In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives an amazing speech about why we shouldn't worry about the material things of life like food, clothing, and shelter. He never said that these things were not important, because we do need them. Jesus’ point was that these things should not be the focus of our lives. Jesus does not say: he does not say, “Do not earn,” “Do not save,” “Do not plan,” “Do not think,” or “Do not work.” He says, “Do not worry.”
God is aware of our needs. He wants us to trust Him and put Him first in our lives, rather than worrying about how we'll provide for ourselves. Jesus said that our focus should be on the One who can and does provide those things and if our focus is on Him He will provide.
I have taught this message in Bible Studies and in sermons. I’ve always used the King James, New King James, New International Version and they all convey the message that Jesus wanted to get across to His disciples and the big crowd that had gathered. But today I read the “do not worry” section of the sermon from the Message Bible and I was blown away. You may have read before and you may have even read it from the Message Bible, but I want to share it with you today anyway. It blessed my beyond measure and I pray it will do the same for you.
Do Not Worry
“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting , so you can respond to God’s giving . People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:25-34 MSG
God is aware of our needs. He wants us to trust Him and put Him first in our lives, rather than worrying about how we'll provide for ourselves. Jesus said that our focus should be on the One who can and does provide those things and if our focus is on Him He will provide.
I have taught this message in Bible Studies and in sermons. I’ve always used the King James, New King James, New International Version and they all convey the message that Jesus wanted to get across to His disciples and the big crowd that had gathered. But today I read the “do not worry” section of the sermon from the Message Bible and I was blown away. You may have read before and you may have even read it from the Message Bible, but I want to share it with you today anyway. It blessed my beyond measure and I pray it will do the same for you.
Do Not Worry
“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting , so you can respond to God’s giving . People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:25-34 MSG
Some Things To Remember
1) We Can’t Control Tomorrow
Proverbs 27:1 MSG Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
No one is assured of a tomorrow because God holds the times and seasons in His hand.
Proverbs 16:9 MSG We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
That is why we need to commit our today and all our future plans into God’s hands.
2) There Is Enough Trouble For Today
Not only can’t we control tomorrow, we don’t even know what may happen today. There are two possible ways people could wake up in the morning. One group cheerfully says, ‘Good morning, Lord”, while the other says, ‘Good Lord, it's morning’! Therefore, let’s place our todays in God’s hands for He is always in control.
Sadly, many people are either living with regret over the past or with anxiety over the future.
Here is something for those with regret over the past;
Philippians 3:12-14 MSG I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, raching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
This for those worrying about the future;
Philippians 4:6-7 MSG Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Yes, each day has troubles of its own, but remember;
Psalm 68:19 MSG Blessed be the Lord— day after day he carries us along.
Jesus taught us to pray that God meet our needs daily;
Matthew 6:11 NIV Give us today our daily bread.
3) Once today is over its not coming back
A day that ends can never be reclaimed.
Let’s say someone deposits $86,400 a day to your bank account. The only catch is that you have to spend it all the same day. If you don't spend it they will take it back. Now most of us won't hesitate in spending the money every day. Well God blesses us with 86,400 seconds every day, which can never be re-claimed. So let's use the time wisely.
4) God Will Meet Tomorrow’s Needs
This is so true if we are willing to give Him the first place in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our future is totally secure in Jesus!
God usually doesn’t show us what tomorrow holds. Maybe it’s simply because He wants us to trust Him for tomorrow.
Let’s learn to live “one day at a time”, completely trusting our Lord Jesus Christ! Let's not miss the opportunities God gives us every day. Let us ask, “Lord, what will You have me do today”?
Some Things To Remember
1) We Can’t Control Tomorrow
Proverbs 27:1 MSG Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
No one is assured of a tomorrow because God holds the times and seasons in His hand.
Proverbs 16:9 MSG We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
That is why we need to commit our today and all our future plans into God’s hands.
2) There Is Enough Trouble For Today
Not only can’t we control tomorrow, we don’t even know what may happen today. There are two possible ways people could wake up in the morning. One group cheerfully says, ‘Good morning, Lord”, while the other says, ‘Good Lord, it's morning’! Therefore, let’s place our today's in God’s hands for He is always in control.
Sadly, many people are either living with regret over the past or with anxiety over the future.
Here is something for those with regret over the past;
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
This for those worrying about the future;
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Yes, each day has troubles of its own, but remember;
Psalm 68:19 NIV Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Jesus taught us to pray that God meet our needs daily;
Matthew 6:11 NIV Give us today our daily bread.
3) Once today is over its not coming back
A day that ends can never be reclaimed.
Let’s say someone deposits $86,400 a day to your bank account. The only catch is that you have to spend it all the same day. If you don't spend it they will take it back. Now most of us won't hesitate in spending the money every day. Well God blesses us with 86,400 seconds every day, which can never be re-claimed. So let's use the time wisely.
4) God Will Meet Tomorrow’s Needs
This is so true if we are willing to give Him the first place in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our future is totally secure in Jesus!
God usually doesn’t show us what tomorrow holds. Maybe it’s simply because He wants us to trust Him for tomorrow.
Let’s learn to live “one day at a time”, completely trusting our Lord Jesus Christ! Let's not miss the opportunities God gives us every day. Let us ask, “Lord, what will You have me do today”?
1) We Can’t Control Tomorrow
Proverbs 27:1 MSG Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
No one is assured of a tomorrow because God holds the times and seasons in His hand.
Proverbs 16:9 MSG We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
That is why we need to commit our today and all our future plans into God’s hands.
2) There Is Enough Trouble For Today
Not only can’t we control tomorrow, we don’t even know what may happen today. There are two possible ways people could wake up in the morning. One group cheerfully says, ‘Good morning, Lord”, while the other says, ‘Good Lord, it's morning’! Therefore, let’s place our todays in God’s hands for He is always in control.
Sadly, many people are either living with regret over the past or with anxiety over the future.
Here is something for those with regret over the past;
Philippians 3:12-14 MSG I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, raching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
This for those worrying about the future;
Philippians 4:6-7 MSG Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Yes, each day has troubles of its own, but remember;
Psalm 68:19 MSG Blessed be the Lord— day after day he carries us along.
Jesus taught us to pray that God meet our needs daily;
Matthew 6:11 NIV Give us today our daily bread.
3) Once today is over its not coming back
A day that ends can never be reclaimed.
Let’s say someone deposits $86,400 a day to your bank account. The only catch is that you have to spend it all the same day. If you don't spend it they will take it back. Now most of us won't hesitate in spending the money every day. Well God blesses us with 86,400 seconds every day, which can never be re-claimed. So let's use the time wisely.
4) God Will Meet Tomorrow’s Needs
This is so true if we are willing to give Him the first place in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our future is totally secure in Jesus!
God usually doesn’t show us what tomorrow holds. Maybe it’s simply because He wants us to trust Him for tomorrow.
Let’s learn to live “one day at a time”, completely trusting our Lord Jesus Christ! Let's not miss the opportunities God gives us every day. Let us ask, “Lord, what will You have me do today”?
Some Things To Remember
1) We Can’t Control Tomorrow
Proverbs 27:1 MSG Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
No one is assured of a tomorrow because God holds the times and seasons in His hand.
Proverbs 16:9 MSG We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
That is why we need to commit our today and all our future plans into God’s hands.
2) There Is Enough Trouble For Today
Not only can’t we control tomorrow, we don’t even know what may happen today. There are two possible ways people could wake up in the morning. One group cheerfully says, ‘Good morning, Lord”, while the other says, ‘Good Lord, it's morning’! Therefore, let’s place our today's in God’s hands for He is always in control.
Sadly, many people are either living with regret over the past or with anxiety over the future.
Here is something for those with regret over the past;
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
This for those worrying about the future;
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Yes, each day has troubles of its own, but remember;
Psalm 68:19 NIV Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Jesus taught us to pray that God meet our needs daily;
Matthew 6:11 NIV Give us today our daily bread.
3) Once today is over its not coming back
A day that ends can never be reclaimed.
Let’s say someone deposits $86,400 a day to your bank account. The only catch is that you have to spend it all the same day. If you don't spend it they will take it back. Now most of us won't hesitate in spending the money every day. Well God blesses us with 86,400 seconds every day, which can never be re-claimed. So let's use the time wisely.
4) God Will Meet Tomorrow’s Needs
This is so true if we are willing to give Him the first place in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our future is totally secure in Jesus!
God usually doesn’t show us what tomorrow holds. Maybe it’s simply because He wants us to trust Him for tomorrow.
Let’s learn to live “one day at a time”, completely trusting our Lord Jesus Christ! Let's not miss the opportunities God gives us every day. Let us ask, “Lord, what will You have me do today”?
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