Tag: don’t be anxious
Sheep among wolves: no worries!
Scripture reading for April 19th: Matthew 10, Psalm 78, Proverbs 16
Matthew 10: 16-20 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for My sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Jesus had called His disciples and given them training through having them follow Him and observe His actions and heart. In this chapter, Matthew describes Jesus sending out the twelve to minister in His authority. He warned them that they were going out as “sheep among wolves.” This required wisdom and discernment to be aware of the plots of men to hinder their mission and ministry. This was spiritual warfare that required faith and understanding. The opposition would attack them and imprison them, but they were not to live in fear but to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through them in these situations. God was at work as they walked in trust and faith under the Spirit’s guidance and control.
Psalm 78:5-7 “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; . .”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit to live within me and give me directions for each day and even the words needed for dealing with each person You send me to. Help me to teach first my own family Your truths and Word and then to faithfully share with others to accomplish my part of Your plan that all be saved and know You personally. Order my steps today.
Proverbs 16:1, 9 “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” . . .”The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Rejoice!
Scripture reading for September 7th: Philippians 4
Although in jail himself, Paul closed his letter with encouragement to the church to live in joy and rejoicing regardless of their circumstances. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
The church can rejoice because they are ‘in the Lord’. That alone is reason enough to rejoice. Paul believed that the Lord was near in two different ways. First, He was always present in His people and He was coming again soon for His people! This is why the church must not live in fear or anxiety! We must by prayer give all our worries to God and enjoy His peace guarding our hearts and minds.
Paul gave us two other reasons why he rejoiced and we should too. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) Christ is our strength to face every situation! We can live by faith in His promise! “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) God will meet all our needs because He owns all the riches of this universe! We can truly rejoice along with the Apostle and Philippians in God’s wonderful provision!