When we submit, we stand under. The concept of submitting is the act of allowing the wing of His goodness and grace to spread over us and shelter us from the accusatory thoughts of the enemy, the fray of the world, and the condemnation of our own mistakes. Rachel Shafer
By submitting to God’s hand, He gave me the ability to overcome the enemy by not allowing him to kill, steal, and destroy my life, my song, or my joy. Rachel Shafer
Creation is indeed very good, but that doesn’t mean that it is complete. Creation doesn’t come into existence with schools and art museums and iPhones and automobiles. God places us in creation with an invitation to unpack and unfurl all of the latent potential that God has folded into creation—and commissions us to do just that. James Smith
When the Spirit gives you ears to hear and eyes to see, creation is a gift that calls—it is a chamber of God’s glory that resonates with an invitation. James Smith
Scripture
“Can all your worries, add a single moment to your life?”
Observation
Jesus tells us not to worry about everyday life, whether we have enough food or drink The birds don’t plant, harvest or store food in a barn, but God provides for them.
The lilies of the field don’t worry about what they wear. Even Solomon with all his glory was not dressed as wonderfully as the wild flowers.
Don’t worry about what to eat, or drink or wear. The unbelievers worry about these things, but we are to seek God’s kingdom above all else, and to trust that God, will provide what we need.
Application.
Jesus rhetorically ask, if our worries can add even a moment to our lives, We now know that anxiety and stress can shorten our lives through strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer.
Various popular philosophers and self-help gurus tell us not to worry. They don’t tell us why we don’t have to worry about our physical needs. You just have to trust that the universe will sort it out.
If you have a personal relationship with the Father, then you have a reason to be confident. God loves us and has promised to provide everything we need. If we trust the Lord then we don’t have to be fearful.
The world tells us that the good life is to be found in an abundance of possessions. This is a recipe for anxiety.
Jesus tells us that the good life comes when we devote ourselves to serving him and trusting in His provision.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that there are times when I give in to anxiety. Please help me to trust you in all things. Amen.
The biblical doctrine of creation is not just about where we came from; it’s about where we are. It’s not just about who we are, but whose we are. It’s not just a statement about our past; it is a calling to a future. James Smith
What passes as youth ministry is often not serious modes of Christian formation but instead pragmatic, last-ditch efforts to keep young people as card-carrying members of our evangelical club. We have confused keeping young people in the building with keeping them “in Christ.” James Smith
Love and its obligations traverse the boundaries of “private residences” and “nuclear families” because they initiate us into a household that is bigger than that which is under the roof of our house. James Smith
As a sacrament, baptism is not a bottom-up expression of our faith but a top-down symbol of God’s gracious promises. He chose us before we could believe; he loves before we even know how. James Smith
Recognising worship as the heart of discipleship doesn’t mean sequestering discipleship to Sunday; it means expanding worship to become a way of life. James Smith
New Life Narrabri 