Do Not Be Discouraged When Opportunities Is Against You

 

Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard to further explain what the Kingdom of God is like.

A landowner goes out early in the morning and hires men, agreeing to pay them the daily rate - a silver coin for a day’s work.

He hires them at various times throughout the day - 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm and promises all of the workers a fair wage.

When the end of the day came, the landowner said to his manager to pay the workers, starting with those who had been hired last. Those who began working at 5 pm were given the daily rate - one silver coin.

When it came to those who had been hired first (early in the morning) they thought that they were going to receive more. When they too were given the standard daily wage they began to grumble. They were angry because they had done a lot more work than those who had started later in the day.

The landowner did not listen to their complaints and reminded them that they had agreed to the daily rate of pay when they were hired. He said, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

The landowner then says, “The last will be first and the first will be last.”

                                                          - o -

The first time Pandemic breaks, I was looking for a job online. After several days of attempts, I found one, let's call it Virtual Assistant Company One, and after a while after I have my interview, and got an e-mail that I failed the interview. Then another e-mail came that I am welcome to another Virtual Assistance company and let's call it Virtual Assistant Company Two, then I met several people that became my friends. All of us while waiting for opportunities to be called for final interview, we're just like hanging out with each other over Zoom, but then one by one they were called to work and I'm the one left alone.

For me to be self-sustained I tried to build up businesses like Delivery Service System from Baguio, Metro Manila, and Davao City by simply hiring riders for a commission out of their delivery service but it's not working. Then I tried to partner with a guy in Cebu City with 10 years of experience in the BPO industry and we put up our own Virtual Company but it's not working as well due to lack of customers. Then I tried to reactivate our website as before and even buy a new domain name to introduce other non-essential products and let's just call it Goodie Goods Online Shop but it's not working too.

We got our bills filled-up to the point that we have pressures coming in from our landlord a leasing company. To my disappointment, I would like to go beyond and not to go back but I cannot. Then a small voice from within me told me to go back to my previous where we just hanging out. I'm not a typical person who just goes back, but I'm a typical type of person that if you don't want me I just move forward, but things are not in my favor, and I have to swallow my pride and apply again.
During my initial interview after I apply the position, I got excited since my interviewers were my previous folks that we're just hanging out. I prepared for this meeting with all my efforts including the demo database that I'm going to show them but to my surprise, it's just a casual interview. Then the final interview but when I was going to be interviewed the employer already decided not to interview the rest of the applicants and just take the first candidate.

On my second final interview another came in again ahead of me but still the employer just interviewing me for the sake of the interview, and his questions are like a harsh that I have to reason why I should be hired by him. I got discouraged and asked the LORD if it is actually for me or if He's leading me to another job. But something came in that very moment a thought that leads me to the Parable Story of the Workers in the Vineyard. Each worker agreed to be paid a one denarius for a day's work. There's a workers who came in the morning and there's a worker who came late in the afternoon but the employer welcomed him and allow him to join the work. And at the end of the day, each of them paid a denarius. What a comforting Words that came from our dear LORD, as if "My son I have to save the best work for you though you are the last" and I can relate to the person who receives the denarius as the same with the others for a lesser work. That's what the goodness of our LORD to His children!

It is my prayer that as we go to the journey of life w may be able to see GOD's goodness in our life regardless of what circumstances we are in. Since our living GOD can turn even disadvantages into advantages. He can turn the cross of defeat in the sight of Satan to the cross of victory! Amen.

 

Why Asking Questions Makes You A Great Listener by Pastor Rick Warren

"A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.”

Proverbs 20:5 (GNT)

One of the clearest signs of a great listener is when someone knows how to ask open-ended questions.

To really engage someone in conversation, you have to stop asking questions that only require a “yes” or “no” answer. Those questions won’t get you anywhere! Instead, you have to start asking open-ended questions that allow someone to really share beyond a one-word answer.

For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy the concert?” you could say, “What was your favorite part about the concert?” It may seem like a subtle change, but it makes all the difference in how someone opens up to you and continues the conversation.

If you really want to go deeper in your relationships and better understand your kids, spouse, and friends, then you need to put some more thought into how you phrase your questions.

Proverbs 20:5 says, “A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out” (GNT).

There’s one phrase that will make you a master listener—“tell me more.” You’ll need to use it over and over again as you interact with all kinds of people throughout your life.

When people open up to you, don’t let them stop after two or three sentences. When they finish, say, “Tell me more.” Then, after they’ve talked a few more minutes: “Tell me more.” Then, just when they think you’re done listening: “Tell me more.” Every time you ask for more, you’re going deeper and allowing them to express more of themselves.

You may tell people you really care about what they have to say, but the best way to show them is to ask for more. It tells them you’re interested. It proves you’re paying attention. And attention is love! Asking open-ended questions shows people you’re willing to give them your time, your focus, and your love so they can be heard and understood.

Draw deep from the well. Doing so doesn’t just improve your listening skills and conversations. It also transforms your relationships.

Talk It Over

• What ways can you start being a better listener this week?
• Why are people so often hesitant to keep saying “tell me more” in everyday conversations?
• How does giving people your attention show them you love them?

How God Shows His Love

You show other people love by offering the gift of your listening ear and attention. God has shown you the ultimate love by offering you the gift of eternal life. How do you get the assurance of heaven? You believe Jesus Christ died for your sins, and you receive his gift of forgiveness.

This is a promise to all people, no matter your culture, race, location, or past.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 NIV). That is the best gift you are ever going to be offered. Don’t wait another day to claim it!

Make this your prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your goodness to me. Thank you for loving me and caring about every detail of my life. Thank you for sharing my pain. Most of all, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. I believe he died on the cross for me, and I want to receive him as my Savior. Please forgive my sins and accept me into your family. I want to learn to love, trust, and follow you for the rest of my life on Earth. Then I want to join you in heaven forever. Amen.”