January 16th, 2024
Tuesday, January 16th
Fear Knot? Fear Not!
By: Shirley Davis
Probably most of us are familiar with this very famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is telling us not to be worried or preoccupied about what we eat or what to wear. For many of us here in the USA, we may understand this passage as a cautionary teaching to NOT focus on material needs but instead to focus on the more spiritual aspects of God’s Kingdom. But for those who literally do NOT know where their next meal is coming from (either here or in so many other parts of the world) even Jesus’ words in verse 25 seem extremely hard to swallow!
“So, I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it.” (ERV)
Many years ago, though, I used to repeat this whole passage almost daily in my prayers! My hardworking husband and I were doing our utmost to provide for our 6 small children with an unreliable income from our very small business. Soon after our marriage, we had determined that we would not tell others of our needs, but only tell God, trusting that HE would answer our prayers and provide for us. He never let us down – but that did not mean that we didn’t experience the “fear knot” in our stomach each time we faced an unexpected financial need, or once again literally did not know what we would eat for dinner!
I have spent many days (and nights!) wrestling with my fears and doubts as I read and prayed through this passage, CHOOSING to believe that God’s Word is true! It is truly frightening when you have no idea what you can give your children to eat as the noon hour approaches! We have been out-on-a-limb SO many times, but steadfastly chose to trust God – and not only can I say that He has never let us down, but I could also literally talk for hours, recounting amazing stories of how He supplied our needs! There were a few times when we ate a meal late (or ate an unusual dinner!) but God always provided, and as a result, our faith and trust in Him have only grown stronger through the years. Our Heavenly Father is faithful and WILL take care of us if we will only dare to trust Him!
Fear Knot? Fear Not!
By: Shirley Davis
Probably most of us are familiar with this very famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is telling us not to be worried or preoccupied about what we eat or what to wear. For many of us here in the USA, we may understand this passage as a cautionary teaching to NOT focus on material needs but instead to focus on the more spiritual aspects of God’s Kingdom. But for those who literally do NOT know where their next meal is coming from (either here or in so many other parts of the world) even Jesus’ words in verse 25 seem extremely hard to swallow!
“So, I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it.” (ERV)
Many years ago, though, I used to repeat this whole passage almost daily in my prayers! My hardworking husband and I were doing our utmost to provide for our 6 small children with an unreliable income from our very small business. Soon after our marriage, we had determined that we would not tell others of our needs, but only tell God, trusting that HE would answer our prayers and provide for us. He never let us down – but that did not mean that we didn’t experience the “fear knot” in our stomach each time we faced an unexpected financial need, or once again literally did not know what we would eat for dinner!
I have spent many days (and nights!) wrestling with my fears and doubts as I read and prayed through this passage, CHOOSING to believe that God’s Word is true! It is truly frightening when you have no idea what you can give your children to eat as the noon hour approaches! We have been out-on-a-limb SO many times, but steadfastly chose to trust God – and not only can I say that He has never let us down, but I could also literally talk for hours, recounting amazing stories of how He supplied our needs! There were a few times when we ate a meal late (or ate an unusual dinner!) but God always provided, and as a result, our faith and trust in Him have only grown stronger through the years. Our Heavenly Father is faithful and WILL take care of us if we will only dare to trust Him!
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2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
CallingDon't HideWhere You AreJust the Two of UsInvesting in the Kingdom of GodThe Golden RuleAgainst the GrainUnexplainable JoyThe Power of God's WordFollow MeThe God of the ImpossibleOut on a LimbWe All Face ItTrue JusticeGatherGood SoilDon't Put God in a BoxBe BraveCulture CheckFeed His Sheep. Love His People.Jesus Revealed
March
Jesus in His GloryNot QuantityHow Much God Loves ChildrenWhere Two or Three are GatheredLike Little ChildrenFocusAmazing GraceBeing Confronted By JesusKingdom FruitWedding AttireCome with a Hungry HeartLive and Lead Like HimTough LoveBe on your GuardKeep WatchTalentsSlow DownBeing Led by the SpiritKingdom WatchThey Are Us. We Are Them.Jesus Gave His All For UsHe is Risen, Indeed
April
The Most Important Question Ever AskedExchanging Death for a Better LifeThe Space BetweenHe's got the KeysI want to know HimJoy of the LordNeverthelessFullness of JoyFavorites"Try it, you'll like it."He Created MeHe Chose to Die for MeGod's Love for UsAn Eternal LoveNothing will SeparateThe Salt ShakerThe Word Brings HopeMeditate on God's WordA Well Lit PathEverything Wears Out
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