Matthew 6

Read Matthew 6 – Treasure awaits! Our chapter gives some of the most life-giving instruction you’ll find anywhere. Jesus teaches us!

First, he cautions us not to be outwardly religious for the admiration of others, and not to pray long-winded, flowery prayers meant to impress the hearer with little regard for the LORD. Take a fresh look at what we call ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. It is structured with praise and adoration first, then agreement with God’s will, a plea for daily need, a petition for forgiveness tied to one’s own forgiveness of others, and ends with a request to guard one from temptation and deliver from the evil one.

Beloved, how often is the Lord’s Prayer recited with little thought about what the words actually say? Remember, Jesus said, “This is how you should pray.” :9 and not ‘this is WHAT you should pray’.

Do not worry. Don’t you love that Jesus tells us this? I don’t know why it seems purposeful to worry when that is a giant lie! Jesus gives us the most peaceful examples of God’s great love for the birds, and the way he clothes the lilies…. He says, “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith.” :30 O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH???? Is that a title we want? NO! So let’s believe Jesus and do what he says – stop the worry!

Jesus tells us to simply, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” :33-34

Amen and amen!