November 20, 2020: SOAP #4005:  Matthew 5-7

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? …
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Observation:  Both worry and hope are patterns of thought entertained by our mind.  Worry is expecting the worst might happen.  Hope is expecting the best might happen.  Worry leads to fear.  Hope leads to faith. 

Application:  I have discovered that I cannot stop worrying by trying to stop worrying.  The harder I work at stopping the “worry” thoughts, the more they become a part of my life.  Instead of working to stop worry, I need to actively start “hope” thoughts. 

Daily reading God’s Word, meditating on God’s greatness and His love for me—these make me hopeful and build faith in my heart and mind. 

Personal times of worship focus our thoughts on God’s presence in our circumstances.  Soon my default thinking is changed from worry and fear to hope and faith! 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I need your help in keeping my mind in line with the scriptures.  Fill my heart with your presence and my mind with your thoughts.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!