October 30 – Of More Value – Two of Seven

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Matthew 6:26 (ESV)

We look today at a verse from a longer passage in Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount (6:25-34).  We find in this passage seven promises, one which we considered yesterday*.  Today we focus on a promise that continues God's Word to take care of our needs.  Because we know that God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as the birds in our back yard.  The birds have no means to do anything to bring their food into being – such as we do with farming and gardening – but God provides for them.  Certainly we can trust the God will provide what we need.  We are worth much more than birds in God's creation because unlike the birds in our back yard or in the fields God has given us the amazing capacity to glorify Him.  By trusting, obeying, thanking, and praising God, we fulfill God's intent and purpose.  Consider how much He has already done and we can relax in His promises, free from worry.  

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*Some of this content has been drawn from a series of articles from "Solid Joys" a daily devotional by John Piper.  Desiring God 

August 13 – A Place, A Return, A Gathering, Forever

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3 -   (NASB)

The Gospel of John give us an account of what Jesus said to His disciples at their observance of Passover Seder. We believe that Jesus' words in John 13-17 were spoken before they went out to the garden where Jesus was arrested.  Many promises were given at this time and much encouragement was offered because Jesus knew they would need it.  Judas was planning a betrayal for a bounty.  Peter was soon going to deny that he even knew Jesus and he was going to do it three times. Most of the rest would run for their lives and hide in fear. We believe the promises and encouragement are intended for all who have believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Our verse today has four promises, or maybe we might say, four parts to one promise.  Jesus promises to prepare a place for us.  Jesus promises that He will come again.  Jesus promises that He will take us to Himself.  Jesus promises that we will be where Jesus is and that is for all eternity.  A place prepared, He comes again to gather His believers to have them with Him for the rest of time without end.  Let these promises be front and center today as we each attend to our responsibilities and duties.  

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