Luke 12:13 "Teacher, tell my (older) brother to divide the inheritance with me." Older brothers under Jewish law inherited 2/3rds of the estate. The younger brother demands a redress. The problem is not social inequity, it's greed. Idolatry. Mortal life is not our most valuable possession. The body is not the real me. Fear Him who rules over your soul. No one can take anything away from your soul. "Seek the Kingdom of God." It's a spiritual issue not an earthly issue to figure out. Jesus didn't intervene. He didn't meddle with civil rights. "The Master knew that a changed world would not solve man's problem as long as his biggest problem, sin in his heart, was within him." (Trench) Jesus worked from the inward to the outward. You know, we've been in a couple of situations where we have been wronged, just like you. We have been sued twice and lost both times---strange situations. And here in verses 14-15 Jesus says, Who made me a judge or a divider over you? Keep yourselves from all covetousness for a man's life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses. So we live open-handed to the One we adore. Covetousness is a cancer eating out our heart. "Be not anxious for your life." "Your Father knows you have need of things." So, I preach to myself. Lay down your head this night on a clean uncovetous pillow. And don't let the morning sun catch you coveting. "Gird your loins. Burn your lamps. Look for your LORD." And keep close to your heart that life is not about a works righteousness. Will He find you watching this day?
"Edith lived in a little world, bounded on the north, south, east, and west, by Edith."
William Barclay
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Bev, I love the golden nugget you inserted at the end of your post today,
ReplyDelete"Edith lived in a little world, bounded on the north, south, east, and west, by Edith."
William Barclay
I went to our local Women's Club yesterday for the monthly meeting. As many of you know, when there is a room full of women, there are so many undercurrents. I have learned to speak when necessary, listen mostly, and above all, not say anything that I would not want repeated.
Luke 12:2"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known."
3"Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops."
I try to focus of Christ, keeping Him before me as an example. Even though it is so natural to worry, it only causes stress and discomfort. Worrying takes the focus off Christ-living and puts it right back on selfish Me-living. God will make a way, when there seems to be no way.
Luke 12:25 "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his [b]life's span?"
26"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?"
"Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops."
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty excited that I didn't highlight anxiousness today. I must be doing better than I think. The Holy Spirit has me checking my private life today instead. I mean seriously, what if people really knew how mean I can be (especially in my thoughts)? Would I say those things if I knew they were going to be shouted out over a loud speaker? I'm thinking about taking my thoughts captive and being obedient.
xoxo
"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
ReplyDeleteEverything falls into place with Kingdom perspective. Yesterday Bev said that she realized she was asking the wrong questions. Another friend said that exact thing yesterday. The Holy Spirit is so good to redirect when we are seeking Him.
And you all are 1000 watt bulbs of light in my life. Thanks for holding my hand along the way.
Oh, my how I would not want some of my thought broadcast for everyone to hear. I really do need to bring every thought captive to His obedience. Great words from Him through Bev and the rest of you.
ReplyDeletethis is a twitter that one of the men on my church staff posted...from C.S. Lewis (has nothing to do with today's reading, but wanted to share)
"Tribulations cannot cease until God either sees us remade or sees that our remaking is now hopeless" and then Mark wrote "wow...may not want tribulations to stop".
I just spent too much time reading the comments on LPM blog. I'm praying we all have healthy friendships!
ReplyDeleteFriendships can be scary!
xoxo