Matthew 6:33 – Be Still…

Matthew 6:25-34 – Above All Else

Our final theme, “Seeking God’s Kingdom,” explores Bible texts describing what God’s Kingdom is. Where do we look, and how do we know when we’ve found it? Simply stated, the Kingdom of God is where we find God sitting on his throne. Often referred to as “heaven,” God’s kingdom is where King Jesus rules, and everyone who believes is welcome.

Jesus commands us to seek His Kingdom rather than get distracted by all the wrong things. We can all identify with what it means to worry and how, in times of crisis, we are often stuck in a spiral of worry and dread. Jesus knows how lost we can get when our thoughts run rampant, chasing after “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Even the most devout of believers can fall prey to the evil one’s schemes to distract us with worry or concerns of the day. Continue reading “Matthew 6:25-34 – Above All Else”

Acts 15:1-35 – Gentiles Welcome!

Read Acts 15:1-35

Have you ever been on the ground floor of something new in your community? Our reading today is about one of those early meetings of church leaders to discuss issues facing new believers. Church leadership wanted to be on the same page about what the “new” laws would be. Christ-followers could now be Jew or Gentile, and that whole dynamic was huge in those days.

You’re a Gentile if you’re a non-Jewish person. Jewish believers had to really stretch to allow Gentiles to worship Jesus, too. It’s helpful to know the context here. The issue focuses on tradition and what should be expected of new followers who have no idea about Jewish traditions and laws. For generations, the Jews had done things a certain way according to the law of Moses. Their neighbors, the Gentiles, lived their lives in a totally different fashion. Continue reading “Acts 15:1-35 – Gentiles Welcome!”

Matthew 6:33 – The Kingdom of God

^“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)

Every time I read this verse, the old worship song composed by Karen Lafferty, “Seek Ye First,” plays in my head. Join me in listening here to a recording by Maranatha! Music. We need an arsenal of Bible verses at our disposal for those times when worry creeps in to dampen our joy. This verse is one of those places we can escape.

Context (Matthew 6:24-34): This text comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when Jesus shared so much wisdom we can only stand amazed. Here, Jesus talks about worry, knowing that people tend to obsess when things are unknown. Our memory verse is the solution we can cling to when those worries crowd our heads and hearts. Continue reading “Matthew 6:33 – The Kingdom of God”

Numbers 17:1-13 – The Blooming Staff

Read Numbers 17:1-13

The people just didn’t get it, did they? God was leaving no room for doubt about Aaron’s position in the priesthood. It was God’s plan. I love seeing God work in mighty ways. Imagine seeing almonds sprouting on a wood cutting over night! Only God could make such a bold proclamation.

Yet rather than marvel in that and set aside their grievance, the people chose to cling to their fear and anger. Why do people do that, turning away from the peace and mercy of our Lord. What that looks like in our own situation will be different than seeing a broken twig produce fruit. God meant that sign to bring assurance, not fuel their worries. Continue reading “Numbers 17:1-13 – The Blooming Staff”