Deuteronomy 27-31; Luke 12

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him.  For the Lord is your life…” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

God understands how easily my heart is distracted and led astray by that which seeks to destroy and kill. “For the Lord is your life…”

People crowd in and trample one another to hear Jesus speak words of life. They are not a meaningless mass of human beings. They are individuals who matter to God, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered.” Luke 12:5

I don’t need to scrape and fight to be noticed by God or man. I don’t have to try to prove my significance. God sees me in the crowd. He delights in the details of my life; He provides for me in ways seen and unseen. I am His.

But the heart can easily forget to trust. Other things vie for attention.  Jesus warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes…For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.”  Luke 12:15…22…30,32.

The words of Jesus push aside the clutter and distraction to call me home, “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Luke 12:34.

The instructions of Moses become my prayer. Lord, help me to choose life this day so that those who look to me for direction and I may truly live. Help me to love you, to listen to your voice and to hold fast to you, for you are and will always be life. Amen.

Klueh

 

 

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2 Chronicles 21; Obadiah; 2 Corinthians 8

From the archives, November 29, 2009.

“And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV

Observation

Paul speaks of generosity in Macedonia. How in their extreme poverty, they were richly generous. In fact, he writes they went beyond their ability and pleaded for the privilege of sharing.

Application

God’s economy is far different from the world’s. I’m so very grateful to have experienced rich generosity–from people who’ve gone the extra step in helping, from people eager to share. Their generosity has left a lasting impression on me and spurs me on. But when I read this passage, I see the source of their giving: the Lord. How can I not offer up the same excellence?

Prayer

Father, thank you for turning my thinking around. In a time when I’m tempted to hold on to my possessions even tighter, you tell me of the Macedonians’ generosity in times of severe trial. They gave of themselves first to you and then to your will. In that light, how should my giving be any different? Help me to see you in my giving. Amen.