For Thought and Meditation - Thursday, January 27

[Pine Baron]

Good morning all. Today's message made me pause. I've got to slow down and get a new perspective. Have a safe and blessed day.

Look Again and Think
By Oswald Chambers
Do not worry about your life… —Matthew 6:25

A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.

“I say to you, do not worry about your life….” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing— our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.

“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for next month— or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30).

[Wayne Smith]

Amen, He is faithful and generous.

[dverna]

God is first and in order for us to do that we need to survive. Even when tithing was common, God knew that 90% of what we produced was needed to provide for the needs of our mortal being.

If you are having financial problems, and you are asked to work Sunday at double time, do you choose to stay home and attend church? And say to yourself, "God will provide and I will go to the food bank again this week so we can eat". I would not have a lot of respect for a person that foolish.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Preparing for your needs months ahead is part of being responsible. We cannot make that override our life, but we would be foolish to ignore them. People living a subsistence life know they MUST put up food and fuel to survive the winter. We must prepare for lean times and emergencies that come into our lives. I do not expect God to be there if I have been lazy or foolish.

[USMC87]

Amen, I really needed this message today!