Luke 12, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #5: TEA TIME WITH MOM

Passage: Warnings and Encouragements, The Parable of the Rich Fool, Do Not Worry, Watchfulness, Not Peace but Division, Interpreting the Times


Memory Verse: "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed." -1 Samuel 2:3


Notes: (v.1-12) Jesus warns the crowd against the "yeast of the Pharisees"--namely, hypocrisy. Everything hidden or concealed will eventually be made known; "what you have said in the dark will be heard in daylight."
He then encourages the people to not fear "those who kill the body and after that can do no more." Instead, fear the one who can kill both body AND throw you into hell. But whoever acknowledges Him before men will be acknowledged before the angels of God. And "when you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities," do not worry about what to say, for "the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
          I know one of my shortcomings is fearing men over fearing God. But this is a great reminder that there isn't much that people can do--I probably won't even encounter someone who will "kill the body" because of Jesus in my lifetime! So what do I have to fear?
-(v.13-21) "A MAN'S LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS POSSESSIONS." The parable of the rich fool: if you store up all your treasures here on the earth, what do you have prepared for yourself in heaven? BE RICH IN JESUS!
-(v.22-34) Do not worry: "Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." Look at the birds: they don't have a storeroom or barns, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are we than birds!! But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "your Father has been PLEASED to give you the kingdom...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-(v.35-48) Keep your lamps BURNING, like those of a faithful servant who eagerly awaits his master's arrival
-(v.49-59) Just as you can predict rain with the clouds in the sky, so interpret the present time and judge for yourselves what is right.

ACT OF LOVE: Ever since I began this "Love Challenge," I have been gaining a new perspective on not only how I can serve others, but also the ability to see how others have served me. My mother is one of the most selfless and serving people I know, and she is a great example of someone who truly lives out loving others. That's why today, for my act of love, I decided to spend some time with her after school to show my appreciation for her! I took a break from all that studying and AP preparation to spend an hour talking and praying with her over a cup of tea. It turns out that the Mandarin congregation is taking turns fasting for a sister who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer, and today is her turn to fast. Seeing that she was very tired, I gave her a well-deserved massage and told her I loved her! =)