Verse of the Day 3/28

Through the Bible - Proverbs 16-18, Titus 3

 

Good morning,

We recently considered how easy it is to get wrapped up in ourselves.  Advertisements and all the various forms of entertainment support the notion that we deserve and should want to have it all, even to the point of being entitled to have the best things.  There are shows on TV such as "What not to Wear", shows on makeovers, and entertainment programs showing celebrities walking down the red carpet with designer clothes.  Their biggest concern is being caught wearing the same designer outfit as another celebrity.

 

For today's verse we'll go to Luke chapter 12 where Jesus gives us some ideas of what is and isn't truly important in life.

 

Luke 12:22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on.

23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.  RSV

 

How many times have you stood in your closet full of clothes and thought there's nothing here that I want to wear?  Its not that we should dress shabbily or have no regard for our appearance.  But it should reveal a little bit about what occupies our minds and steals the time.

 

Recently we read in Colossians 3:5 that we are to "make the most of every opportunity, redeeming the time".  Later on in Luke 12 we read in verse 31 that we are to "seek his kingdom, and all these things will be added to you."  Take care of first things first.  What would your life look like if God had first place?

 

Puritan pastor Richard Baxter wrote of 12 things that waste our time and keep us from seeking, putting His kingdom first, including "adorning of the body".  Review the list, how many of these do you find in your own life.  I found it humbling.

Thief 1. One of the greatest time-wasting sins, consists of idleness or sloth.

Thief 2. The next thief or time-waster, is excess of sleep.

Thief 3. Another time-waster, is an inordinate adorning of the body.

Thief 4. Another time-wasting thief, is unnecessary pomp and extravagance in household furniture and domestic entertainments.

Thief 5. Another time-wasting sin, is needless feastings, gluttony, and drinking.

Thief 6. Another time-waster, is idle talk.

Thief 7. Another thief which would steal your time, is vain and sinful company.

Thief 8. Another notorious time-wasting thief, is needless, inordinate sports and games--which are masked with the deceitful title of recreations.

Thief 9. Another time-wasting thief, is excess of worldly cares and business.

Thief 10. Another time-waster, is vain, ungoverned and sinful thoughts.

Thief 11. Another dangerous time-wasting sin, is the reading of worthless books, plays, romances, and novels. And also unprofitable studies, undertaken but for pride and vain-glory, or the pleasing of a carnal or curious mind.

Thief 12. But the master-thief that robs men of their time, is an unsanctified, ungodly heart; for this loses time, whatever men are doing--because they never intend to do anything for the glory of God.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do--do it all for the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31

Blessings,
Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Luke 12:22-34

22 Do Not Worry (Matt 6:19-21,25-34) Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 

23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 

24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 

25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 

26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 

29 "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 

30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 

31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 

32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 

33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 

34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
NKJV