in the Savior, holding fast to God's promises, we can expect the unexpected! Our God is generous with those who deserve nothing but his wrath and punishment. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the debt of sin has been paid, and we are the recipients of a righteousness and inheritance of glory that goes beyond our understanding — we are not envious but eternally thankful for the generosity of the great vineyard owner - our Savior and King!

The words genuine and imitation don't seem to fit together. In fact, we often consider the phrase "genuine imitation" very misleading when used in marketing: genuine imitation leather or genuine imitation gold are phrases that obscure the true value of the product. But when Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate God by following his example of love, it isn't a call to a cheap and misleading "fake Christianity". It is a reminder of how God has already acted and continues to act in our lives as His children. We have genuine faith that was given to us by a genuinely loving and forgiving God. That same God works in us to imitate His love as we seek to spread His wonderful message of forgiveness and love found in the cross of Christ. Let us rejoice that we are genuine, imitation Christians!

A watchman or lookout has a straightforward task: stay alert, be attentive, be ready to send out a warning if needed. And yet, one of the hardest things to do is watch with readiness and patience!

God told Ezekiel to watch and warn. This was an act of grace because God didn't want His people to die in their sins! God wanted them to turn from their evil ways so that they could live. What does God say to Ezekiel? "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather they turn from their ways and live."

Is this not also God's desire for us? In Christ, we know the answer is a resounding YES! God uses the truths of Scripture spoken through his servants to warn us of the dangers of sin and to comfort us with the incredible news of LIFE in Christ. Thanks be to God that he sends out the warning and draws us to himself through faith!

He is often known as the weeping prophet. It's not a particularly flattering title, but the prophet Jeremiah certainly had a difficult ministry. His life was threatened more than once, and his message so often fell on deaf ears! Jeremiah had reason to weep because his fellow Israelites had turned away from the Lord, instead bowing down to idols of stone, wood and self.

Our lives are hard. We go through trials of many kinds, often trading one problem for another as we face the realities of a sinful world and a sinful flesh. So, is that it? Do we simply despair of our situation and lament the struggle? In today's lesson, we see the frailty and humanity of Jeremiah, who wonders if God has even abandoned his own prophet. The lesson Jeremiah learns is the same lesson God teaches us day after day when we read and hear His Word: "My Word refreshes!"

In our darkest days and most difficult moments, we praise God for calling us to repentance and giving us faith to trust in Him! What a blessing it is to have a God who loves us enough to show us the destructiveness of looking inward, of throwing our hands up in despair, of turning against the One who shows mercy. Thanks be to God that he refreshes us with His Word and reminds us of the free and full forgiveness of Christ!

We love to ask questions, but where do we find the answers? In a world that has endless curiosity about God, religion, and thing beyond our comprehension, human nature wants to look inward. "I would never believe in a God who does that! Why can't God act in this way? If God truly loves me, then why is my life so difficult?"

The sinful nature wants nothing more than to be its own god, to distort and twist the truth about God to fit its own desires. When Moses was on Mt. Sinai, he received a clear picture of who God is — through the words God himself used.

If we want to know who God truly is, then let God define God! As we page through His very Word to us, we see the justice and holiness of a God who doesn't leave the guilty unpunished... AND... the grace, compassion, and mercy of our God who sent a Savior to take that punishment for us! How comforting it is to let God define God!

Jacob had to let go. His family, livestock, and everything he owned was sent ahead as he anticipated a reunion with his estranged brother – the brother who was breathing out murderous threats the last time he saw him. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a man appears and wrestles with Jacob throughout the night. What was happening?

Just like Jacob, we crave control. We want to be the directors of our lives, knowing every variable so that we can guide our future. Time and time again, however, the harsh reality of our sinfulness and of the sinful world reminds us that it's "out of our control." And that's an incredible truth and comfort because the God of the universe comes to us through His Word to say, "I am in control."

The "breakdowns" of this life bring breakthrough blessings because they constantly direct us to the One who endured sin's ultimate punishment on the cross for us. We receive eternal blessings through the blood of our Savior, Jesus, because he refused to let go of the plan of salvation until everything was accomplished – until our forgiveness had been won. Although we are often reminded of our weakness and helplessness in this life, God assures us that He is in control and He will take us to be with him forever. Blessings and joy eternally in the presence of the Lamb who was slain!

What makes you qualified? Where are your references? Recommendations? Resumé? In a world so focused on individual achievement and skill, the questions can be exhausting. Let's learn from God's message through Paul about where true competence comes from...

Although receiving attacks on his character and qualifications from well learned men, Paul knew that there was only one place to turn for proving the worthiness of his ministry among the Corinthians... the Corinthians themselves! But why? They were the proof of God's amazing work! Paul didn't need a multi-page resumé or PHD to validate the message he had preached. He had the very work of God in the hearts of the believers to show the competence and power of God.

God continues to graciously put his "divine stamp of approval" on the hearts of those he brings to faith, and He does this so humbly through the mouths of humble servants. We give thanks for the public gospel workers whom God has equipped and blessed with the gifts for sharing His truth. The only truth that gives us life, sure hope, and salvation through Christ's death and resurrection! How amazing are the works of God done through this gospel!

When life isn't "going our way", when the troubles of this sinful world seem all too obvious, when it seems as though nothing will work out for our good... the temptation is to doubt the promises of our God.

Consider the life of Joseph in today's reading. His life went from extremely blessed and comfortable to devastating and hopeless in a single day. He went from prized son to pathetic slave. It didn't seem like it could get any worse. Then, after God blessed his faithful service, a lying, slanderous and covetous woman sent Joseph back to a world of misfortune... the depths of a prison cell. What was the plan?

When going through difficult times, we are tempted to ask, "Where is my God now?" We think we know the solution. We think we have the answers... if only God would give us a little help! Our God does know. Our God does see us. Our God does provide, and he promises to work things out for our good — our eternal good...

We may not have the drastic "rags to riches" story of Joseph, but we have something far greater than material abundance, God has given us spiritual wealth beyond belief. He has given us His grace, His forgiveness, His very Son. He has promised us an eternity with Him. And through the troubles and trials of this life, that same God who created the universe continues to sustain all things by His powerful Word and provide for our daily needs through His marvelous grace. As Christians, both in this life and the one to come, we trust in God to provide!

The man was stunned. Could it be? His life changed instantly — everything in his life was now directed toward this one thing... this treasure beyond compare.

In the reading from Matthew 13, Jesus once again shares precious truths about God's Kingdom in parable form. He focuses the attention of his listeners on the only thing that truly matters! Amazingly, it's something we have already received.

As Christians, we recognize the significance of the treasure hidden in a field, of the pearl of priceless worth, of the difference between the good and bad fish. We know the life altering promise that God made and that God kept. By God's grace and through the work of the Spirit, we trust in our Savior — and that is truly a priceless treasure.

The problem has been around for ages. Scoffing and ridicule for those who "believe in a God who created the world" or "a God who allowed himself to suffer and die!" Foolishness... says the world. Ridiculous... says human reason.

What does God say? It couldn't be more clear.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul directs us to God's obvious and gracious answer to all our doubts. Nature speaks to the power and wisdom of our God. Scripture reveals the power of God for salvation — His life-giving gospel!

In a world that continues to spiral into sinful depravity and utter defiance of God, it is all the more important for Christians to repeat the refrain of Romans 1, "I am not ashamed of the gospel!" The only solution to sin that leads to death, the only answer to the skeptical sinner, the only proclamation that tells us "the almighty God of the universe humbled himself to live, suffer, die and rise again for you."

We are not ashamed to preach Christ crucified! May God empower and embolden us to share this message with those who desperately need it!