Under the influence

There is so much negativity going on at present and it's hard not to notice what's going on when most of us are now restricted on our movements, what we can buy in the shops and who we can see.  What I find most sad, however is not the limitations that are being imposed, but the limitations that Christians are putting on God at this time.It's really times like this that we have to put our money where our mouth is.

If we are truly Christians, it should be easy to tell by our words, actions, attitudes and behaviour.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG) reads:
"Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what.Who or what can get to me?"

 Firstly the author of Hebrews reminds us not be be focussed on material things.  Very apt for today with people hoarding and panic buying, and acting like lunatics in the toilet roll aisle.   God can feed the whole nation of Israel with manna or a single man with Ravens.  Do we think he can't take care of us?

Matthew 6:31-34 Matthew 6:31 (KJV Strong's) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 Second we read to be 'relaxed with what you have'.  Be at peace with what you have.  Count your blessings.  Being thankful is a great way to not be negative.   We have so much to be grateful for.  Thanksgiving magnifies God.

Psalms 69:30 (KJV)
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Then it goes on to remind us that we can do that because God will NEVER leave us or forsake us. He is with us and because of that we don't need to be afraid of anything!

Joel 2:21 (KJV)
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.

Right now we need to remember all that we have learned from the Father.  Every power-packed scripture, every role model hero of faith, every testimony and every promise from the Lord from his Word and for us. Let this influence our every fibre; let it come out when we shop, when we FaceTime, when we phone people and when we pray!

Have a great weekend.

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