Genesis 12-13 Matthew 6

Genesis 12 and 13-
God told Abram to leave and that God would show him a new land. Abram obeyed God, he had faith and left his country, his family and set out to follow God! What a great example for us to follow when God tells us to do something!

Even with the great faith Abram showed by leaving when God told him to, there was still fear and doubt. We learn of this when he and Sarai were able to enter Egypt. God had promised Abram he'd make his nation great and that he'd have offspring. Still, Abram told Sarai to lie to the Egyptians fearing for his life. God then punished the Egyptians, forcing Abram to tell the truth! No harm came to Abram.

In Thrive we learned about Lot and how he moved outside of Sodom. In vs. 13 we learn that the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. Still, this is where Lot chose to raise his family and, two of his daughters became engaged to men of Sodom!

Matthew 6-
Vs. 1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. This verse is really difficult. You really have to search your motivation for all that you do, whether you're answering a question in front of the BIble study group, posting a status update that states what you're up to, writing comments even on the blogsite! We're not to do things to be showy towards others but to help encourage others and spur each other on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:25).

Again, vs. 2, when giving to the needy or tithing at church, we're not to be showy about it! Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. God knows...

Going through Partners, I really had to examine myself with praying out loud in group settings. What's my motivation? The hypocrites loved to pray out loud and have people see them.

Then Jesus gives us the prayer to pray, again, Partners was so great in defining prayer!!! We're not to use the actual words written here as a ritualistic prayer but praying to God...praise to you God, let your kingdom come let your will be done (I LOVE that worship song) thank you for providing food for today, forgive me from my sin, keep me from temptation and sin!

Vs. 17 Fasting is something I haven't done much although the Bible does talk about fasting!

Vs. 19 Remember that things on this earth are temporary. When we die, we won't be taking anything with us! Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth!

Vs. 24 Choose who you're going to serve, you can't serve both God and Satan! You need to live your life for God alone!

Vs. 25 Don't worry :) It's as simple as that! God's told us to be anxious for nothing but by prayer make our requests known to Him (Phil. 4:6)! He loves us, He created us in His image, He'll care for us. vs. 27 Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Vs. 30 O you of little faith. God knows what we need. He's also given us an awesome church body of believers who can help in times of troubles and need. Shelter, clothing, food, God has given us SO much!!! We are truly blessed!

There's no WAY to paraphrase these verses! Jesus tells us so clearly here...vs 32-34 Seek after the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.