Tag: Matthew 6:9-12
Day 2–Look at the Birds!
Scripture reading for April 21: Matthew 6:26-27, 31-33 “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? . . . Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
As far as first responders go, volunteers don’t get paid or are paid very minimally. Those working in rural areas in law enforcement and as EMT’s are also receiving a smaller salary and finances are usually tight. Besides dealing with the stress of their jobs, finances can also cause worry and rob us of our energy and focus. This has been true throughout time and Jesus Himself spoke to those following Him about faith in God’s ability and promise to provide what is needed.
Jesus asked His followers to look at the birds flying around them. They should take note that these birds had no jobs or fields of their own or barns to store up food. Yet God cared for each one of them and food was supplied daily. Jesus noted that each person was far more valuable than a bird. Jesus warned them that worry or anxiety about these daily necessities would not help to lengthen their lives.
Instead of worry and seeking out of life’s necessities, Jesus offered them simple advice. They were to put effort and focus into seeking God and His kingdom. They should strive to lay hold of His righteousness through faith. If they would pursue God He would bless them with what He already knew they needed. He had earlier taught them to pray to their Father, asking humbly for their daily bread and for forgiveness of their trespasses. (Matthew 6:9-12) All of us can apply these simple instructions on a daily basis. Where we focus our minds and efforts will determine our peace and provision.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for focusing my efforts on meeting my needs and neglecting to seek You first and Your kingdom and righteousness. Thank you for the lesson of the birds. I rest in You. Amen.
The disciple’s prayer!
Scripture reading for January 8th: Matthew 6
Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. This prayer was not intended to be just some words prayed by rote memory. Jesus wanted the disciples to know God as their Father and have a relationship with others and the Father. He was to be addressed corporately as “Our Father”! We stand in relationship with others also praying to the same Father in heaven.
This Father is holy and His Name is to be reverenced. His disciples remind themselves of God’s holiness and their need of humility and reverence every time they approach God’s throne. The Father is also a King and has a kingdom. His children pray that Kingdom will come upon the earth and His will will be done here as it is done perfectly in heaven.
The disciples are also dependent on God for daily provision. We recognize God as our provider as well as the only One who can forgive us our sins. Forgiveness can only be granted to us as we release those who have offended us! God alone can protect us from our enemy, “the Evil One”, or Satan. We need this protection each day as well as provision and forgiveness.
Observations for over-comers: Prayer is the lifeline of disciples of Jesus. “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me. .” (Psalm 55:16-18)