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From the Pastor's Desk August 14, 2005 IT IS VERY easy for us to be dragged into the daily concerns of supply and demand. Jesus expressed it as worrying about what we will eat, drink or wear. Jesus was not sanctioning laziness; rather he was encouraging us to have faith in God’s ability to look after us. He was showing us how to avoid obsession with material things. When the major part of our life is spent chasing after sustenance for today, tomorrow and the distance future we need to know that something is wrong. There is a serious imbalance in our life when time for God, family and friends is overshadowed by work schedules. When making money becomes a life priority usually the first casualty is the priority that we once gave to God and his kingdom. Our time alone with God is reduced, church attendance gives way to work, being a part of the cell groups is deleted from our schedule and in general material concerns take over our lives. It does not happen at once. Usually this kind of thing creeps up on us and catches us by surprise. We rationalise by saying that if only we had a little more than we could do more good. We might even suggest to ourselves that we will be able to serve God better. While there is some truth to that, the fact remains that our spiritual lives suffer when we have pursued material things without making the Kingdom of God our primary concern. The Spirit of God is calling his people to seek God’s kingdom first and once again allow him to provide for us. Our heavenly Father knows what we need and he will supply all our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. This is not a call to idleness; it is a call to a balanced Christian life. It is a call to distinguish between need and greed. It is a call to live in a way that demonstrate our faith in a good God who truly “exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) ********** But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
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