Seek Ye First the Kingdom of Heaven
Worry and anxiety aren’t the first things that come to mind when asked about daily priorities. They’re not an item on our To-Do List so they just seem like passing thoughts. We don’t actively prioritize worry but doing it means that we are relying on ourselves to take care of things. In this way it can become our idol.
The Lord though, in his loving way, knows this about our human nature and gently reminds us that we are loved. We are taken care of. We are valuable. Here are his words in Matthew 6,
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
25 “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? 26 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? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 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? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
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Announcements
Our doors are open. We are holding the Divine Service again and it is a delight to see familiar faces. Please come prepared with a face mask or covering and new rules to follow. There will NOT be Sunday School but we will continue to hold the Divine Service at 11 am. You can read the full policy here. Another post covers the highlights.
Voters’ Meeting. Sunday September 20th, 4 PM. Agenda Routine reports. Discussion of COVID-19 guidelines and impact. The meeting will be online via Zoom. Look for an email with your check-in instructions from Loyd Harris shortly before the meeting.
Wednesday Bible Study. Bible Study will be hosted via Zoom at 6:45. If you would like to join, please contact Pastor Jenson.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James Post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.