Today's Readings: Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12
Never Enough
Scripture
[Jesus speaking] "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plan or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"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. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomrrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
"Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe--no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your tresure is there your heart and thoughts will also be."
Luke 12.22-34
Observation
God will take care of our every need--if I let go of all that I am holding so tightly to.
Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)
I like to think that I am not caught up in the material world--then I look around at all that I have and how I still shop for more! Ouch! Why do I fall for what the world tells me--more is better--the poor wouldn't be poor if they'd just go out and get a job--spend, spend, spend--you cannot be fulfilled if you don't own ______________--on and on the list goes.
I work at simplifying. I get rid of things (giving the things I don't want to the poor--how thoughtful??!!). Then slowly I start buying more again. The enemy has me believing that I "deserve" the latest and the greatest. And once again, I begin accumulating more "stuff."
When does it end? What can stop the craziness. Jesus tells us, "He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (vs 31) If I put God first. Hmmm.
Then He goes on with what will help us do that: "Sell what you have and give to those in need." (vs 33) Think how different the world would be if I truly lived this out. Then my heart and thoughts could truly focus on my true treasure--God.
Prayer
Lord God, my heart and my treasure belongs to You. Only You can satisfy. I want to be different. I want to live different. I don't want to fall prey to the enemies lies any longer . . . . that I need, need, need . . . . to be happy. All I need is You. But, that is so contrary to the world. Lord, make Your voice louder than that of the enemy. Help me to hear You . . . . and only You. Help me to put all my trust in You for all my needs. Help me to be willing to live simply. Help me to see that less truly is more. Thank You for Your Word and Your promises. It is amazing to be loved by You! Amen.
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