Monday November 16, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

God of rescue and restoration, thank You for Your great and beautiful mission in the world. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and send me.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:25-27

Why is worry such a big deal to Jesus?

If there were such a thing as a faith gauge I’m pretty sure Jesus would place “WORRY” in the red zone. Jesus wants us to understand that worry is just as destructive to our spiritual development as greed.

Worry is a symptom that our faith is tilting toward emptiness.

Jesus teaches that our faith grows as our trust in God grows. Jesus would place “TRUST IN GOD” in the green zone on that imaginary faith gauge.

When we intentionally focus on being present with God and we are actively engaged in the work of God’s unshakeable kingdom we naturally begin to trust God more and leave the drain of worry behind.

What practices help you trust God more?

How are you being intentional about engaging in those practices?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.