Trusting God: Living in the Present Without Worry
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate a special moment in our church community: the dedication of baby Amariah by her parents, Richie and Evangelina. This act of dedication is a beautiful tradition that mirrors the dedication of Jesus in the temple, as described in Scripture. We prayed for Amariah's health, wisdom, and future, and for God's grace and favor over her parents as they raise her.
We then transitioned into our ongoing sermon series on "Truth," focusing on the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat, drink, or wear, but to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. He assures us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us.
Worry is a common struggle, but Jesus teaches us to live in the present and trust God for our future. He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate how God provides for all His creation, emphasizing that we, being made in His image, are of even greater value. Jesus advises us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own. Instead, we should focus on living in the now, trusting God to meet our needs and guide us through life's uncertainties.
We also discussed the importance of not letting worry rob us of the present moment. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past can prevent us from enjoying the blessings God has for us today. Jesus' message is clear: live one day at a time, trust in God's provision, and seek His Kingdom first. By doing so, we can experience God's peace, which surpasses all understanding.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Baby Dedication: Dedicating a child to God is a significant act that mirrors Jesus' own dedication in the temple. It is a public declaration of the parents' commitment to raise their child in the ways of the Lord, seeking God's blessing and guidance for their family. This act sets a spiritual foundation for the child's future. [47:56]
2. Trusting God Over Worry: Jesus teaches us not to worry about our basic needs, as our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide. Worrying about tomorrow's troubles today only adds unnecessary stress and distracts us from the present. Trusting God means believing that He will take care of us, just as He does the birds and the lilies. [56:16]
3. Living in the Present: Jesus emphasizes the importance of living in the now. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past can rob us of the joy and blessings of the present moment. By focusing on today and trusting God for tomorrow, we can experience His peace and presence more fully. [01:05:11]
4. God's Provision and Care: Jesus uses the natural world to illustrate God's provision. If God takes care of the birds and the lilies, how much more will He take care of us, His children? This analogy helps us understand that we are valued and loved by God, and He will meet our needs. [01:21:26]
5. Prayer Over Worry: Instead of worrying, Jesus instructs us to pray about everything. By bringing our concerns to God in prayer, we can experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to trust in God's provision and timing. [01:31:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Baby Dedication
[2:00] - Prayer for Amariah
[4:00] - Introduction to Sermon Series
[5:30] - Reading from Matthew 6
[7:00] - Jesus' Teachings on Worry
[9:00] - Living in the Present
[11:00] - Trusting God's Provision
[13:00] - The Example of Birds and Lilies
[15:00] - The Epidemic of Worry
[17:00] - Managing Life One Day at a Time
[19:00] - The Time Factor
[21:00] - Prayer Over Worry
[23:00] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[25:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:25-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What examples does Jesus use in Matthew 6:25-34 to illustrate God's provision for His creation? How do these examples relate to our daily worries? [54:28]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of dedicating a child to God, and how does it mirror Jesus' own dedication in the temple? [47:56]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things"? How does this advice help us manage our daily lives? [56:16]
4. How does the pastor describe the impact of worry on our ability to enjoy the present moment? [01:05:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in Matthew 6:33? How does this priority affect our approach to daily concerns? [56:16]
2. How does the analogy of birds and lilies in Matthew 6:26-30 help us understand our value to God and His commitment to provide for us? [54:28]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worry can rob us of the present moment? How can this understanding change our perspective on daily living? [01:05:11]
4. How does the act of praying over worries, as suggested in Philippians 4:6, lead to experiencing God's peace? What does this peace look like in practical terms? [01:31:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself worrying about the future. How could you have applied Jesus' teaching to "not worry about tomorrow"? What steps can you take to trust God more in similar situations? [56:16]
2. The sermon mentioned that worry can prevent us from enjoying the blessings of the present moment. Can you identify a time when worry robbed you of joy? How can you practice being more present in your daily life? [01:05:11]
3. Jesus uses the example of birds and lilies to illustrate God's provision. How can you remind yourself of God's care and provision in your daily life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to reinforce this truth? [54:28]
4. The pastor talked about the importance of dedicating children to God and praying for their future. If you are a parent, how can you incorporate this practice into your family life? If you are not a parent, how can you support and pray for the children in your church community? [47:56]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of praying over your worries into your daily routine? What specific worries can you bring to God in prayer this week, and how can you seek His peace in those areas? [01:31:35]
6. The sermon emphasized living one day at a time and trusting God for our needs. What practical steps can you take to focus on the present and trust God for the future? How can you encourage others in your small group to do the same? [56:16]
7. Reflect on the pastor's message about the importance of enjoying the present moment with your family and loved ones. What changes can you make in your schedule or mindset to be more present and engaged with those around you? [01:25:59]
Devotional
Day 1: The Significance of Baby Dedication
Dedicating a child to God is a profound act that reflects the dedication of Jesus in the temple. It is a public declaration by the parents to raise their child in the ways of the Lord, seeking His blessing and guidance for their family. This act sets a spiritual foundation for the child's future, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their faith from an early age. It is a commitment to instill godly values and principles, ensuring that the child grows up knowing and experiencing God's love and grace.
In dedicating baby Amariah, Richie and Evangelina have taken a significant step in their spiritual journey as parents. They have acknowledged their dependence on God for wisdom and strength in raising their child. This dedication is not just a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to guide Amariah in her walk with God, teaching her to trust in Him and seek His will in all things. It is a beautiful reminder of the responsibility and privilege parents have in shaping the spiritual lives of their children. [47:56]
Luke 2:22-24 (ESV): "And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord') and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.'"
Reflection: How can you support and encourage the parents in your community who are raising their children in the faith? What practical steps can you take to be a part of their spiritual journey?
Day 2: Trusting God Over Worry
Jesus teaches us not to worry about our basic needs, as our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide. Worrying about tomorrow's troubles today only adds unnecessary stress and distracts us from the present. Trusting God means believing that He will take care of us, just as He does the birds and the lilies. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to seek His Kingdom and righteousness first, knowing that all other things will be added to us.
Worry is a common struggle, but Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 remind us that our lives are in God's hands. He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate how God provides for all His creation, emphasizing that we, being made in His image, are of even greater value. By focusing on God's provision and care, we can let go of our anxieties and live in the peace that comes from trusting Him completely. [56:16]
Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Reflection: What specific worries are you holding onto today? How can you actively trust God with these concerns and seek His Kingdom first?
Day 3: Living in the Present
Jesus emphasizes the importance of living in the now. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past can rob us of the joy and blessings of the present moment. By focusing on today and trusting God for tomorrow, we can experience His peace and presence more fully. Jesus advises us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own. This teaching encourages us to embrace the present and trust God to meet our needs and guide us through life's uncertainties.
Living in the present means being mindful of God's presence and provision in our daily lives. It involves recognizing the blessings and opportunities He has given us today and not allowing worries about the future to overshadow them. By living one day at a time, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He holds our future in His hands. [01:05:11]
Matthew 6:34 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: How can you practice being more present in your daily life? What steps can you take to focus on today's blessings and trust God for tomorrow?
Day 4: God's Provision and Care
Jesus uses the natural world to illustrate God's provision. If God takes care of the birds and the lilies, how much more will He take care of us, His children? This analogy helps us understand that we are valued and loved by God, and He will meet our needs. By observing how God provides for His creation, we can be assured of His care and provision in our own lives. This understanding helps us to trust Him more deeply and rely on His faithfulness.
God's provision is not limited to our physical needs but extends to every aspect of our lives. He knows our deepest desires and concerns and is committed to providing for us in ways that are best for us. By trusting in His provision, we can let go of our anxieties and rest in the assurance that He is in control. This trust allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that our Heavenly Father is always watching over us. [01:21:26]
Matthew 6:28-30 (ESV): "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's provision in your life? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness when you face new challenges?
Day 5: Prayer Over Worry
Instead of worrying, Jesus instructs us to pray about everything. By bringing our concerns to God in prayer, we can experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to trust in God's provision and timing. Prayer is a powerful tool that helps us to shift our focus from our problems to God's promises, enabling us to find comfort and strength in His presence.
Prayer is not just about asking for what we need but also about aligning our hearts with God's will. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude, seek His guidance, and surrender our worries to Him. Through prayer, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His peace in our lives. By making prayer a regular part of our daily routine, we can learn to trust God more fully and rely on His wisdom and provision. [01:31:35]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more prayer into your daily routine? What specific concerns can you bring to God in prayer today, trusting Him to provide and guide you?
Quotes
1. "How many of you know raising children is a challenge? And we have three of our own, and they are a challenge. Children will humble you. And, you know, when you think you know how to do it, man, I'm telling you, children will show you how much you don't know. But it's an awesome reward to see them as they grow and develop and that you're a part of their lives." [49:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is saying, don't borrow tomorrow's trouble into today. Because if you wake up tomorrow, if you've ever waken up, you didn't know what tomorrow was going to happen. And all of a sudden, you wake up and you go to your car and you have a flat tire. Or if you live in Paramount, your catalytic converter is missing. Yeah, or you live right there in Norwalk, your car is missing. What happened? And you didn't expect this." [57:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is trying to help us here that tomorrow have its own troubles. In other words, there's enough troubles there. Don't add to the trouble. Today, because you're going to get overloaded. You're going to overload yourself and you're going to be overwhelmed by worry and you're going to be overwhelmed by these problems and you'll break down under the pressure. So Jesus is giving us some advice. How many know when Jesus gives advice, we better listen." [59:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Worry is anxious thought about the future. Worry is being in a place where, you have an uneasiness or anxiety about tomorrow or about the future. Ultimately, when you're filled with anxiety, it's actually grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purpose. When you think you can better control the world with your worry than God can, then you're not trusting God." [01:02:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus understood that the worry was on their mind. And today Jesus understands that worry is on people's mind today. In fact, I would say that worry is an epidemic in our world today. I believe that it still applies. I think we live in a very worried world where people are worried today. They're worried about the cost of living. They're worried about how they're going to pay the bills. They're worried about the election. They're worried about terrorism and politics, the threat of war." [01:03:36] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus is saying, take no thought of tomorrow. Now he's not saying don't plan, don't have any goals. That's not what I'm saying here today. I'm not talking about not having goals, not having plans. If you fail to plan, basically, what is it? If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, right? And so we have to do some of that planning. What he's talking about here, listen to me when I talk about worrying about tomorrow, he's talking about fearful and anxious thought about tomorrow." [01:15:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus is on his way to be crucified. She missed the moment because worried robbed her of the now. Don't let worry rob you of what's happening right now. There's a story that Jesus talked about planting seeds. And he said some seeds standing on good, some seeds landed on good ground and some on bad ground. Some of it landed on rocky ground, sandy ground. And that didn't take root. He said, but the good seed, he said that good seed landed on a good ground." [01:17:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Some people never open up the present because they're too preoccupied and too worried about the future. You're not enjoying the moment. You're not enjoying what you have right now. Think about this moment. Think about where you're at right now. Think about your life right now. Think and enjoy that moment. Engage yourself in it. Let God bless you in this moment." [01:27:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "One of the greatest gifts, listen to me, that you can have that arrives every day, that arrives in his love and in his power, it's called the present. It's a gift from God. Open up the present. Open up the gift that God is right now. It's happening right now in this present moment. Enjoy the blessing right now. Enjoy what God's doing right now." [01:25:59] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Instead of worrying about everything, I'm going to pray about everything. So I'm going to pray for you today. Why don't you bow your heads, close your eyes for a moment. Father, we thank you for the word of God. Lord, there are many needs that are in this place. And there are many people that are worried here today. They're worried about a lot of things. They're worried about their marriage. They're worried about their finances. They're worried about their family. They're worried about their jobs. They're worried about relationships right now." [01:32:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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