August 13, 2018

August 13, 2018

Judy Hollaway

May 7

Running with Jesus

Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

 ("Then he gave an illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing—he couldn’t get everything in. He thought about his problem, and finally exclaimed, ‘I know—I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I’ll have room enough. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “Friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Wine, women, and song for you!” “But God said to him, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. Then who will get it all?")

              Live today like there is no tomorrow! We have all heard this phrase! After telling His disciples life is not measured in what we have, He tells them this parable about a farmer! The man spent all his time, energy, and effort into his crops and kept getting bigger and bigger and planned for retirement. This is wise because we do have to exist in this world. However, neglecting life after death leads to disaster! The man died that night! What did it profit the man to use all his time and energy storing stuff? If we do not think and prepare for life after death and think about helping others we enter eternity empty handed! We also miss out on some of the greatest joys of life of using our resources to help others. We need to live beyond earthbound goals. Jesus tells us to store up riches in heaven! 

              Let's set some goals to help others. Let us not just live to self! Let us use our resources, faith, and obedience to help others! This will help us overcome yesterday's temptation with covetousness.

 Father, help us continue to renew our minds so we can run with you on our journey through life! Show us ways to help others today! Help us have eyes to see and hear doors that open and let us listen and feel the nudges of the Holy Spirit when He says you need to _______! Some examples are; take food to a sick person, visit a shut in, clean out your closet and share what over abundance you may have! Jesus Cares! Let's get in the race with Jesus and stay there! This will help us live a balanced life! And we will learn to live the abundant life Jesus tells us about! 

Tomorrow: "Don't Worry!"