The Kingdom of God

I want to talk about Father God's kingdom—and share my belief that you and I are invited to live in it today.

In the Bible, especially in the book of Acts, we read about the early church. This first community of believers was founded on the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and held together by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Luke, a physician and close companion of the Apostle Paul, is traditionally believed to have written both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. His detail-oriented nature made him well-suited to record these events accurately and thoughtfully.

In Acts 1:1–11, Luke describes the risen Jesus speaking with His followers about the kingdom of God. He instructs them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, before their eyes, He ascends into heaven—leaving them with the promise that He will return the same way.

This early Church was not simply an organization—it was a Spirit-formed body of believers.

• Their identity was rooted in who Yeshua is and what He accomplished for us.
• The Holy Spirit, promised by the Father, became their helper—teaching them, empowering them, and uniting them in love and purpose, just as Yeshua prayed in John 17:11: “that they may be one as we are one.”
• Entrance into this community began with repentance and baptism, as Peter declared in Acts 2:38–39: “Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• These believers were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions, lived in unity, and praised God daily (Acts 2:42–47).

I've been reflecting deeply on this picture of the early Church, especially as I grow older. For much of my life, I’ve lived independently—doing things on my own, relying on my own strength. Family has helped at times, and for larger tasks I’ve hired assistance, though not always with satisfaction.

Now in my late 70s, I'm more aware than ever of the importance of true community. And despite being in church for most of my life, I don't believe I've ever been part of a fellowship that fully mirrors the Acts church—where the Holy Spirit knits believers together in unity, and God's authority, not man's, leads the way.

Jeremiah 9:24 reminds us what truly matters:
"Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.

Being part of God’s kingdom is a serious calling—not to be entered into lightly. Think about what Yeshua endured on our behalf: the sinless one, crucified for us, fulfilling prophecy, rising on the third day, and appearing to many before ascending. All of this was done so we might be forgiven and restored to the Father.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about this kingdom in light of the troubling direction I see in today’s world. What we’re witnessing from political leaders—such as President Trump and his administration—reminds me of the rise of oppressive regimes in history, like Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Many people are fearful of what the future holds.

But in God’s kingdom, fear has no place. Who is more powerful than God? When we live under His rule—trusting in His righteousness, justice, and mercy—we can find peace even in uncertain times.

Obeying The Laws VS Love

I had an intriguing thought last Sunday morning about the contrast between Jewish and Christian teachings. In Judaism, there is a strong emphasis on knowing and obeying the law. Meanwhile, Christianity centers around love as the guiding principle.

But this raises a thought-provoking question: If someone loves but does not know the laws, will that love naturally lead them to obedience? Conversely, if a person diligently follows the laws, does that process cultivate love within them?

ChatGPT provided an insightful response on this topic, exploring both perspectives.

Jewish Perspective:

In Judaism, obeying the laws (mitzvot) is foundational. These commandments serve as a path to holiness, righteousness, and a deeper connection with God and others. However, the laws are not solely about strict adherence—they are meant to be observed with intention and love. The Torah reinforces this idea with commandments such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). In this way, obedience is seen as a reflection of love rather than separate from it.

Christian Perspective:

Christianity, particularly the New Testament, presents love as the ultimate fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10 states, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” The belief is that a heart full of genuine love naturally aligns with moral principles, making explicit adherence to the law less of a rigid requirement and more of a natural outcome.

The Relationship Between Love and Law:

• If You Love but Don’t Know the Laws: From a Christian viewpoint, authentic love can lead a person to act in ways that inherently align with the moral essence of the law. However, without knowledge of specific commandments, they may unknowingly overlook certain behaviors considered important in religious tradition.

• If You Obey the Laws, Does That Lead to Love?: Within Jewish practice, following the laws is designed to foster closeness to God and a harmonious community. Obedience can cultivate love when done with the right heart and understanding. However, if a person follows laws mechanically without purpose or devotion, they may not experience the deeper love those laws aim to nurture.

Ultimately, love and law are intertwined rather than opposed. In Judaism, obeying the laws with the right intention can lead to love, while in Christianity, love is seen as the true fulfillment of the law. Both perspectives acknowledge that love and law work together to shape a meaningful spiritual journey.

Reflecting on this, I was reminded that humanity, in its imperfections, has fractured the peace between each other and God. Yet, in His mercy, God sent His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), to live a perfect life in obedience, becoming the spotless sacrifice for our shortcomings. His sacrifice restores the possibility of peace for us all. Through repentance, we accept His forgiveness and invite transformation into our lives. And even in that process, God is ready to guide us toward change.

Judgment Day

Judgment Day

If today were Judgment Day, Yeshua (Jesus) has finished putting a spotlight on your life, and he tells you to go away, he never knew you, how would you feel? How would I feel?

If today were it, Judgment Day, I don’t believe that I would do well. So many things I have done and not done. I think that what I would regret most is missing the opportunities to talk with someone. I will get kind of a inclination to talk with someone. I mull it over in my mind why not to and why I should. If I finally decide to do it, go talk with them, more often than not, it is too late. The person is gone. Whenever we feel the need to meet someone, just do it. Don’t think, just do it. These opportunities go away quickly.

In the book "Celestine Prophecy" it calls these opportunities coincidences. They are important to us and have great meaning. If not at that very moment, then for a later time.

I've repented a number of times but seem to fall back into my same old person. I think, how can God put up with me?  His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) went through unimaginable things so that I could be forgiven. Why can’t I honor him? Why can’t I honor Father God for His plan to save us? Such Love those two have for us…...

We can ask forgiveness today and after seeing that we fail, we can ask forgiveness and try again. One day the disciple Peter asked Yeshua (Jesus), "How many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus tells him, "Not seven times, but seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-35)

God is patient with us, but His patience is finite. Some day we will be judged. No one but Father God knows when that will be.

Forgiveness is circular or reciprocal. If we forgive then we are forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-15

New International Version

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

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Think about what Yeshua (Jesus) went through, for us all, so that we could have forgiveness.

Here are the crucifixion stories in the Bible:

Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 

He endured things beyond our comprehension. He did it for all of us.

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If being fearful of God makes you do good works, then be afraid. If doing good works is for rewards at Judgment Day, then that is for your benefit. Doing good works because you LOVE is the ultimate reason. LOVE like Father God and Yeshua (Jesus) LOVE. I think this may be what "The Way" means in the Bible.

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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John 14:15-16

New International Version

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

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4/24/2024

I was looking through some of my old posts and came across 'The faith that justified Abraham'. This is a long read but I feel like it goes very well with this post and the 'Good Works' post.

Easter -- Passover -- Ramadan ---Yeshua Jesus Is the Messiah

From what I understand about Muslims, they believe that Yeshua Jesus is just a prophet. The Jews don't accept Yeshua Jesus as the Messiah. Both don't believe that Jesus is who he says he is because they think he disobeyed God's laws. Was Jesus disobedient? NO, on the contrary; he was perfectly obedient. He obeyed all God's laws. Isn't LOVE most important? All the laws are summed up in this one decree: "LOVE your neighbor as yourself." 

Romans 13:8-10

New International Version

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

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If the law seems to say don't do something but LOVE says, do it, doesn't Father God want us to do it? In all the things that Jesus did where Jews and Muslims say that Jesus disobeyed God's laws, he did them out of LOVE? Everything he did was out of LOVE for his Father God and LOVE for people. 

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The Passover lamb, the Messiah, had to be perfect, without blemish. He had to be one of us, so Jesus came into this world the same way as we do. His mother was human but no human father. God is his Father. Joseph was his surrogate earth father. It had to be this way so Jesus could experience everything we experience but without sin, completely, and perfectly obedient.

In my last post, I think "God is one"; "Alah is one" is misunderstood., I showed why I believe that Jesus was involved in creation. That he existed with Father God before everything was created. In all three holy books, Bible, Torah, Quran, the creator is plural, more than one. When man was created, two were created in God's image. In marriage, the two become ONE. Becoming ONE is the essence of LOVE.

I think "God is one"; "Alah is one" is misunderstood.

In the Christian Bible, the Jewish Tanakh, and the Islam Qur'an, God/Yahweh/Allah is said to be one. We think of this meaning a single Deity, but I don't think that this is the correct thinking of the word "one". I think that "one" is really Love in the purest sense of the word. Let me explain.

In the creation stories in all three holy books, the creator is often mentioned in a plural form ; we, us, our. If this "one" means a single creator, wouldn't it use the singular form; I, my?

Take the creation story of man in Genesis.

  Genesis 1:26-27

New International Version

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, [a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image,

    in the image of God he created them;

    male and female he created them.

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Two are created in His image, "our image".

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I think that Yeshua (Jesus) was the other "us", "our". 

Jesus' words in John 17 are very revealing in many ways.

Jesus had glory with the Father before the world began.

John 17:4-5

New International Version

4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

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Jesus explains what eternal life is.

John 17:1-3

New International Version

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

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Jesus talks about the oneness, being one with the Father and for the disciples and other believers to be one as they are one.

 John 17:20-23

New International Version

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

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Can you see now why I believe that saying God is one really means that God is LOVE? Love in the purest sense of the word. Who, other than a loving Father God, would offer his perfect obedient son as a living sacrifice for us, His sinful disobedient children? 

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John 17

New International Version

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[b] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[c] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[d] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Everything In the Universe Is Vibrating -- Edited

 Think about it, everything is vibrating. You and I are vibrating, outputting frequencies. Even our thoughts, our emotions, our feelings vibrate. We can’t hear every frequency but they’re still there. Somehow, we can pick up the frequencies of others, kind of like we have internal receivers.

Have you ever been with a group of people, all the conversations are going great, and someone enters the room, or joins in with the group, and everything kind of sours.

God created the universe and everything in it. Everything is vibrating. It seems to me that God would have set everything in harmony with each other. Think about music. When everything with the music is in harmony, it sounds great, but when there is dissonance, it doesn't sound so good. I think that when we humans are not vibrating in harmony with the universe and with each other, then trouble comes.

So, how can we reset ourselves to be in harmony, be at peace with each other? Music is one way.

I have been studying Solfeggio frequencies, the 528Hz in particular. 528Hz is known as the Love Frequency, the Miracle Tone, and the frequency of Transformation. There has been much research with 528Hz, and it has shown to have many benefits. When instruments tune A4 to 444Hz, then the note C5 is 528Hz. This tuning is the only one that will get a note that is 528hz.

I have a homemade dulcimer that I made from a pie box. I have taught myself to play and have only recently found out about tuning standards. I have an app on my phone, Universal Tuner, that I've been using to tune it with. I am playing around with tuning my dulcimer to different tuning standards just to see if I can tell any difference. I feel like tuning to 444 Hz gives a richer sound. 

I think I am noticing something interesting as I use the Universal Tuner app to tune my dulcimer to different standards. Tuning to 444 Hz seems to take less effort tuning each string to the correct frequency, less loosening and tightening the string. After tuning a string, I will fret the string up the scale. I think I am noticing that tuning to 444 Hz makes each note more in tune to the correct frequency that it is supposed to be. When I tune to other standards, each fretted key is on the sharp side of what it was supposed to be. If what I think I am seeing, tuning to 444 Hz, is correct, it would suggest to me that this frequency tuning is more in line, more in harmony with the universe, per say. 

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2/28/2023

I am going to give you some things to think about.

Love is at the center of who God is. There is a little bit of God in each one of us. Love is said to vibrate at 528 Hz. When something that is vibrating is placed near something else, and if that something else is able to vibrate at that frequency, then it will start vibrating at that frequency, and the amplitudes combine to a higher amplitude. If we listen to music that has the 528 Hz frequency, tuning A4 to 444 Hz, it should help increase our 528 Hz, Love. It's just a thought.

When there are multiple frequencies, one frequency can drown out, so to speak, the other frequency. Think about all the frequencies we humans are subjected to, cell phone towers, cell phones, microwaves, all kinds of frequencies just to open and lock doors, control lights and other things, and on, and on, and on. When you think about it, it is no wonder why we have such a hard time to love God, love others.

Do you know what love is? Can you put love into words? Do you know how to love, how to get yourself in that place, that state, of love, to love?

These are just some of my thoughts.

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I am going to end this very short post but point you to a couple of websites.

528Hz – Calming Harp

Solfeggio Frequencies - History, Science & How They Work (mindvibrations.com)

One of the Most Mysterious Solfeggio Frequency 528Hz | Meditative Mind

Putin's war on Ukraine.

 03/02/2022

This morning my mind went to this war of Putin’s controlled Russia invading the relatively small country of Ukraine. I can only imagine that it must be really scary for the Ukrainians right now. They are going against the powerful nation of Russia with all of its powerful weapons. 

Then my mind went back in time; a time that is recorded in the Bible when God took the Israelites out from their slavery in Egypt through a series of miracles (Exodus chapters 11 thru 14). Then God led them to the edge of a sea with nowhere for them to go, and the mighty Egyptian army was fast approaching, either to kill them or take them back into slavery. With more miracles, God held back the Egyptians, made the water to separate, and dried up the bottom so that the Israelites could pass to the other side. When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites into the parted waters, God caused the bottom, just where they were, to become gummy so that it held them back until all the Israelites were safely across. Then God closed the waters and destroyed the Egyptians. 

The Israelites were greatly afraid through all of this. They were not only afraid of the pursuing Egyptian army, but seeing these miracles confounded them. They had never experienced such things. I can imagine that my heart would have been pounding if I had been there.

We are beginning to hear about what seems to be miracles in Ukraine. Ukrainian solders have said that they seem to be guided by an invisible force as to what to do next. They become invisible, per say to the Russians. It is alleged that Putin has made a hit list of certain people, President Zelenskyy being one of them. Yet, he lives. 

The following is cut from a post on Facebook. This was part of an email from a missionary there in Ukraine.

03/08/2022

I watch the news often about the war in Ukraine. It is not looking good for the Ukrainians but nor is Russia progressing as expected. I think I’ve heard that there are now approx. 2 million people who have fled the country. There are many casualties on both sides. No one but God knows how all this will end.

03/10/2022

I have debated with myself if I want or should post this. As much as I would like to see miracles comparable to the Biblical story of the Exodus (Exodus chapters 11 thru 14). It is hard to believe something like that could happen in this time period. I don’t know why it is hard for me to believe, after all God is alive and still as powerful as He was then.

Anyway, I have decided to post this. I may be having a jaw-dropping moment in the future. We’ll see.

The Lord's Prayer

If you have ever been in a protestant church then you probably know the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples known as the Lord's prayer. Most often when I've said it, it is usually with others and I really don't have time to really think about it in a deep way. So, I thought I would get out my Kindle and study the prayer in my Ultimate Bible Study Suite which gives the original Greek words that have been translated into our English language. So often by doing this it gives me a deeper understanding as to what is being said.

Matthew 6:9-15 King James Version (KJV)

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:9-15 International Standard Version (ISV)

9 Therefore, this is how you should pray:

‘Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
10 May your kingdom come.
    May your will be done,
        on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our sins,[a]
    as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.[b]
13 And never bring us into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’[c]

14 Because if you forgive people their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive people their offenses,[d] your Father will not forgive your offenses.”

There is always one part in the prayer that really grabs my attention, it bothers me. It is verse 12. Something else that I just noticed and either I didn't know these verses were there or I've forgotten them. They are verses 14 & 15 which makes verse 12 pretty clear. Wow, this is definitely for me.

I'll break down verse 12 first sense that's what is getting my attention.

The Greek word translated 'forgive' is 'aphiemi' which is from another Greek word 'apo' which is a primary particle "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation.)

'aphiemi' is an intense form of, to go; to send forth, in various applications (as follow); - cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

The Greek word translated 'debts or sins' is 'opheilema' which means something owed, i.e. (figurative) a due; morally a fault; - debt.

Let me go ahead and jump to verses 14 & 15.
The Greek word that has been translated 'trespasses or offenses' is 'paraptoma' which is a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression; - fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.

I wonder about myself. Have I not forgiven someone or do I look at something -- a wrong, or an offense, as something other than what needs forgiveness (in my mind's eye)? Verses 14 & 15 are clearly talking about me specifically whereas verse 12 says 'us'. I believe that the Bible teaches us to consider others more than what we do ourselves. I have a hard time knowing how to do that in such a way that is pleasing to God.

Here is a link to a list of Bible verses that may help: 

Considering Others

I am going to finish this with the whole chapter 6 of Matthew.

Matthew 6 New International Version (NIV)

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Fasting

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “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.

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 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? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.