Luke 11:11-13
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Starting with verse nine from yesterday’s passage, read Luke 11:9-13 slowly and thoughtfully.
Our ideas about God shape the way we see the world. If you believe that God is eager to punish every infraction of the rules, you will tend to be legalistic with yourself and others and riddled with guilt internally. If you believe that God delights in playing divine jokes on you, you will probably have a hard time trusting God or anyone else for that matter.
But if you start with the belief that God is completely good, and that God has only good in store for you, you will have a greater capacity for loving others and the kind of faith that can sustain you through the worst storms this broken world sends your way.
Stop to consider your ideas about God and how they may be affecting the way you see the world and the way you treat others. Share your thoughts openly with Jesus.
Read Luke 11:11-13 again noting any words or phrases that stand out as you read.
Jesus says that good fathers – good parents – do not trick their children by responding to their requests with things that cause hurt and harm. Good parents give good gifts, and God is the perfect parent.
Take a moment to meditate on these words from Psalm 119:65-68:
“You have done many good things for me, Lord,
just as you promised.
I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
You are good and do only good…”
The best gift you will ever receive is the gift of God’s presence. And Jesus made it possible for God’s presence to live in you every moment of every day through the Holy Spirit.
As you end this time of meditation, consider asking God to give you a greater experience of the Holy Spirit. Then be still and listen.
What are you hearing from God today?
How will you respond?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
