I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I'm the one who thinks of blog posts when I lay my head down on the pillow. After the fog of post-vacation laundry, grocery shopping, and making 7-layer-dip and calling it "supper" has passed. And I can't sleep until I get up and get it out. I wish for ways to encourage you - wherever you're at. Job hunting, nursing a new baby, praying for a baby, aching for Mr. Right, caring for sick family members ... underneath the stack of bills, awaiting test results, or heavy with a sense of dread - I pray you can find encouragement in this verse. FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK; for it is YOUR FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE to GIVE you the KINGDOM. Luke 12:32 You've been handed the keys to something special. God is not worried that you're going to wreck it. He hasn't installed GPS to watch your every turn, or judge your every maneuver. He already knows the future. He's not surprised when you don't quite have enough strength on your own. In the midst of Jesus' command to not worry about clothes or food, but to "Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you" (Luke 12:31), He gives this assurance. He is a GOOD FATHER. He shepherds His FLOCK of children. And it's His GOOD PLEASURE to give his Kingdom ...The Greek word used for good pleasure is eudokeō: "It seems good to one, is one's good pleasure; to think it good, choose, determine, decide; to do willingly; to be ready to, to prefer to, choose rather; to be well pleased with, take pleasure in, to be favorably inclined towards one." Not only did Jesus leave His heavenly Kingdom to pay the price for sinners on the cross, He gives the Kingdom itself. No one is twisting His arm. Our attempts at good works do not indebt Him. He does it willingly. Because He wants to. Because it makes Him happy. During our recent trip to California, we went to The Getty Center, one of my favorite parts being the Robert Irwin Central Garden. While we strolled around snapping pictures and admiring the pattern of succulents and the bright flowers, I realized we're all, in some way, always trying to get back to the original Garden. Across history and cultures, we've built and admired gardens. Why are we so drawn to them? I think to be reunited with our Maker. He likes to be good to you. He is not acting out of character when He does good things to you. He is not always angry looking for a reason to punish. In some way, echoes of the Garden remind us of He is heart toward us. He is good. He wants to be with us. That He has paid the price for fellowship with Him. Will we accept His gift? Daily press in. Daily seek His Kingdom first. Fear not. Here's a message from John Piper on Luke 12:32. It's worth a listen. Love, Kennan
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PodcastListen to devotionals shared at FBCSA MOPS on Kennan's Podbean Podcast channel here.
Marken Media Co.Marcus & Kennan own Marken Media Co. serving the multimedia needs of small businesses. Known by the #devinecolorwall, we strive to foster a space for the community to CREATE • COLLABORATE • CELEBRATE.
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KennanI'm a lover of words. Sometimes I edit, cook, craft, or sing. I'm also a wife and mom. Categories
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