July 17, 2023

Tyler Keese
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:16-21

When I read these verses, I am reminded of how easy it is to be self-focused in our culture. It can be very easy to be consumed with my own needs and the needs of my family while neglecting others. God calls us to the exact opposite. When we submit ourselves to God’s will and design for our lives, we are able to live and walk in a way that is less about us and more about Kingdom purpose. The work and resources in our lives are a gift from God; He is the ultimate provider. Our needs are promised to be met with abundance when we walk in a way that honors Jesus. May we be challenged to not lean on our own understanding and desire but instead filter all that we have through the will of God our Father. Providing for our families is important, but we must lean into what God wants for our families.

Here are 6 ways in which we can filter our hearts for our lives to reflect the heart of Jesus:

1. God, what do You want me to do with what I have?
2. God, You own it all.
3. Thank You, God, for the portion You have trusted me with.
4. How can I give generously?
5. God, may I rely on You and not worry.
6. God, I will live through You and seek Your Kingdom.

May we live in the abundance that comes through seeking Jesus first!