Today’s Bible readings are Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, & Proverbs 12:21-23
Luke 12:32
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father
great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Of all the things that people have an opportunity to be
worried about, material things seem to be the one that comes up most often. We
all have needs that we can stress over. Whether it is clothes for our kids,
food for our families, bills that need paid, debts that we have acquired; we
all know what it is to be concerned about trivial things.
I know that it never seems trivial when the need is before
us. In fact, if you have ever had somebody tell you it is trivial, you probably
didn’t appreciate it. But in the light of everything that God has promised us,
it is all pretty trivial. Listen to what Jesus said about this matter:
Luke 12:22-23
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.
Jesus is making a distinct point between what people in the world
think like & what He desires His disciples to think like. Jesus doesn’t
want us to be consumed & worried about these things. When we are worried
about these things they keep us from being effective for Him in the kingdom. We
become so absorbed by our needs that we can be of no service to others. He
wants more for us than that. He wants us to have the blessings that come from
being generous to others. He desires for us to have the joy that comes from
giving.
We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We never have to fear what
is before us. We absolutely know that whatever happens, HE WILL MAKE A WAY FOR
US! He will never abandon us. He will never leave us begging for bread in the
streets.
I love the encouragement that Jesus gives to us.
Luke 12:32
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your
Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
This is such a wonderful aspect of who
our Father is. He finds joy in giving us His kingdom. My wife & I were
recently on vacation. We had such a wonderful time. One of the things that we
found such pleasure in was getting gifts for our kids & family members. We
spent a whole day walking & searching the markets & places of business
looking for the perfect gift for our loved ones. It was such a joy to search
for the things that would bring joy to them.
This is how our heavenly Father is
toward us. He delights in giving us His kingdom. We need to get an image of
that in our spirit. God wants to share His kingdom with us. He is more than
willing to give us what is in His kingdom. Just as Kelly & I were overjoyed
as we gave gifts to our loved one, our Father takes pleasure in the prosperity
of His people. Let me just tell you today that God is not selfish. He wants to
share with you. He is never bothered by you coming to Him for His help.
Let us look at a few things that are
part of His kingdom that He delights in giving us.
1. Health
2. Wealth
3. Soundness of mind
4. Peace
5. Joy
6. Power
7. Strength
8. Hope
9. A bright future
10. Wisdom
I want to challenge you today. Instead
of worrying about things, why not pray instead? Maybe instead of complaining
about what you don’t have, try thanking God for what you do have. Instead of rehearsing
the problem over & over in your mind, why not start to speak God’s promise
of provision? I ask you to do your best to remember that it gives your Father
pleasure to bless you & extend His kingdom to you. Open your heart &
receive.
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