Good Morning my beloved,
We welcome you to worship today in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us today, whether it's your first time or you are a faithful member of our family in Christ, we're glad you are here. If you have recently received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please contact and let us know so that we can pray for you. Though we all come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and personal experiences, we are bound together by a common purpose, to honor and glorify our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ through our worship. Let us embrace this blessed opportunity to find comfort and strength in His presence.
In 1988, a song by American jazz vocalist and composer Bobby McFerrin, was released as the first single from his album Simple Pleasures, entitled "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Best known for its humorous, light-hearted tone, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first a cappella song to reach number one, a position which it held for two weeks, winning McFerrin three Grammy Awards in 1989.
Worry, is a temporary response to a identifiable concern, such as health concern or financial issues and usually involves repetitive thoughts of "what if," which generally subsides after the problem or issue is addressed. While I certainly do understand why people worry, I've yet to find anyone whose problems were solved by worrying more. It's actually quite the opposite, research indicates that worrying does not effectively solve problems; in fact, it often hinders the problem-solving process by yielding fewer effective solutions. Evidence supports time spent worrying is often wasted, since most of what people worry about never actually happens anyway. The key difference between worry and anxiety lies in the body's response: while worry primarily resides primarily in the mind, anxiety affects both the body and mind, triggering a sustained "fight or flight" response, even in the absence of a potential threat or real danger.
I find it peculiar, even paradoxical, that while we are living in the most comfortable, the most unprecedented society of wealth and material abundance ever, it appears to be the most overwhelmed, angst-ridden, anxious, stressed out, panic dominated generation in human history ever. Since no worry goes undiagnosed, no worry goes unmedicated. They don't go away, they're just managed, never eliminated. Recent research data estimates anxiety disorders remained one of the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, affecting approximately 301 million individuals live with anxiety disorders, representing about 4% of the population, with over 40% feeling more anxious than the previous year. For younger generations, social interactions seem to be a major trigger, being judged or scrutinized by others, with 59% of millennials reporting increased anxiety from social situations. So, here comes Jesus Who says, "I'm not just going to help you how to manage your anxiety, I'm going to teach you how to completely eliminate it."
I do not believe the answer is found in more medications from pharmaceutical companies who are the main player in how it is managed, but in life's trials. Without challenges and struggles to overcome, life can feel pretty shallow, empty and even meaningless, lacking the necessary depth and purpose that often comes from enduring and overcoming hardships. Trials aren't punishments, they're spiritual training sessions with opportunities for growth, divinely orchestrated by our heavenly Father for our good and His glory. Personally designed shape our character, and produce an abundant harvest of righteousness. Is it any wonder why James tells us to "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Paul sort of amps it up in Romans 5:3-5 when he writes "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Let's face it, trails though often difficult, build the fire-forged resilience that turns ordinary souls into saints with unbreakable faith. So when trials come along, don't run from them, lean into it; joy's waiting on the other side.
Let's pray
Heavenly Father,
Father, as always, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, so thankful we are for Your Word. O' how we rely on Your Truth, a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, to guide and direct our way. Lord, we pray that if there are any among us today who may be wandering in shadows unseen, that are under the influence of false teachers, whether it be affirming sin and reducing the Gospel, we ask that You would graciously deliver them from that evil influence today. Lord, we pray that You would continue to raise up many faithful shepherds who will rightly divide Your Word, and proclaim it with conviction and compassion from loving hearts like Yours and the apostles. May those who hear it taste the sweetness of repentance and the joy of Your boundless grace forever marked by Your love. In Jesus' precious name, we ask and pray these things for Your glory.
Amen.
Today's Message: Don't Worry, Be Happy – The Blueprint for Joyful Living
I used to think it was impossible to life a worry-free life, I always felt exhausted and overwhelmed by my to do list, feeling that everything was equally important and demands immediate attention, when in reality very few things truly were. I've since learned to focus on what truly matters, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, can significantly reduce the mental burden. Worry may start small, but if encouraged, it can completely engulf you, crippling your whole life. I know, I watched my mother struggle with worry and anxiety most of her life and it wasn't until shortly before her passing she knew what the peace that surpasses understanding felt like. Seeking the kingdom first is not only a powerful realization but becomes a compass by which all priorities can be measured; prioritizing your relationship with Christ above all else is transformative, resulting in a deeper sense of fulfillment and protects your peace, providing comfort and clarity in difficult situations. Worry is a sin that rises from a failure to understand God. When we become a Christian, God takes care of us and our reasons for worrying are eliminated
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from living with intention — it isn’t necessarily about doing more, but about doing what matters most. If we fix our eyes on Him, working unto Him, joy will flow through us from God, because the wellspring of our joy does not come from within us—but from abiding with God. Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." The key to renewing your strength, embodying the heart and mind of Christ, is to intentionally maintain a continuous connection to the source throughout our day, Christ Himself, through prayer, meditation on scripture, and engaging in acts of kindness and service toward others.
Open your Bibles with me to the Gospel of Luke chapter 12, verses twenty-two through twenty-six. This entire section goes through verse 34, but we're obviously going to take this incredible passage on anxiety-free living in smaller bites, it's not that's hard to understand, but there are several things beneath the surface that I believe will be beneficial in giving you a much deeper understanding. I trust that you will follow along with me as I read Luke 12:22-26.
"And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?"
when the man who interrupted Jesus demanding He tell his brother to "Give me my share of the inheritance." Instead of playing referee, Jesus turned the tables telling the parable of the rich fool who patted himself on the back, hoarding his massive harvest, the hears God's voice say, "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?" While the crowd pressing in on Jesus was massive, likely in the ten of thousands, He turns and says to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you," He talking about the reason He just stated in verse 21, "You have a decision to make: you can be like the rich fool and keep everything for yourself, or you can choose to be rich toward God, laying up treasure in heaven. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Being a slave is quite different from being an employee; you can hold two jobs, being loyal to them both, however, you cannot serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. So make your choice who you will serve, God or money! Worry is the ugly twin of greed! Both scream, "My life, my stuff, my control!" Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:20, that if we belong to Christ our life is not our own, we were bought with a price. We are commanded to trust our Provider.
Then, He goes on to address the obvious elephant in room, "If I give all my money to God, who will take care of me? If I don't look out for myself, I'll have to depend on someone else to take care of me!" He's saying "If God asks you to give up everything, He's going to take care of you. So do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on." It's the same principal found in His teaching in Matthew 16:25-26, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" You have to be willing to abandon everything, like the man who sold it all for the pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:45-46) Look at the apostle, when Jesus said "Follow Me," they dropped everything and followed Him. It all comes down to this, how badly do you want to get into His kingdom? Enough to give up everything? "Do not be anxious for your life." He's saying don't worry about your physical needs, what you will eat or wear." Why? Does your Father not know you needs these things?" So, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) And, in Philippians 4:19, the apostle Paul lovingly reminds us, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
In verse 23, Jesus ties it all together, "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing." It's really pretty simple, God didn't call you out of the world just so that you could exist, you were called for a much higher purpose, He will sustain you until you have fulfilled that purpose. As I've said many times throughout the years, the safest place to be is in the center of God's will, doing the will of God. To say it another way, There's the assurance of safety for the one who trusts the Lord. Psalm 91:1-2, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" Notice the word "life," in the Greek its the word "psuché" which means soul, inner being or life — your soul isn't defined by what you eat or wear. When the Lord calls your name — and none of us know when that will be — it's game over, none of that will matter, so why live as though it does. Don't worry,
if God redeemed you, and He did, He gave you eternal life, He will provide what you need to survive until His purpose for your life ends. You have the promise that as you're rich toward God, He'll will be generously rich toward you. Once you understand that, you don't have to worry about it. You don't have to hoard what you have so that you can survive. Worry fails to understand God's promise of divine provision. God is no a distant bean counter tallying up your needs, He's a loving Father Who sees your every tear-stained need. So when you give to the poor, give lavishly! Verse 24, "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!" Consider the ravens? Why in the world is He talking about birds? He's using the birds as an analogy to illustrate His point by going from the lesser to the greater, it's actually quite common in Jewish teaching. I believe He chooses the ravens because birds in general have a limited capacity to glorify God. They neither reap or sow, rely entirely on God to supply their food for them. They relentlessly fly around without worrying about what they will eat, they instinctively gathering and eating what God has provided for them. Has you ever noticed a bird with his head in wings, fretting because he hasn't found enough to eat? No, they even been known chase the squirrels to snatch the peanuts my sons and I put out for them! So, we've started filling the nut holders up several times a day. When our best efforts aren't able provide enough for us to eat, God will also find a way to take care of us. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have experienced His providential care in my lifetime!
When you begin to understand that if God cares enough provide sustenance for every bird that exists or has ever existed, a creature that can only glorify Him in a very limited way, imagine how much more generously He will meet the needs of those who have the greatest potential to glorify Him? Worry is a sin because it accuses God of either being stingy or forgetting you altogether! God isn't stingy—He's extravagantly offers you His entire kingdom with delight! Tomorrow's not promised, so live today worry-free! Remembering David's words in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" All life originates from God, He is the Giver of life and He is the Divine sustainer of its existence, as a supreme testament of His unwavering love and compassion for humanity, a profound truth that is consistently depicted and beautifully echoed throughout the pages of Scripture, from the creation of heaven and earth in Genesis continuously nurturing and upholding every aspect, to the New Heaven and New Earth in the Book of Revelation. The Lord's providence in the food supply is absolutely staggering, there's more than enough to feed the entire planet! Famine has nothing to do with the earth's capability to produce, God created a boundless variety and an abundant supply of renewable food, world hunger has everything to do with false religion and political agendas.
Verse 25, "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?" Which of you by worrying, He uses the Greek verb, "merimnáō" which means to be divided, literally being pulled apart in different directions! I'm telling you cannot add a single second to your life by worrying, much less an hour. You are not afforded the divine privilege of determining your life span, in spite of the countless billions of dollars society spends on vitamins and supplements, gym memberships and exercise programs. Job says in Job chapter 1, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." How many hours have you wasted on worrying over something you have no control over? And you failed to add a single minute to your life. You did not have control over when you were born, and you do not have the privilege to determine when you di, only God determines just exactly how long He wants you to live. What's interesting is, it was decided before you were born! That's kind of liberating, isn't it? It takes the fear out of worrying about, just live your life in such a way that you can serve the Lord with all your time, all your energy and all your strength. There's no virtue in being lazy. Paul writes in Romans 14:7-9, "For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Reject Satan's lie that worry works, all it can do is rob you of today in exchange for a tomorrow it can't touch.
The kingdom of God offers anxiety-free living, fear-free living, joyful living, peaceful living to those who are willing to put their trust in Jesus. That's why the Bible can say "Be anxious for nothing," "Do not worry," "Do not be afraid." For those who refuse to put their trust in Jesus, they absolutely should be anxious, they should worry and they should definitely panic and be very, very afraid, because the only thing that awaits them is a terrifying Judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume His adversaries. (Hebrews 10:27) By the way, just to remind you that this sermon He gave in Judea, closely parallels Jesus’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount back in Matthew chapter 6, which was delivered much earlier in Galilee, where He basically said the same things, which He taught day after day, not just on these isolated occasions recorded in Scripture. In John 21:25, John reminds us "there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written."
That brings us to verse 26, "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?" Jesus is saying worry is the crown of fools, His words cut like a two-edged sword. Worry simply doesn't work. It never has, it never will. He isn't holding back here teaching His disciples about the futility of worry. If worry is powerless over something as small as an hour of your time, what makes you think it can conquer the colossal crises of your life? If a problem can be solved, focusing on solutions is far more productive than worrying, right? And, if a problem cannot be solved, worrying is of no use, therefore, serves no purpose, just stop and think about it. Consider Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4, one minute the prophet confidently called down fire from heaven and the next, he was running scared from Jezebel, hiding under a juniper tree, depressed and asking the Lord to take his life, saying "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." My point is, worry can be so depressing, so debilitating, so mentally and physically exhausting, it can take away your will to live. Elijah's worry couldn't fuel his flight to Horeb—but God's provision could. He sent an angel to minister to Elijah with bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. Not once, but twice!
How many of you are under your own juniper tree, worrying about a problem that will never come? Stop worrying—when the journey is too great for you, trust God. He's got the rest!
May it be so..
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
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