“Life
Is
Not
Measured
By How Much You Own.”
Scripture
Luke
12
6 “What
is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not
forget a single one of them. 7 And
the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid;
you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
13 Then
someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to
divide our father’s estate with me.”
14 Jesus
replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such
things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard
against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you
own.”
16 Then he
told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that
produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should
I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’
18 Then he
said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones.
Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other
goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My
friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it
easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20 “But
God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who
will get everything you worked for?’
22 Then,
turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you
not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to
eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than
food, and your body more than clothing.
24 Look at
the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for
God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any
birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your
life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing
like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look
at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their
clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully
as they are.
28 And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown
into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you
have so little faith?
29 “And
don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t
worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the
thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already
knows your needs.
Observation
Today's
Bible reading was so good! I hope that you had time to read Genesis
29,30 and Luke 12 today.
I
could have and I almost did write about Jacob working 14 years to be
able to have Rachel as his wife. I was laughing a few minutes ago
because Kathy had walked into the room to bring me a cup of coffee
and I was telling her the story about Jacob and his radical, crazy
love for Rachel.
I
was laughing because Kathy asked me, “Would you do that for me?”
I am still smiling because after she asked I didn't respond, not
immediately, 14 years to buy a wife … that my friend is an example
of true radical love.
But
I wanted you to read Luke 12 with me today. This passage and its
parallel passage in Matthew 6 have always been my go to chapters when
things are difficult for us financially.
Maybe
Luke 12:6-31 will encourage you today!
And
remember: “Life is not measured by how much you own (verse 15). For
life is more than food, and your body more than clothing (verse 23).
Application
I
will enjoy my wife today. And I will hold on to the promise in Luke
12 that as Kathy and I put God's kingdom first in our lives that God
will provide everything that we need. (Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31)
Prayer
Heavenly
Father, thank You for the powerful promises that I get to read each
day in Your Word. Thank You for the example of the extreme, radical
love that Jacob had for his wife Rachel. It is a challenge for me to
love Kathy with that same kind of extravagant love! Thank You for
Your promise that You will take care of us because we are valuable to
You. Your love for us is amazing. It is crazy. We sure don't deserve
it. Thank You for being so kind and generous to us. We are blessed.
Help
any person reading this blog to understand how much you love them.
Don't let them feel alone today or hopeless. Meet the deep needs of
his or her life. Show them today how much they are loved by You.
Daily
Bible Reading: Genesis 29,30; Luke 12
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