Luke 12:8-10
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.
Recall yesterday’s passage, Luke 12:4-7, and then read Luke 12:8-10 remembering that we are able to stand before a holy God without fear because of what Jesus did on our behalf.
When we are truly following Jesus and allowing him to transform our minds, hearts, and actions, we begin to naturally proclaim and demonstrate the love of Jesus. Love, (along with joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness and self-control) becomes more of an automatic response.
We are still broken people living in a broken world, and because of that we still have to recognize and turn away from our old instincts. But a consistent, dependent relationship with Jesus results in a life that acknowledges him in word, attitude and action.
Meditate on these words from the Apostle Paul for a while:
“…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
How do you observe the Spirit of Jesus developing these qualities in you? Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Luke 12:8-10 again.
Acknowledgement and denial of Jesus are more than just words. Just as we begin to naturally acknowledge Jesus in word and deed as we grow closer to him, our lives will naturally drift toward denial if we aren’t in relationship with him. And if we say that we know Jesus, but our attitudes and actions deny him, we need to do some serious soul searching.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is more than a matter of saying the wrong words. It is a continuous choice to deny Jesus with our lives. And the more we refuse to let Jesus shape our minds, hearts and actions into his image, the more we drift towards blasphemy.
For the final moments of this time of meditation, get quiet and center yourself on the presence of Jesus. Breathe in the name of Jesus and exhale any other thoughts. When you feel focused on Jesus, just listen to him for a while.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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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.
