How Blessed

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:    1 Peter 2:24

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Memory verse: Romans 8:32 ►He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  

Today's reading: 1 SAMUEL 19-21 LUKE 11:29-54

How Blessed

A few days back we read how Jesus talked about not getting caught up in the commotion of all the miracles His people saw happening when they ministered in His name and ended by saying, "Rejoice that your names are written in Heaven", Luke 10:20.

The message is always the same-keep the main thing the main thing. We are to keep our minds and hearts on Him. Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In our reading in Luke, chapter 11 today, we hear the Jewish leaders say that Jesus must be using the power of the devil to cast out demons and Jesus has to rationally explain that a kingdom divided against itself would fall. The point is that everyone was getting caught up in the miracles-again.

As he explains, this happens, 27 As He is speaking, a woman shouts out from the crowd and interrupts Him.

Woman: How blessed is Your mother’s womb for bearing You! How blessed are her  breasts for nursing You!

Jesus: No, how blessed are those who hear God’s voice and make God’s message their way of life.

Jesus turns the attention back to salvation-God's way of life.

With every turn in this world our attention can be averted to something other than God's way. How hard is it to remember that Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me"? John 14

Financial pressure, family illness, pressure at work, social acceptance, pride, lust, desire for things-the belly of the snake always drags the ground and grinds us in the dust if we focus there.

That is what Jesus is trying to tell us. Where our attention is, that is where our heart is.

Matthew 6:21 ►For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Is our treasure in the dust? What are we doing!? To whom do we listen? If we are focused on earthly pleasures or troubles, our minds are focused on activity in the world. If we are focused on how well we are handling all this in our own strength, we are in the dust. God never intended for us to handle all this stuff on our own.

The kingdom of God is here! Just as Jesus says, "the kingdom of God is here, just as I’ve been saying", Luke 11:20.

Simply, billions are spent on weight loss programs. Why am I fat? Me-the pizza didn't do it-the fried chicken is not to blame-I am. If my life is a mess, I am to blame.

God's way of life is the only way out. Focus on God and get your eyes off the dust on the snake's underside.

Look up and see God's glory. Seek his face-what does that mean? No one can tell you what it means in your personal life-except God. The Holy Spirit will tell you all things:

John 14:26 ►"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

All we need: Matthew 6:33 ►But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me my weakness of not clinging to you and worrying about what happens next. I give You my focus. I want my faith to be my sight.

Great, great God!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen