Luke 12: 1-9

¹Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying:

"Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ²There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

⁴"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

⁸"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. ⁹But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God."

My Jesus,

What a Teacher you are! Thanks for the warning you've given me today to be on guard against hypocrisy. As your disciple the temptation is great to put on a facade and make myself appear holy, righteous, and pure to receive admiration and praise from people, but you know my heart. It doesn't always line up with my actions. Forgive me God! In desperation to be accepted by people I sometimes compromise my values and my faith.

Thank you for reminding that I am your friend and of great value to you. You know me intimately, down to the number of hairs on my head, and love me with an everlasting love despite all my flaws and imperfections. Help me to live by your standard of love and acknowledge you always so that when you come you will know me and present me to the angels of God. I long to hear you say, "This is my friend whom I love."

Please dear Lord, just give me more of the Holy Spirit so that my lips will proclaim the love in my heart, my attitudes will reflect that I am your valued and loved friend, and my actions will line up with my beliefs. I want to a wholly devoted disciple. Please guard my heart for Jesus the One and Only. Amen.

Do your actions line up with your faith?