Then he told them this story:
“The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop.
He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’
Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’
“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’
“That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Luke 12: 16-21 – The Message
“That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Forgive me, Lord. I’m stuffed.
My self-centeredness occupies my mind and doubts fill up my heart.
My mouth is jam-packed with my opinions; my thoughts clogged with what about me?
I am a fool, Lord, wanting more and more things of no real value. I thirst for satisfaction trying to fill my emptiness with the rubbish from the world. My hands overflow with stuff, not you.
Help me get rid of all things that block me from you, Lord.
All I collect and hoard away is worthless.
Let my soul only yearn for you,
my heart only seek your wisdom,
and my eyes only focus on you.
Fill me with your spirit, Lord. You and only you.
Only your love can fill my barrenness and patch the holes in my heart.
Pour your spirit into the shelter of my soul and fill the barn of my being with your presence.
You and only you, Lord.
“Only your love can fill my barrenness and patch the holes in my heart.” – Love this. Will be my prayer this week. God bless!
yes amen, Lyli
I really liked this verse from the Message. Brought new insight to me. Thanks for stopping by Barbie
How stuffed am I — with the wrong stuff, it seems! Thanks, Jeanie.
Amen
Oh yes! I want to be rid of self and stuffed with Him. What a beautiful and encourage word. I do love reading my Message bible from time to time.
I know as soon as I read that verse in the Message it stayed with me very deeply. What an image, isn’t it? Thanks for your kind words, Jan. have a wonderful week!
Lynn, I don’t always read the Message but when I saw that verse, it really struck me. What an image! Thanks for stopping by today
I love your thought about exchanging self! great use of words, Mia
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Dayle!
I know I cling to too much stuff. I find it hard to completely let go but am learning slowly. Great illustration from the Gospel today to ponder. Have a blessed week, Ceil
Isn’t it a cool thought to be stuffed with Jesus? Makes me feel like a loved teddy bear LOL
Thanks Clella!
I love this translation of the passage. What touched me was the filling of our barns with ourselves. I always thought of it as focusing on our possessions with some thought to the passions of our heart.
Your prayer was beautiful and heartfelt, Jean.
Thank you.
Blessings,
Janis
Such a great post! Wonderful reminder. I love the verse in The Message. Thank you so much!
Dear Jean
That one is a terrible enemy! “Self”can never be changed, only exchanged.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thanks for this convicting post.
Hi Jean! Yes, I do think that I store up crazy stuff thinking I’ll use it later. All it ends up doing is filling some crammed barn. Better to let it all go!
Lovely prayer at the end of your reflection!
Ceil
Thanks for this wise message to start my Sunday, Jean. It’s a great time to empty myself so I can be stuffed with Christ instead of me.
This is lovely Jean