Living 4 Him

“The Father knows what you need before you even ask him.” Matthew 6:8

I am expanding your minds by starting this devotion with a math lesson!

Remember the commutative property in Algebra? 

If a=b and b=c, then a=c. 

This works for God, too.

If God created us (a) and God loves us (b), then God (who created us) knows how to take care of us (c).  If you are having trouble following, just pay attention to Jesus’ lessons ahead. 

Jesus gathered his disciples to give them instructions as they prepared to go out and share the good news of God’s kingdom.  Knowing they will encounter roadblocks, hardships and persecution, he ends his message with words to dispel fear and worry, to build a fortress of faith in God’s watchful care.  “The very hairs of your head are numbered.  So don’t be afraid, you are more valuable to God than a flock of sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7) This enlightening, encouraging message stands for us as well!

We are known by God, our good and loving Creator.  Counting hairs goes beyond a general care and concern; God is acutely aware of every detail of our lives.  We are never out of His sight, never out of His reach, always walking toward His holy purpose for us.  Created in His image, we are valued as God’s special servants.

Before you place sparrows as a lowly part of creation, let’s find out how well-equipped sparrows are:

Sparrows trace back 10,000 years to the Middle East, and God adapted them to branch out and find food and build homes on every continent except Antarctica.  Sparrows, like most songbirds, migrate at night–a feat that can only be achieved by in-depth planning, body conditioning and weather monitoring.  God’s intricate works reach all of creation.  As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:25-27, God knows how to take care of the birds and he will always take care of us, too. 

In Matthew 6:1-8, Jesus reveals a God who perceives every secret of every heart. God dwells so close to our lives that nothing is hidden from him.   God understands our motives and passions, our weaknesses and struggles and in loving wisdom helps us live out the plans designed for our needs.

Here is a last math equation to remember every day:

God’s love + God’s care = a Daily Partner to share every part of our lives with.  Intentionally choose God as your navigator and dependable assistant each day.  He knows you, he loves you and will never leave your side!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):

Read Psalm 139, a psalm that so eloquently and explicitly shows how deeply connected God is to our lives.  If you have the time or resources, read Psalm 139 in several different translations to develop even stronger revelations of His love for you.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): 

Pray this prayer for yourself or someone else you know:

Holy God of all creation, Thank you for your creation of me.  Thank you for knowing me so well and giving me exactly what I need.  Help me to develop a renewed awareness of your presence close to me and close to all of creation.  Build within me a fortress of faith, believing that you will provide the power and the plans to carry out every purpose you have for me.  In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.