What do you like to do to rest and recharge? What were your most special moments of the summer? What do you like to do when you want a break from the cares of life?
We’ve been on a family vacation for the last week. Our vacation mode is typically focused on trying to do as little as possible; being intentional about leaving the phones locked and turned off in a safe (although we need to do this more). While we love to travel, we aren’t much for tours and cramming in a lot of activities. We’re all about beaches, playing in the waves, games on the beach, reading “paper” books, eating fun food, late nights, sleeping in, enjoying drinks at beach bars, etc.
Regarding drinks: If you know me well you know that I enjoy wine, IPAs, margaritas, Negronis, old fashioneds, etc. Hopefully it isn’t offensive on a Christian web site, I’ll say it because it is true, I like alcohol.
Today’s reading (Luke 20-21)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)
Wanting to avoid that verse as a theme today made me realize even more that it should be raised as a topic as I stand convicted. While Jesus is calling out specific sins that many of us have been guilty of (such as dissipation or “overindulgence” and drunkenness), my takeaway is that we have choices and reaching the “sin” point usually starts with not doing the thing we should do.
Jesus is first saying to “watch ourselves” before saying not to get drunk or overindulge. He’s helping us avoid sin in the first place. Watching ourselves starts with sincere, frequent prayer as we seek to draw nearer to Him. I pray that this site blesses our readers to help all of us watch ourselves on a daily basis through the reading of scripture and vulnerability from our authors.
Also in Luke 21:34 is the phrase “cares of this life” (and there are many). While writing this journal today my heart is heavy for so many on our prayer list. There are people suffering from various illnesses (physical, emotional, mental), brokenness due to divorce and/or other relationships, and concerns about the future. I want to remind you that there is a God who knows you by name, who seeks a relationship with you, who showed perfect love by paying the ultimate price for you.
Thank you Jesus for being trustworthy. For loving us first, for your words, for your example and instructions as you teach us what is best for our lives. Forgive me for my sins as they are many. Will you draw nearer to me today? Will you speak to me? Will you do miraculous works in the lives of our readers? For your glory alone God. I put my trust in you today. Amen.