Have no fear...

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

-Luke 12:22-23

Don't let the worries win!

Seriously, how powerful is this scripture passage!  I have read the average American spends one hour and fifty minutes worrying every day.  Personally, I can become anxious over the most ridiculous things, like what is for dinner!  First we have to decide what we want.  Next, we have to see what we have.  Finally, we have to find time to cook, listen to kids who want something else, and eventually we wind up with quesadillas anyway.  In the end, it should be a simple task, but it can cause undo stress.

Jesus continues:

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

-Luke 12:24

In many ways, Jesus lived in a very different world from us.  The ancient people of Israel faced oppression and death on a regular basis.  However, there are still plenty of moments of judgement, hostility, and shame in our world.  Instead of celebrating God’s gifts, we can trample each other to celebrate ourselves. 

The final part of our scripture says this:

“Have no fear, little flock, for your Father eagerly desires to give you the kingdom.

-Luke 12:32

God isn’t trying to judge you or shame you.  God eagerly desires to give you the Kingdom.  You don’t have to earn it!  However, we can lose sight of the grace God provides if we let our worries drag us down.  God is desperately reaching out to shower you with love.  My hope and prayer would be that you could open your heart and receive it!

Peace,

Pastor Brian