Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

In Luke 12, Luke is explaining the teachings of Jesus. Specifically, we see how Jesus teaches us to be careful not to be misled by other understandings, but to seek His truth and His directions. We also learn about Jesus’ perspective of integrity, possessions, generosity, worrying, and encouragement to do our best to be prepared for His return.

After reading Luke 12, it makes me think of how it is so easy for me to get tangled up in my wants and desires to do this, get that, be like this, be like that. Soon I catch myself chasing my tail, striving to meet goals I did not even set for myself. Before I know it, I mindlessly live without even a thought of the mission and purpose God has for me and my family. At times, I get so overwhelmed I just want to throw my hands up and say, “Well, everyone else is living like this! Who am I to fight it?”

What I love about Jesus the most is that He is REAL! What I mean is that Jesus only wants the real Kelly, and when I get real with Jesus about where I’m at and how I’m feeling, that is when I hear Him and feel Him the most. Even as I write this short piece, I can hear Jesus saying, “I get it! I get you! I am sorry this is a struggle for you. We are going to get through this together.” For me He does this by reminding me of the moments when He stepped into my life, the people He has brought into my life, and the awe-inspiring moments that He has allowed me to witness. This not only tells me that He is here, but it restores my HOPE of spending my eternity in Heaven which puts even my most awesome day on Earth to shame!

Jesus challenges all of us to draw nearer to the everlasting truths that are deeply rooted in HIM, the Author and Creator of LOVE. Ken Blanchard, the author of Lead Like Jesus, says that in this life we are given a choice to EXALT GOD ONLY in our lives or EDGE GOD OUT of our lives. I see that here in Luke 12. Jesus is pleading for us to live a life that EXALTS GOD ONLY and love the way in which God has uniquely designed us to.

Reflection:

• What truth did you hear God share with you when you read Luke 12?
• What actions do you feel God leading you to take, after reading Luke 12?
• If you could share one encouragement from Luke 12 with someone, what would it be and who would you share it with?
• After answering the reflection questions, find someone to share your thoughts and answers with. Pray for and encourage each other as you take Next Steps.
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us take a step back, breathe, and accept the grace and love that you want to give us all freely. To live a life striving to know, love, and follow Your Son, Jesus. I pray that we may experience the joy of serving You as we share the love that You have shown us so that they can take part in sharing the goodness of Christ and the hope of Heaven.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Luke 12

By: Kelly Lambert

When it comes to leading my family, I always try to ask God to help me. I need to be reminded that God is God and that I just need to be myself.

In Luke 12, we see Jesus teaching the people this same truth! God is in control, and we just need to simply be ourselves and try our best to know, love, and follow Him. God understands that we can easily start comparing ourselves with others in areas such as food, clothing, possessions, status, and even our happiness. Jesus compared us to the birds of the air and to the grass in the fields, and He states that if God provides and cares for them how much MORE will He care for and provide for us.

As a family, the next time you are around the dinner table or in the car riding to church, school, the ball field, or dance practice, I encourage you to do this fun yet profound task — a backward life timeline. Simply list out all the ways you have seen God work or do a work in your life.

For example:

5th Grade – God helped me understand that He loves me and wants a relationship with me.

3rd Grade – God introduced me to my best friend who encouraged me.

5 years old – God gave me a new brother which taught me how to be patient and kind even when it’s hard.

My prayer is that this exercise can be one that anyone in your family can do at any time in their life. I have found that it helps me when this broken world can show its brokenness and hurt. Looking back at the ways God has cared for me helps me cling to Him tighter, thank Him more, and grow my hope even more. I hope that it can do the same for you, the parents, and for your family as a whole.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the ultimate Provider! Thank You for knowing, in Your sovereignty, what I need even before I know I need it. Help me to trust You to take care of me. Amen.