In part 8 (click here to read it), we looked at why Jesus was able to overcome the pull of the lusts of this world and live in God's will. I would like to turn our attention to another one of the devil's tools to erode our quality of life.

1. "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both." (Matthew 6:24 MSG) "This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25 GNB)

When we look at the two verses above. Christ makes what seems like a drastic transition from serving God or money to worrying. When we engage in worrying, we often do not make such a connection, but when we delve a bit deeper we will soon see where He is coming from. God is to be responsible for all our need and we are to look to Him for them to be met. Casting all our cares on Him.

1. "Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:6-8 GNB)

2. "Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits." (Psalms 136:25 MSG)

If we do this then we will enjoy His peace. Worry by contrast implies that we have taken over that responsibility and are in doubt as to whether we are going to make it or not. Worry is indeed a telltale of where the balance of your faith lies, from God to self. It starts as thoughts, graduates into words and if you follow it through to it's end, your worry could lead you to take matters into your own hands, resulting in self getting actions. This will put you right in the devils path for deception and allow him the opportunity to kill, steal and destroy. This is the worlds system of living, called the rat race. Worry therefore needs to be nipped in the bud

1. "...Everyone who trusts the LORD is like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken and will stand forever. Just as Jerusalem is protected by mountains on every side, the LORD protects his people by holding them in his arms now and forever." (Psalms 125:1-2 CEV)

2. "...Don't be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don't envy them. They will soon disappear like grass without rain. Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin. All sinners will disappear, but if you trust the LORD, the land will be yours." (Psalms 37:1-9 CEV)

3. "The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it." (Mark 4:18-19 MSG)

4. "I am the gate. Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life---life in all its fullness. "I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep." (John 10:9-11 GNB)

Christ begins to make a case for why not to worry and what to do about it.

If God has the power to create life and the body that houses it, it stands to reason that He has the power to achieve the lesser feat of clothing and feeding it.

1. "This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25 GNB)

Worrying is futile and no more than a ploy to steal your joy and peace and induce you into desperation

1. "Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?" (Matthew 6:27 GNB)

2. "So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings. (Matthew 6:34 GNB)

3. "Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 GNB)

4. "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Philippians 4:6 MSG)

Feeling heavy, bearing that burden

Picked up in thoughts of worry

Pronounced it mine by words uttered

Feeling light, having laid it down

When it came to light

I was never mine

The cares of this life

O how they much they weigh

So glad they are His not mine

His, the safest hands there is

I rest in His unfailing peace

Won't you come be carefree with me

Till the next installment

Every Blessing

Breadoflife

click here to read part 10

To view others instalments in the series, click here