I forgot to mention the KEY passage that hit my "cutting room floor" last weekend. But you've got to check it out.
It's Matthew 6:19-34.
In that passage, you find:
- "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth" (v.19)
- "Do not worry about your life" (v.25)
- "Which of your worrying [improves anything]?" (v.27)
- "Why do you worry?" (v.28)
- "Will God not much more clothe you?" (v.30)
- "Do not worry [about]…eat…drink…wear" (v.31)
- "Your heavenly Father knows your needs" (v.32)
- "Do not worry about tomorrow" (v.33)
N-uff said.
P.S. I had my men's small group tell me that their minds were STILL spinning about the comment on Sunday, "SO WHAT if your 401(k) goes to ZERO? Do you think that has ANYTHING to do with whether God will provide for your needs or not?"
I wonder if the crisis will last long enough…meaning that transformation will take place…not just change.
I think of how God used a time like this in the life of Joseph to heal, strengthen and teach.
We have an opportunity to course correct. To live within our means, avoid debt, invest in God’s work and turn this world upside down with the truth found in God’s word.
You got me thinking on the worry part…how much time, energy and emotion is spent on worry. I’ve had to challenge myself again and again to not fall into the trap.
As Christ followers we have an opportunity to give our community hope beyond a stimulas package.
Thinking a lot about how to live “all in” even if the 401k is empty.
Looking forward to Sunday.