Sermon On The Mount: What To Seek
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)
Most Christians choose their favorite Scriptures. But is it wise to favor one-liners? Great stories need to be read in context… to understand the scope of their meaning.
Shouldn’t the Greatest Story ever told be read ‘Properly and in good order’ (1 Corinthians 14:40)? *
Focusing on one Verse is like clinging to a piece of wood in a stormy sea. It MAY save us, but isn't it better to ride in an impenetrable boat… Along with the 'Captain of salvation' (Hebrews 2:10)? **
Actors, models & talent for Christ: You sail with Jesus by reading His Word, in Its full, impervious majesty–which releases for you Its full power: Verses, Chapters and Books, in good order--since that's how God’s Captain built the Bible.
Also, sailing in a God-guided boat gets you to His destinations faster… than paddling your hands and kicking your feet on top of a piece of wood. Isn’t a Verse a small Piece of Jesus? Yes! But a full Foundation is better.
Re: today’s highlighted Verses: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...' IS one of my own favorite Verses. We should apply It to all our desires. Why?
If we seek God, His Son and Spirit FIRST… then He provides the rest--even the best: our heart’s desires in His perfect timing. We shouldn’t rush or worry about it.
He compares Christians… to those who aren’t (YET). Because most people worry constantly, and we’re commissioned to lead and help them. We get it, since we face these same worries.
But here’s the big deal:
They don't know what to do about worries--except fighting to get the things they want. But if they knock one down, more worries rise. Because they’re wrestling the wrong opponent, and they’re powerless to fight the real one.
Actors, models and talent for Christ: Here’s the bigger deal:
You’ve been cast in the world as examples of how to live joyful, worry-free lives, so people ask the reason for your hope! Do you still face worries? Of course you do. ‘In this world you will have trouble…’ (John 16:33)
Here's the key: You must cast your cares and fight your worries in the PRIVACY of your prayer life. God is listening. He WILL help you.
But PUBLICLY, put on a happy face. You know Jesus. Your win is guaranteed. Show them what it’s like to sail in the Son.
Sermon On The Mount: Why Not Fret & What To Seek (Part 23)
* ‘See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it’ (Deuteronomy 12:32).
* ‘Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you’ (Deuteronomy 4:2).
* ‘I warn everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book’ (Revelation 22:18-19).
** Daily devotions (including those I write), often focus on one or two Verses. Can they remind you of needful things? Yes! But they can’t take the place of daily Bible reading, which should be Chapter by Chapter, Book by Book. (Most Chapters can be read in less than 5 minutes.)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.