Daily Dose of Hope
August 27, 2025
Scripture – Luke 12:1-34
Prayer: Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we start Luke 12.
We start with Jesus warning his disciples against hypocrisy. That is the yeast of the Pharisees, saying one thing and doing another. Another way to put it is to be outwardly religious and inwardly self-serving. Jesus also warns his disciples to proclaim the Gospel boldly. Walk the walk. Those who acknowledge Jesus openly will be acknowledged by God. Those who are ashamed or fearful to acknowledge Jesus openly will not be acknowledged by God. There is a real emphasis on not worrying about the fate of the physical body, but focusing on how God will care for us, he will remember us.
This is hard teaching. We get quite consumed with worrying about our earthly bodies and our earthly livelihoods. Don't we? I mean, Jesus is saying to put him first at all costs and he will ensure we are okay. But being okay doesn't mean he will save us in an earthly sense, although he may. It definitely means he will save us in an eternal sense. Jesus is saying that is enough. The big question is --- is that enough for you? Do you, do I, trust Jesus enough to know that he will not forget me and he will care for me eternally. This physical world is just a temporary dwelling place.
Our reading goes from here to the parable of the rich fool. This is a great parable for talking about God's design for wealth. Yes, we are to save for retirement and ensure we have an emergency fund. That isn't what Jesus is speaking of! The man in the parable had abundance, way more than he needed for himself. But he didn't share it with those in need, nor did he ask God for wisdom in how to use his money. He built bigger barns. He liked the idea of having plenty for the future. In fact, we get the impression that he felt a bit smug because his own future was secure. But in hoarding his wealth, he failed to consider how God would want him to use his money. Nor did he consider his eternal future. He wasn't prepared, as he did nothing to prepare his soul.
What really matters? How does God call us to use our abundance?
Finally, we move to the portion of the reading dealing with worry. What is it about us and worry? I have struggled with worry and anxiety for most of my life! I finally had to admit to myself that worrying is lack of trust in God. After all, God loves me and God has promised to care for me. He cares for the birds of the fields; certainly, he cares for me! This doesn't mean things will always go my way. Nor does it absolve me of responsibility in life. I still need to work hard and get things done. But I can know that I know that God is with me and God wants to take care of my needs.
For me, I've found the antidote to worry is prayer. Pray often, pray fervently, pray sincerely. I go through a visual exercise of giving my worry to Jesus. Sometimes I hand it right to Jesus. Other times, I lay it at the foot of the cross. Then, I have to make the decision to not pick it back up. It takes discipline to give our worry to Jesus; I've had to practice this many times. Butit's life changing. When I give my worry to Jesus, I know it's in good hands. And worry no longer steals my joy and monopolizes my thinking. I am free, knowing the God's got this.
Blessings,
Pastor Vicki
