So how is it possible to be Kingdom focused when everything is in disarray around us? How how shall we live in the face of economic uncertainty? Jesus has the answer: Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?' or "What will we drink?' or "What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:31-33)
So His strategy for difficult times is, "Seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness." God knows your needs. When you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, He'll meet them.
Prayer prompts and discussion starters:
- Ask God to give you direction as you pray. Take time to listen.
- Pray through the Scripture above. What insights do you have?
- How is it possible to seek first God's Kingdom when you're in great need?
- Are you in need? Pray and seek His Kingdom.
- Who do you know who is in need? How can you encourage them today? How can you help them see the importance of the Kingdom?
- Click on comments below and share your prayers or insights.
:) I agree. Not only is Jesus right when He says seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness", but from my own experience, it is easier to seek God's Kingdom when you have few or no material possessions.
ReplyDeleteIn Mark 6, 7, Jesus sends His disciples out, then He says: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic".
We attach ourselves to material things so easily though we know very well that they won't be there forever. Jesus did not want His disciples to die from starvation, or to walk the streets in rags. The Father was going to take care of them through the people they were going to preach to!
Anyone who watches the news has to acknowledge that there is no such thing as security in money or gold, or property etc. All that can so easily be taken away or destroyed. As believers we are so blessed to be children of the Almighty God. He is Jehovah Shammah, our Provider (Luke 12, 22). Hallelujah!
All we really need is Faith: Matthew 16, 8.
Faith is like jumping into the swimming pool from a 10 metre-high diving tower :) lol the most difficult part is the take-off.
:) I agree. Not only is Jesus right when He says seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness", but from my own experience, it is easier to seek God's Kingdom when you have few or no material possessions.
ReplyDeleteIn Mark 6, 7, Jesus sends His disciples out, then He says: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic".
We attach ourselves to material things so easily though we know very well that they won't be there forever. Jesus did not want His disciples to die from starvation, or to walk the streets in rags. The Father was going to take care of them through the people they were going to preach to!
Anyone who watches the news has to acknowledge that there is no such thing as security in money or gold, or property etc. All that can so easily be taken away or destroyed. As believers we are so blessed to be children of the Almighty God. He is Jehovah Shammah, our Provider (Luke 12, 22). Hallelujah!
All we really need is Faith: Matthew 16, 8.
Faith is like jumping into the swimming pool from a 10 metre-high diving tower :) lol the most difficult part is the take-off.
I have an ironic story about Stefanie's comment above regarding Mark 6:7
ReplyDelete"Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic".
My husband is Tibetan, and about a year after he believed, he was asked to go on an EV trip to Tibetan villages with a group of Americans. They used Mark 6:6-12 as their theme for the trip. So, Gezang shows up with no bread, no bag, no money, no jacket (it says only one tunic so he only had his long-sleeve shirt on). Everyone else had top notch gear and all the normal provisions that we Americans would take on a trip. They felt sorry for him and bought him a jacket and other supplies, but I am not sure what that did for his faith : ) I wonder what God would have done if everyone had shown up like Gezang did. We Americans don't often give God the chance to show Himself because we are so "prepared" for everything.
so true, heather ... let us pray that we, the church start really understanding and living the word of god every second of our life. let us be the true testimony of jesus in this world. how can we be a good testimony if our faith is so small that we don't even trust him to feed us.
ReplyDeletewe think we are so smart :) let us be like little children, let us be like Gezang!