Day 21-Dearest Friends

My Prayer: Psalm 37:3-4 (New International Version)
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

The Reading: Luke 11-13
Luke 12:27-34 (The Message)
"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

My Thoughts: This is the passage where Jesus says, "Consider how the lilies grow..." but sometimes I like so see what The Message translation says (www.biblegateway.com is easy, easy, easy to do this) because it's supposed to be updated (in a paraphrase sort of way). The NIV says, "Do not be afraid, little flock..." and here we're "dearest friends." I've read over and over now that we are loved like children, and even sinful fathers want good things for their children. How much more will God give to us? This is also the passage that ends with Jesus telling us to store up our treasures in heaven. The Message says, "It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." It's good advice...again, focus on that one thing (from yesterday) and the details will be taken care of.