As I sporadically tuned in to President O's press conference concerning the massive Government Bailout, I was reminded that all things are not as they seem. Yes, America is in a recession and people have lost jobs, but to describe our current conditions as catastrophic misses the mark by a long shot. Catastrophic is what is happening in the Congo, where hundreds of thousands of Christians are living in refugee camps or jungle hideouts. Over one million have died in the fighting, yet none of it is being broadcast over the airwaves because our American Economic crisis is so horribly bad. Again, things are not as they seem.
However, should we find ourselves in a real crisis, God wants us to remember a few of his promises, faithful covenant blessings which prove that things are not what they seem. For twenty-five days, I will shoot a new promise your way. If you are hurting, God never discounts your suffering. But he does give you a promise that will sustain you.
PROMISE ONE
Matthew 6:28-30
"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?"
How easy it is to get hooked on the comforts of the current culture. Standards of prosperity seem to have been set in fashion and status rather than what is happening in the heart. Yet, I have found that the ones who love the Lord with all their heart shine like the lilies of the field, even when it appears their level of prosperity falls short of today's standards. How sad when we box ourselves into a temporary and meaningless lifestyle. Eternity calls for more, much more. Still, in the most difficult of times, the Lord promises that he will clothe us.
Clothing is important. It provides covering us in our nakedness. It gives warmth and comfort in the cold. It protects from harmful rays and snags that come along from time to time. We need it. God knows this. He promises to clothe us, even when there is little ability to provide for ourselves.
But spiritual clothing is important as well, and I believe it is included in the promise. God vows to cover our bodies with needed attire, but he also clothes us in such spiritual garments that whatever is on our bodies is overshadowed by the glory emanating from within. Even though we may not glow with Sack's Fifth Avenue or Donetelli, we shine with a glory much brighter than a field of lilies. Hold to that when pay stubs get shorter or, God-forbid, a pink slip comes your way. You will never see anything out of the government's attempt to bail out the world, but God will provide for you and your family!
Pastor Jim
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