based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w1d1
THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)
Scripture: Psalm 119:1-8 / SOAP 1-2
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Psalm 119:1-8 NLT
While works are not part of our salvation (Eph 2:8-10), they should play a part in our faith (Phil 2:12). As we have discovered on many of our journeys, the Christian faith is not meant to be passive. If we want to enjoy the full and satisfying life that Christ came to bring, we must be active in our faith. The Psalmist paints a clear and beautiful picture of what this means.
As we will see throughout the Psalm, the full and satisfying life requires the Word of God. However, it’s not just to be carried in our hands, laid on a table in our homes, or downloaded on our phones but hidden in our hearts and minds and part of our speech and way of life.
Why aren’t all believers joyful? Because there is a key to being filled with the joy of the Lord. The Psalmist writes that joyful people are people of integrity, meaning they are honest and have strong moral principles. Joyful people are those who obediently follow the instructions of the Lord and obey His laws. They are the people who seek after God with all their hearts; they want to know Him and model their lives after Him.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
live an active faith
search diligently for God with all of your heart
learn His righteous regulations
don’t compromise with evil
walk only in His paths
carefully keep God’s commandments
give Him thanks by living as you should
Question FOR THE JOURNEY
What is the best way to search for God?
How do we do this, specifically with all of our hearts?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, help us – You are good and faithful. Your Word is TRUTH, and Your ways are upright. Help us to be like You. Help us to walk only in Your path and not compromise with evil. Let us live in such a way that we are not ashamed. Help us to thank You by living as we should – Holy and upright – as You have called us to. – In Jesus’ Name – amen!
For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keephis tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit. 11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord areupon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:10-12 NET
Friends, never forget – ours is an active faith – filled with responsibilities and expectations which are made clear to us by God in His Word. In part, this is where Peter’s focus is in this section of chapter three.
He points out that we are to be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. That’s a pretty big list of challenges, and they are followed by what seems to be a very specific set of “instructions.” The instructions aren’t suggestions but “must-dos and don’ts.” He highlights the challenges and explains what he means by these five goals for believers so that we know exactly what God expects.
I love it when God is specific and leaves no room for speculation of how we are to live.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
If, as believers, we hope to enjoy the rich and satisfying life Christ came to bring then we MUST follow His ways and abide by His instructions.
How can you intentionally use your words to speak life into someone’s situation this week? How can you pursue peace in a current relationship?
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, our sinful earthly nature, which still lurks within us, is quick to return evil for evil and insult for insult. It bids us away from the good we want to do to do the evil we are meant to turn away from. It entices us to speak lies and hurts rather than blessings and truth, and to fight back rather than seek peace. Thank You for this reminder from Peter, that Your face is set against those who do evil but that Your favor is on those who live out Your righteous calling, and Your ears are open to our prayers – for this, we are grateful and seek to live accordingly. Help us to be devoted to what is good and right in Your sight, and if we suffer for doing what is right help us to remember You have promised blessing. In this, let us be confident so that we are neither terrified nor shaken. – In the name of Jesus I pray and trust – amen and amen!
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Luke 12:29-30 NLT
I find the fact that God already knows our needs and every detail of our situations in life quite comforting and encouraging. However, I confess that I still often find myself struggling with worry. The latest/current example is a situation with my mom, who – (for reasons like physical health, dementia, loneliness, and because the house had outgrown her) – needed to move into an assisted living community.
Prayer for wisdom and direction as well as grace and peace in the wait was a daily habit.
Money and availability at the “right place” were an immediate factor but God gave me a glimmer of hope that it was financially doable so we paid the deposit to put her name on a waiting list. Weeks turned into months and months into nearly a year. In the early stages I would call occasionally to gage the ‘hope’ factor of a space opening up – which was kind of silly since the waiting list was long and we weren’t at the top and the unknown factors of how and when a room would open were near to impossible for the director to even know. Yet, maybe if I kept calling she would realize the urgency and somehow put mom ahead of the others. Yes, I know how that sounds but it’s where I was in the moment and I’d like to say it stopped there but it didn’t. No, my mind went so far as jealousy over those who were getting in ahead of her! I’m not proud of these thoughts but I share them because today’s Scripture reminded me just how much I looked like the man in the parable. Concern for my mom had turned into worry and excessive planning and even envious thoughts for something that was completely out of my control.
Early on in the process, probably before the deposit was made, I began to pray every day as I drove by the road to the assisted living facility that God would create an opening and that we would get the call. However, as I realized what the desperate desire and worry were doing to my mind I gave it over to the Father and began praying:
“Father, when the time is right for mother and if it is Your will for her to move – will You please open a door to the room You want her to have.”
This was more than a prayer it was a daily exercise of faith in the God who knew not just my mother’s needs but mine and it was the daily reminder (multiple times a day, as the facility is on my way to and from work and nearly anywhere else I would be going) that He was in complete and perfect control. There was so much comfort and worship that came from the prayer. There was growth and there was peace and grace; and without a shadow of a doubt I can say that He used every day, week, and month of those prayers to make what had become a tense relationship between mom and I one that was covered with grace and peace and even more and more moments of sweet memories and laughter. Perhaps, even more importantly (and the underlying reason of sharing this story) there was renewed strength and prayer and focus on the Kingdom work of praying for the lost and getting His message out daily.
As the months stretched closer to a year and mom’s forgetfulness, daytime needs, and loneliness became more of a factor – it was apparent that she needed help sooner than later so I began looking into in-home care. After research and an interview with a trusted caregiver recommended by a friend – I was preparing to call and confirm the details of days and times when my phone rang. I recognized the number, it was the number I called so many times to ask if there was a room open yet. I answered to hear the words: “MaryEllen, your mom’s room is ready!” –
Elation, shock, and nervousness tumbled together allowing the enemy to create some pretty rocky emotions, questions and doubts. Again, I found myself looking like the man from today’s parable. Was there really enough money and what could I do to make sure there was and … “STOP, peace be still!” God was quick to send me the message – “Child, you prayed faithfully for me to open this door if it was my will and when your mom’s room was available. Are you really going to shut the door in my face or question my will and preparation for your mother? Be still and know that I am Your God!”
From that point on the door was flung open and I was walking through it – timid yet bold – calm yet nervous, concerned BUT turning every ounce of worry back to Him with the new daily prayer that He would prepare mother’s heart and mind for the move from her home of more than thirty years, the last place she was with my father and brothers. This wasn’t going to be easy and there are no guarantees of her money lasting as long as her days – but this one thing I knew – God was in complete control and He opened the door – my job was simply to walk through it in faith and keep my eyes on Him.
When my eyes were on my mom’s situation – her health, her inability to walk, her forgetfulness, her loneliness, her obstinance, her money, … worry was high and tensions were great between us. Yet, when my eyes were on God and His power, His timing, His will, and goodness through all of my life … when grace and peace became my prayer tensions were lessened, faith was strengthened, and Kingdom work was pursued – ALL GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD!
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Be wise and plan well – but plan with God. Lay down the worry and let God direct your steps, your thoughts, and prayers. Remind yourself daily that God is in complete and perfect control. The Word of God is your armor and prayer is a powerful weapon – use them. Above all these things – “Pursue the Kingdom,”1 remembering that “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“
If we are taking care of God’s business as a priority—seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others—then He will take care of our business as He promised—and if that’s the arrangement, where is worrying?
gotquestions.org / seek first the kingdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
God, You are holy and good and I adore You. Your ways are good and right and Your presence is encouraging. You turn worry into worship and fear into peace and concerns into prayer – and You continually amaze me! Keep us always in pursuit of Your glorious Kingdom and will. Guard us from worry and from the enemy who seeks to steal and kill and destroy. Help us to stand strong in You through prayer and time in Your Word – a light for our path and a lamp to guide our feet and the priorities of this life. We are utterly dependent on You because we know that You are in control of today and all of our tomorrows. Father, we seek Your love, and will, and presence that enable us to walk obediently… We seek Your priorities Father… the boldness to share the good news of the Gospel… and the salvation of others are the treasures we seek – guard our earthly concerns from turning to worries, help our hearts to lay down the concerns and faithfully follow after You and all the treasures of Heaven.2 – In Jesus’ Name – Amen
based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4
The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Psalm 32 / SOAP: verse 5
Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD.” And then You forgave my sins. (Selah)
Psalm 32:5 NET
Refusal to confess sins creates physical problems but, as David teaches us here in Psalm 32, confession (repentance) brings the blessings of forgiveness and joyful deliverance!
Me – from the Inside-out 🦋
Today’s devotion by the LGG Team is a wonderful capstone for the week we have spent looking at and making repentance part of our observance and/or study of Lent.
“This week, we’ve studied repentance. Repentance is a key component of our faith. In the season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the saving work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, repentance is one way we turn our hearts to Him.
In Psalm 32, David expresses the way repentance and confession of sin brought him true joy and peace. He writes how, when he refused to confess his sin, he experienced great pain. The weight of his sin tormented him, nearly destroying him, and even affecting his physical health.”
Living the Journey (Application)
David’s example sets the stage for a wonderful application – as the LGG team member writes:
“Once David confessed his sin, he recognized and accepted God’s incredible forgiveness. He no longer suffered pain but experienced great peace and joy. When he trusted God to forgive him. God’s faithfulness overwhelmed him.
David also encourages God’s people to pray and repent while they can still do so. Because of Jesus, all our sins are forgiven and paid for if we have placed our faith in Him. So our lives no longer need to be tormented by the weight and destruction of sin. When we turn back to God and seek His forgiveness, we find life, peace, and joy.”
Repentance is not a one-time action but a discipline and a posture of our hearts. The more we recognize the freedom and blessings that come from repentance, the quicker we are to repent when we make mistakes.
LGG Team/ LENT Journal w3d4
Prayer for the Journey
“May we be followers of Jesus who continually humble ourselves before Him in repentance and live in the freedom and joy that comes from His forgiveness.” – Amen!
When I cried out for help, you answered me. You made me bold and energized me.
Psalm 138:3 NLT
Who doesn’t love the story of Esther?1 A Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them. If you read chapter four or know the story, you understand that the rescue almost didn’t happen. Whether it was respect for the law, which required an invitation from the king to enter the inner courts, or whether it was out of fear of the outcome – which was death, Esther’s first response to Mordecai’s message to appeal to the king for her people was a hard pass.
However, when Mordecai confronted Esther with a message of truth, “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” – Esther 4:13-14 – Esther understood, and she surrendered to the truth of who she was as a Jewish maiden who had been chosen queen. She proceeded with wisdom, inciting fasting2 from her people and even her female attendants – with the hope that God might use her to save her people from annihilation.
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Esther had to be reminded that she was more than a queen; she was also a Jew. We, too, must remember who we are in Christ. Regardless of our place in this world, we must not forget that we are in a relationship with a wonderful and loving God who has invited us to call out to Him – to cast our cares and anxieties on Him because He cares for us and has promised that He will answer. We must courageously surrender to Him regardless of the outcome and trust that He will give us the boldness and strength we need to act on our commitment.
Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:16b NET
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, standing for You when we know it may subject us to danger or ridicule isn’t always easy. Like Esther, our first response may be a hard pass; please help us surround ourselves with those who will speak the truth. Help us be so immersed in Your Word that we know the truth and surrender to it with the boldness of Esther.
2 “-the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.” –read the rest
Be sure and visit LoveGodGreatly.com for more insight from today’s blog
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5
What is the Wisdom We Should Seek?
Godly wisdom may look very different from worldly wisdom. Jesus highlighted these differences in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). For example, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite to our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).1
Take, for instance, Daniel, who was committed to God. He not only trusted God but He acted on that trust even at the risk of his life … And God blessed Daniel and those who joined him in the commitment and risk.
Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.”
Daniel 1:11-13 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
So how can we know the wisdom of God? How can we know when to stand for something or, like Daniel, when to stand against something? Following the words James wrote, we are to seek God’s wisdom by going straight to the source, boldly approaching His throne, asking God through prayer, and/or by seeking Him through His Word. After all, in (Psalm 119:98–100), we are told that God’s Word makes us wise, so it only makes sense that we seek for wisdom within His Word.
The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by learning God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). No one is born wise; we must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (Psalm 119:98–100).
Gotquestions.org / Godly Wisdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, Your Word tells us to study to show ourselves approved workmen for You and to do this so that we can understand Your Word and walk in the wisdom of It. This instruction is not only so that we may live well by it – but that we might explain it well to others in order that they might also know and follow You. Help us to be faithful stewards of Your Word and prayer, for both are gifts and spiritual disciplines that are meant to draw us close to You and help us live according to Your Word. – In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 NLT
I have learned that when a verse begins with words like but, therefore, so, afterward … it is best to go back and look at what came before. Such is the case with this verse in Matthew. The word “but” actually refers to the preceding verse, which illustrated how some who pray are hypocrites who loved to pray where everyone could see them. Clearly, they loved and sought attention from others rather than time alone with God. and Jesus used it as a teachable opportunity to train them in the better way.
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
Matthew 6:5 NLT
One of the many things I love about Jesus is that He was a teacher who taught not only with words but by example, as we see in Luke chapter five. As Jesus’ ministry became known, the crowds grew not only in numbers but in intensity of need and demands. So, Jesus didn’t just need to pray – He needed alone time – undistracted time – with the Father. Remember, Jesus was God in the flesh – all strength and power belonged to Him. Yet, in order to give the people what they needed – in order to do the work of the Father – Jesus needed time alone with the Father.
Now, if Jesus – the perfect Son of God – needed time alone to pray to the Father – how much more do we, imperfect human beans – marred by the flesh and sin stained world – need to spend time alone with Him? Apart from time with Him we will flounder in our own strength and we will lack wisdom and direction. We will succumb to fears and doubts, we will fall prey to temptations and not see the way of escape He has promised to all who belong to Him. We will speak words that displease Him rather than honor Him, we will miss the person who needs to hear the Gospel message, or the brother or sister who just needs some encouragement. You see, time alone with the Father is our lifeline to joy and peace, to strength and guidance, and to obedience – and to all of the abundant life Christ came to give.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy, My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10 NLT
Living the Journey (Application)
Not only are we meant to stay connected to the Father and to abide in Jesus, but we are to keep in step with the Spirit. Our God is a triune God and to truly enjoy all that is ours in Christ Jesus we must cultivate a relationship with each person of the Trinity. Disciples of Christ, then and now, need the daily one on one with Jesus, which is why He taught, “Abide in Me…”, but He also teaches them by word and example that we need the Father, and following His crucifixion – He made it clear that anyone who wanted to follow Him and be His witness would be dependent on the Holy Spirit.
“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus explained to them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1: 4-5 and 8 NLT
Later in Scripture we read a message that Paul, one of, if not the greatest of, Jesus’ witnesses, sent to the church of Galatia – in which he told them (and by extension, all disciples) that since they lived by the Spirit they should keep in step with the Spirit.1 Paul seems to make it clear that if we choose not to walk in step with the Spirit then we will not be good witnesses, instead we will become self-focused, self-righteous, and even make our walk of faith a competition rather than the relationship and light it is meant to be.1
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:22-26 NLT
Prayer for the Journey
Spending time, in prayer with You Father is imperative to abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit, for our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion just waiting to devour us. The enemy doesn’t want us to be good witnesses for the cause of Christ. He wants us to be silent and weak and to look more like the dark world than to radiate the light and love of Jesus. If we aren’t careful, if we aren’t intentionally strategic in the battle we will struggle at best or fail at worst. We need a War Room,2 where we frequently get alone with You so that when we are out in the world we aren’t of the world, and so whether we are on the mountains or in the valleys we can stand strong agains the wiles of the enemy and walk through the battles victoriously – filled with the Spirit! – 🦋
And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” Colossians 1:9
God is good. He has gifted us with prayer and His Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples that the Holy Spirit was an advocate whom the Father would send in His name, He would teach them all things and remind them of everything that Christ had told them. Here, Paul prays for the believers in Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will -through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. According to the writer of ourdailyverse.com, “filled with the knowledge of His will,” is a phrase that transcends mere understanding. It suggests a filling so complete that it overflows into every corner of our lives – guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions.
May the Spirit help us to not just know God’s will, but faithfully seek it – that we may “be so filled with His will that our lives become a testament to God’s wisdom and grace.” This daily walk of faith – this journey through life on earth is only possible with the Spirit – the One who empowers, guides, teaches, reminds, and makes known the will of God.
“Dear Lord, In the quiet of this morning, my heart seeks the depth of understanding that comes form You alone. Inspired by the wisdom of Colossians, I pray for an infusion of your spiritual insight into my life. May your will be the lens through which I view the world, guiding my steps in love and truth. — Teach me, Father, to navigate this day with a spirit attuned to Your voice. Help me to embody the grace and compassion that Jesus demonstrated, making each decision a reflection of Your love. In moments of uncertainty, grant me the clarity of Your wisdom, so that I may act with confidence in Your divine plan. — Strengthen my reslove to serve those around me to be a beacon of Your light in their lives. Let my words and actions today sow seeds of Your kingdom, cultivating a harvest of righteousness and peace. In the precious name of Jesus, I commit this day to You. – Amen.” (borrowed from Ourdailyverse.com / 2.12.24)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Yesterday started with a big ugly cry, a message to my boss about taking a vacation day, and a lot of prayer. For those who don’t know me, I should explain that I am not a crier – not that I think it’s wrong or I don’t want to, tears just simply do not come. That is – until they do.
Sadly, it is time to move mother to an assisted living facility – something she has dreaded forever and never a decision you want to make for your loved one. Yet, it is the season we are in. Her name has been on the waitlist for nearly a year. I pass by the facility every day on the way to and from work, and every day, I have been praying as I drive by – “Father, please, if it is Your will and when it is the right time for her – will you please open a room and the door and help us to walk through it.” I have watched friends and acquaintances move their loved ones in, and I have rejoiced with them but also fought back envy and committed to trusting God and His perfect timing for Mom. So, I was unprepared for the shock, panic, and myriad of emotions accompanying the long-awaited call. There was lamenting and rejoicing. There was relief, and there was fear and doubt, and – there was prayer. I’m ashamed to admit there were also storm surges of panic and waves of nausea as my faith was challenged -but for every storm surge and wave, there was a peace that passed all understanding. There were words of encouragement and fingerprints of grace and mercy, hope, strength, and beautiful words of wisdom, and there was a prayer for God’s help – specifically to guide every word I spoke.
God used them all to empower me in difficult situations – I was filled with courage that could only have come from Him, and when I opened my mouth to speak to Mom – God filled it with words. Her response was a wonderful mixture of calm panic and inward resolve that flowed forth with gracious and gentle words and questions. Doubts and fears arose for sure, but God was kind to temper them with His ever-present love and peace – and when sorrows surfaced, His comfort was quick to meet them. We spent four-plus hours talking about the room and resort-like facility and envisioning which pieces of furniture to take. Our blessed conversations were mixed with tears and laughter and the repetitiveness of dementia, but I will forever cherish them in my heart and mind. I am confident that they will be a balm for my soul in the days and weeks to come of moving pieces to her new home and preparing the present house to be sold. I long for your prayers and will appreciate any and all encouragement – as each new day will undoubtedly bring challenges that call for strength, grace, and peace in great measure.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
In full disclosure and need of prayer
I am, by nature, a ‘control freak.’ Though God has graciously helped me overcome this tendency and trained me to trust Him, the old nature and the need to know what’s ahead and take control of the situation is wreaking havoc within me. It is shaking my resolve to trust Him and walk through a door (one that I prayed He would open in His time and if it were His will) where I can’t see the future needs or provisions – so, will you please pray for me to stay resolved to live one-day-at-a-time and to trust Him with all of my heart and with every day of my mom’s life –
The financial part of this will also be a challenge, so will you please pray specifically for God to stretch her monies and to keep her from needing more than the tier 1 assistance?
My dad had put the house in a reverse mortgage situation years ago, which has, in some ways, been a blessing – but now a frustrating and somewhat urgent and detrimental problem – so will you please pray for a quick and more than profitable sale that will meet the needs of mom’s new home. – that being said, will you please pray for me and my daughters as we work every day and then, in the evenings, try to prepare mom and her belongings for the move and her house for the sale –
Will you pray for my nephew, who knew this as his childhood home, to understand and find comfort and peace in the situation
Will you please pray for my sweet mother to be filled with the peace of God that passes all understanding both in the move and in the transitioning difficulty that dementia can add to these situations?
Will you pray specifically for her (and her cat) to adapt well and for her to greatly enjoy the people and her new surroundings
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Do you ever worry about life’s needs and wants – and the money that can supply those things? I know I have, and at times, I still find myself falling back to those concerns and worries. Apparently, so did the people in Jesus’ day, which is why this portion of the Sermon on the Mount contains teachings by Jesus about issues like treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven (6:19-21)1-3 and about watching out for the desire of “the eye” (6:22)4. He also warned them that they could not serve two masters (6:24)5, in other words, they could not serve the desires of their heart and eyes and God. This is when Jesus pointed out their worries and cares about the things of this world, like clothes, food, and drink. He wanted them – and us – to know and to remember that God would take care of them and their needs – their greater concern and pursuit (and ours) should be God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Actually, look at the verse again and pay careful attention to the fact that Jesus says, “Pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
To seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness means to live in that ongoing repentance from sin, and to lead the kind of sincere, from-the-heart, devoted-to-God lifestyles Jesus has been describing. In response, God will make provision for whatever it is we truly “need” in order to accomplish His will.
Bibleref.org / Matthew 6:24
The applicable message, then, for us, as disciples of Jesus or simply curious readers of His truths, is to know that it is God who cares for our needs, and we can and should trust Him to do this while we occupy ourselves with the pursuit of His Kingdom and righteousness.
Note that Jesus’ audience in Matthew chapter 6 included “His chosen disciples, committed followers, and simply curious listeners.” Bibleref.com / chapter five context
Are you a disciple of Jesus or simply a curious reader of the blog? If you fall under the curious listener – welcome! I invite you to follow the link to Know These Truths, where you will find all you need to know about becoming a disciple of Jesus.
Me From the Inside Out 