THE THINGS THAT WORRY MANY OF US – Al Macias-SWSBS
    We live in a world full of much stress and pressure. Years ago I, as well as many others, was under the impression that because we had advanced so much in modern technology, we would be under a lot less pressure, but it seems that things have gotten worse instead of better. We are under more pressure than ever. But not only are there new pressures that have come along, the things that gave us stress in the past are still there as well. We still worry about such basic things as having a job or having good health, or just having the basics of life. What can we do to alleviate all of those pressures that are continually before us?
    We read in Matthew 6:25-34 what the Lord told those of the first century to do in order to alleviate their pressures, and what worked for them then still works for us now. The Lord told them not to worry about what they were going to eat or drink, or what they were going to put on; and He gave the reason why. He told them then, and He tells us now, that life is more than food and the body, more than what we wear. The Lord continued to show that God had done certain things which should convince us that our worrying was unnecessary. He said if we had ever beheld the fowls of the air, we would realize that even though they neither sow nor reap, yet our heavenly Father takes care of feeding them. Then the Lord asked His audience if they were not more important than the birds. The Lord continued by saying that none of us are able to add one cubit to our stature. Some have said that the Lord was making reference to one's life and the fact that none of us can prolong life more than the natural life span, while others have said that the Lord was making reference to our height. Whichever of the two it might have been, the lesson is still the same. We are in control of such a few things; and at the same time, most things are beyond our control.
    Other things the Lord told those of the first century to observe were the lilies of the field, how they grew without toiling or spinning; and yet Solomon in all his glory was never able to array himself like one of them. Therefore if God would do such a thing like that for the grass of the field, which is there for only a few days, would He not do a lot more than that for us? So the Lord exhorted those of the first century not to worry about what they were going to eat or drink or with what they would be clothed. For the Lord said these are the things that the rest of the world worries about, because they do not have God. Such was not the case with them, as it is not the case with many of us who do have God in our lives. Let us follow the advice the Lord gave to those of the first century, and just put the righteousness of God and His kingdom in first place; and God will help us with all of those other things.

LADIES: Lunch at Vinny’s on the 19th. At noon.

NEWS: Jim Hesson has volunteered to teach the Wednesday bible class. We all look forward to hearing his lessons.