Good Old Oswald

God knew exactly what I needed to hear this afternoon. He knew exactly where my heart was and exactly how to encourage me. He is God.

This is the entry in Oswald Chambers book "My Utmost for His Highest" for today, January 27. I hope that it encourages you like it did me. We seriously serve an incredible God. Sometimes I can't even handle Him. Enjoy!

Oswald Chambers - Isn't that just a great picture? I couldn't leave it out.

"Do not worry about your life..."

(Matthew 6:25)

A warning which needs to be repeated is that "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches", and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of the attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or lack of money; or friends, or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.

"I say to you, do not worry about your life..." Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing - our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, "What are your plans for next month - or next summer?" Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the "much more" of your heavenly Father (6:30).