Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matt 6:34

News that rocks your world. What happens when you receive bad or disturbing news? News that hits you right in the gut and takes your breath away. News that drops you to your knees. This type of news tends to rob us of any mental, emotional, and physical strength we ever had. On top of that, we begin to worry with uncertainty and endless questions flood our mind. These actions seem to be normal, natural, and acceptable responses, if we care for ourselves and our loved ones. But does this mean my faith is weak if I respond in these ways? In moments like these we come to realize how precious life truly is and how much we love living. The scripture passage encourages us to “take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” God wants us to know that nothing in this life is greater than knowing Him and trusting His love. As His children He wants you to know that we can trust Him and come to Him, even in times when we are fallen and broken, in times when our minds are filled with chaos and confusion, and every ounce of strength within us has failed. God does not ask us to ignore the circumstances that surround us but reminds us that we can come to Him in every circumstance and situation we face. Consider the example of Jesus in the garden when He prayed “not My will, but Thine, be done” (Lk 22:42). Jesus’ body became so overwhelmed that “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground” (Lk 22:44). He faced the reality and pain of the impending crucifixion and “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb 12:2) with confidence in the Father, faith in the Father’s word, and that the Father’s love for Him was greater that His love for Himself. My friend, God’s love for you is far greater than any thing you can ask or think (Eph 3:20) and nothing can separate you from His love (Rom 8:38-39) through His Son Jesus Christ. Everyday is filled with its troubles and “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” but dear friend, those are the moments when you can know the depth of the Father’s love, His grace, mercy, and faithfulness. “Cast thy burdens upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee” (Ps 55:22). Though our hearts may fall and our minds wander, trust in the Lord with all your heart (Prov 3:5) for it is God’s word that will stand (Prov 19:21). Father thank You for Your eternal love and caring for me more than I could ever care for myself. Draw me near into Your presence and remind me “Great is Thy faithfulness” (Lam 3:23). In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

The LORD is thy keeper: The LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. Ps 121:5

Great amounts of our efforts are spent trying to make ourselves comfortable. Much time and energy are spent seeking pleasures, searching for the right “this or that,” striving for comfort, or securing possessions and protections in life. The lists may vary, but at the core of who we are, we want to feel good and avoid pain and sufferings. The scripture passage reminds us that God is the Ultimate Protector and Provider. “The LORD is thy keeper.” He is the keeper for all who will put their trust in Him. He protects His children from evil and its afflictions. The children of God are safe under His protection and care. The child of God is in the safety, protection, and care of God when we walk with Him to know “the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Draw near Him to walk in the shadow of His grace. It is the one who stands alone, in open spaces, who is unprotected from the elements of evil who will suffer its consequences and afflictions. Yet for the one who draws near unto the Father’s presence will know His protection, His provision, and the power of His might. He is forever faithful, and He always protects us by His tender mercies (Ps 40:11). He is the Great Shepherd, the Keeper of the flock. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him and hear His voice to follow Him (Jn 10:27).  Even when we stray, and become scattered, confused, and afraid, He seeks out His children from dangerous places and delivers them from the fear of danger (Eze 34:12). My friend, our greatest protection and comfort in life is in Christ “who laid down His life for us” (1 Jn 3:16). Dear friend, find your greatest comfort and care in His presence and in the body of Christ, the church (Col 1:18). I thank God for His church and the prayers of the saints who worship Him and seek His glory. Father thank You for Your love and Your eternal protection through Your Son. Keeper of heaven and earth, keep me close by Your side that I may hear when You call. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

I pray that your day was filled with worship and praise as you gathered with the saints on the Lord’s Day. Life is not a bed of roses, nor is it meant to be easy. Though sometimes we think that it should. It is the tests and temptations that we face that can prove our character and manifest what we truly believe. Yet much of our energy and effort is spent to avoid these things. Much time is spent pursuing pleasures, happiness, and freedom from worry. We can become anxious with anticipation for moments of pleasure and happiness. Our scripture passage reminds us of something far greater than pleasure and happiness. It is time spent and shared with the Father. Temptations present themselves to try, test, and prove our faith in the word of God. They present the question, “What do you believe?” “Who do you trust more?” For this reason, we can “count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations” for the Father is near and present to walk us through “that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” My friend, God has a far greater purpose for you than to only enjoy the pleasures of life. He desires that you know the pleasure of His company. The pleasure His counsel. The pleasure of the comfort that only He can provide. He desires that you know the joy of His salvation and He will uphold by His generous Spirit (Ps 51:12). God is always present with His children, and He wants you to know that “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Dear friend, do not become impatient when facing troubles, trials, or temptations. Only “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10) and stand upon the word of God and against the temptations of evil.  The Spirit of God will manifest His presence that you may “count it all joy…that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Patience to wait on the Father and trust His word. Father thank You for Your love and the promise of Your presence. Teach me to have confidence in Your patience and not fear in times of testing, troubles, and temptation. To You be all glory, honor, and praise. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.