Worry-Free Living, Part 1
Read Matthew 6:1–34
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Insight for Today
Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Earthly and Heavenly Treasures
Read Matthew 6:19–24; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Timothy 6:17
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,and he is the one to whom we are accountable.Hebrews 4:13
Our earthly treasure is not difficult to identify. It would include anything that is tangible and has a price tag. We can see it, touch it, measure it, and enjoy it.
God Sees It All
Read Psalm 33:13–15; Matthew 6:4, 6, 18
The Lord looks down from heavenAnd sees the whole human race.From his throne he observesAll who live on the earth.He made their hearts,so he understands everything they do.Psalm 33:13–15
Focus on the Father
Read Psalm 32:8
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.I will advise you and watch over you.”Psalm 32:8
Jesus has touched on things that are so down to earth and so practical you would think the ink was still wet. They could have been written this very morning. In a sense they were...that’s the way God’s Word is, always alive and active and sharp.
Now, how do we make it happen—come alive—in our lives? Let me give you a couple of suggestions.
Fasting
Read Matthew 6:16
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do,for they try to look miserable and disheveledso people will admire them for their fasting.I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”Matthew 6:16
Just as Jesus dealt with giving and praying, He now deals with fasting—how not to do it, then, how to do it.
Prayer Made Simple
Read Psalm 27:8; 91:1; Matthew 6:5
Those who live in the shelter of the Most Highwill find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1
When you pray, don’t be like the hypocriteswho love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogueswhere everyone can see them.I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.Matthew 6:5
Simple Faith in Action
Read Micah 6:6–8
Love in Three Circles
Read Matthew 5:48
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.Matthew 5:48
Most of us have three major realms of relationship in which we live: an immediate realm of family, an intermediate realm of friends, and a broad general realm that certainly would include some enemies.
Love Your Enemies
Read Matthew 5:43–47; Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 25:21
Take Your Marital Vows Seriously
Read Matthew 5:32
But I say that a man who divorces his wife,unless she has been unfaithful,causes her to commit adultery.And anyone who marries a divorced womanalso commits adultery.Matthew 5:32
