(Matthew 6:25-34) “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
(Luke 12:32-34) Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(John 14:1-3) “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."(John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
(John 16:33) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Reminder: "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that we do not worry about food and clothing (Mt.6:25, 31-32, Lk.12:22,29-30)
- that we do not worry about tomorrow (Mt.6:34)
- that we are not afraid or troubled (Lk.12:32, Jn.14:1, 27)
- that we take courage in Jesus, because He has overcome the world (Jn.16:33)
- that we believe in God and His Son, Jesus Christ (Jn.14:1)
- that we practically observe and understand how God takes care of His creation (Mt.6:26-30. Lk.12:24-28)
- that we focus on seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness as our top priority (Mt.6:33, Lk.12:31)
- that we focus on storing up treasures in heaven as our top priority (Lk.12:33)
- that we focus on today (Mt.6:34)
- that we are generous in giving to the poor (Lk.12:33)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You so much for providing our daily needs. And when we are are on board and involved with doing Your will, You give us added blessings. Thank You that we do not have to worry or be troubled about anything, when we put our faith and trust in You. You have overcome the world - because You care! Help us take courage in You for everything. Help us focus on You, and doing Your will. Amen.
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