I was reading Matthew 20:1-16, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard for my devotions one morning. For the first time in a long time, I really felt the Holy Spirit revealing the character of God to me.

The first time going through, I immediately thought, "So, what's the point of this, should I be someone who's hired at the eleventh hour? It can't be that." Realistically, God can be generous all he wants, he's entitled to do whatever. Wouldn't it have made more sense to hire all the workers you needed at the beginning so you can optimize the value of the denarius you're paying? That would make more logical sense.

Then that's when God revealed himself saying "You're assuming that I actually need the workers." That's when it hit me, that God really doesn't need us at all to do his work. We're completely expendable. Yet, he chooses to give us the opportunity to work in his vineyard.

Two other things that were revealed. 1) It's completely by God's grace and not by anything we've earned. 2) God really gives everyone the opportunity to be a part of his kingdom. It break whatever self justification I had in myself and reminds me that I'm a Child of God only by grace. Wow.

On Weddings

This past month has been really stressful. Anyone who says preparing to play for a wedding is easy has clearly never done it before. Especially when they tell you the day of the rehearsal that you need another song and that Canon in D is forbidden.

It's the biggest honour I've been a part of, to play at someone's wedding. Everyone's got their roles and knows that their job is to make the bride & groom's day perfect. You're no longer a spectator to someone's happiness but rather a voluntary part in the event. I purposely say voluntary because all of us are completely irreplaceable in our roles, yet the bride and the groom chose us to be a part of it.

It isn't because of talent, because there's plenty of people out there who are more talented. It's because we know the bride and groom, but more importantly, we are known by the bride and groom. That is something special.

To be completely honest, I thought singing at a wedding would be no different than singing at a congregation. I was wrong. I've never been so nervous in my entire life because you know you only get one chance to make it good. Martin & Alice, thank you for the honour of playing at your wedding and to share in your big day.

On Bible Studies

This is an overdue post.

I love preparing for a bible study when you're convicted God's really spoken to you on the topic. When going through the pre-study it just amazes me what came out from the Scriptures to paint the lesson God wanted us to lead.

Coming in, I had the mindset that the bible study leader had to have all the answers to every possible question. I was reminded all God cares about is us giving our best and making sure He's at the centre of the entire process. During the study, it came to me that the leader is primarily responsible for facilitating God's Word and letting God use whomever he chooses to bring across his message. It wasn't about me being the focal point or the instrument to teach God's word, but rather letting the Word manifest itself in the people reading it. The true success of the bible study was everyone sharing their perspective to help one another.

God isn't restricted to me, nor does he need me to study his Word. Knowing that he's at the center of it, and seeing people's enthusiasm for it, is so cool. I believe this is the way its intended to be. Can't wait for the next one.

What a fun week!

Amazing week. Read Elaine's blog for more.

http://happypillzkid.blogspot.com

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