Encouragement

We want to encourage you as much as possible - so take a little time to read a daily devotional - Monday through Friday.

Good morning to each of you!

Lord Jesus, be gracious to us today.  May we hear your voice and listen. 
May we be encouraged by your Holy word.  In your name we pray, a-men

Friends,
Our verse comes today from Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well."

Because this verse starts with "but"  we must take a peek at what comes
before it.  Jesus is talking to the people about their worries.  He has
laid out all of the things God has taken care of and is encouraging them
not to worry.  He says then, instead of worrying, just seek God's kingdom
and seek righteousness and everything else will be fine.

As I read through these verses this morning, I began to think about what
is the motivation behind worry.  In other words, what causes us to worry. 
The one word that kept coming to mind was "fear".  And again I think Jesus
is saying in Matthew 6:33..."do not be afraid."  Seek the will of God and
He will take care of the rest.  So often when I am at my most emotionally
stressful time, it is when I am seeking my own will and desires.  I walk
in fear of things not going the way I planned.  I fear of what others will
think.  I fear I will ruin something.  I feel fearful of failing.

I pray we will be able to take an honest look at the worries of our days
today and see just who we are seeking.  Is it our own desires and outcomes
or have we resigned to the fact that God will take care of us and we will
just be used by him through it all!

Much Love to each of you!
In Him,
Sheila