I used to really struggle with this passage.

I’ve had a number of life experiences where what I asked for and was seeking never happened. God did not give what I was asking. I used to think “but what happened to ‘ask and it will be given?’ I’m asking!”

But then I read more closely… The son who asks for bread doesn’t necessarily get bread — just not a stone. Asking for a fish doesn’t mean a fish shows up immediately — but it would be absurd to give a gift like a snake, which doesn’t fulfill the need.

Sing along with me now:

You can’t always get what you want…
But if you try sometimes well you just might find you get what you need.

Not getting a fish or bread doesn’t mean you go hungry. It just might mean it will be a fruit and nut day.

When we ask, God provides. When we seek Him out, He will be there. It might just not look like you thought it would.

Be God’s — every day.

This passage shares a bit more about why it’s not our job to judge.

For every fault we find in someone else, we have greater faults of our own. How can we focus on the faults and shortcomings of other when we have our own shortcomings to address?

For every time you criticize others, take a moment to find a fault of your own. Evaluate how you can build yourself, and worry less about how to find the mistakes of others.

Be God’s — every day.

It’s really easy to point fingers. I can think of a dozen faults of any neighbor, friend, coworker… Anyone really. I can see lots of imperfections in people around me.

But who am I to judge?

It’s easy to forget that it’s not our job to find faults and cast judgement. It comes naturally and makes us feel better. But we are not the judge of humanity — God is.

Be slow to judge. Look to build up rather than break down. Focus today on finding strengths, not faults, in those around you.

Be God’s — every day.

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus teaches the Socratic way, posing a key question: “what good comes from worrying?”

Of course, we do not lengthen out lives or add to our happiness by worrying. We don’t generally make a choice to worry. Worry is more a reaction than a desire. Yes, some choose to dwell on their worries more than others, but worry is primarily a reaction to a problem.

Jesus tells us to relieve our thoughts and trust in heaven. God provides. Worrying about it doesn’t make that any more likely. Focus on what God has in store for you today, and trust that he will provide.

Be God’s — every day.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 6:22-24

Last week concluded with a post challenging what we value. Many of us enjoy “stuff” and it can be a challenge to keep our focus on heavenly things.

Almost as if the disciples listening had the same reaction I did, Jesus takes this lesson a step further. This really isn’t a question on the margin. Nope. It’s money or it’s God.

The words “healthy” and “unhealthy” are used to mean “generous” or “stingy.” We need to think and see the world with generosity — not becoming a miser or a hoarder for our own good. We cannot be focused on our personal gain: it is a barrier to serving God.

While this passage clearly focuses on money, we should be clear that this generosity is not just a financial one. God wants us to give our whole selves in service. We can’t serve both God and ourselves. We should devote our time, money, energy — everything — to serving God.

Be God’s — every day.

What do you value?

I admit that I like “stuff,” particularly stuff with on/off switches. I also prefer Starbucks and some other luxuries, when other less expensive alternatives will do. We make a good living, and we enjoy some portion of it on things not necessary.

I often struggle with “am I putting treasure in the right place?”

Honestly, I don’t know. Of course more can be given. But if I follow that logic, is Jesus really advocating total socialism… When at other times his message is clear that work is valued?

I believe it’s more about focus than actual spending. Do I value stuff? To a degree, but I’d like to think that I realize it doesn’t really matter. I’d like to think that I’m not so caught up in getting ahead. I’d like to think my focus is in Heaven and not on my bank account.

But then again, every time I see a Mega Millions sign I start to day dream. And I keep spending.

So do I have it right? Am I focused on the right things?

Certainly a challenging thought… For all of us.

Be God’s — every day.

This is one of those verses where a little research goes a long way…

Fasting was a common occurrence among the Jewish elite of Jesus’ day. They would fast weekly, often two days a week. During these days, they would often grunge it up a bit too, just so everyone would know how devout they were to fasting.

The whole “put oil on your face” thing sounds a little weird to us, but Jesus is basically saying to show good hygiene. Don’t make a big deal out of fasting.

Jesus isn’t telling his audience to stop fasting. Over the past few passages, he has ripped on three key aspects of Jewish piety: alms giving, prayer, and fasting. In all cases, he assumes they are still correct to do… Just to do in private and not be boastful.

As Christians, we often have a reputation among others as being “holier than thou.” Some of that is unfair. Some of that we deserve. Focus on being a follower of Jesus, not being seen as a follower of Jesus.

Be God’s — every day.

At first, I can’t help but think I’m missing something here. I don’t think there is anything I can do to “earn” or “deserve” God’s forgiveness. So how does forgiving others make a difference?

When we don’t forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. God’s forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. Not our act of forgiving, but recognizing the need for forgiveness.

It is easy to ask God for forgiveness, but difficult to grant it to others. Who is in need of your forgiveness today?

Be God’s — every day.

In yesterday’s passage, Jesus gave instruction about praying in private, so that prayer is not an act but rather time with God. This passage says more about what to pray for…

Praising God. Asking for him to be in control and provide. Asking for forgiveness — and the power to forgive. Requesting safety and wisdom.

Last June I did a DevoToday series on this passage, culminating in re-writing the prayer in my own words. Let this (or your own version) be your prayer today:

My intimate God, reigning above in heaven yet present with me right now. I revere your love and power in my life.

Make this world the place you want it to be, revealing your love and grace so that all may see the beauty of who you are. Let me be an instrument of what you want, not what I want.

Continue to provide me what I need, and let me recognize that my desires go beyond what is required.

Forgive me for all I do wrong, and help me remember that others’ actions against me are no worse than what I do to others and to you. Remind me that as you forgive me, I am called to forgive others.

Keep me safe from the brokenness of this world, shielding me from tempting desires and removing the power sin has over my life. I am powerless without you.

Amen.

Be God’s — every day.

Growing up, my image of prayer was “eyes closed and hands folded.” I remember being so focused on keeping my eyes shut — since that was what everyone would see.

This is still, to some degree, what we teach about prayer. We worry about what it looks like… Even though Jesus is telling us the exact opposite.

Prayer isn’t about “looking right” or about using flowery language. It’s not about saying all the right things or laying it all out in detail. Prayer is about spending time with God. It is dialogue. A conversation — though unspoken, and not even through sentences as we might pray aloud.

Prayer is personal, and private prayer is important. Spend some time being with God in prayer.

Be God’s — every day.