MATTHEW 6:25-34 Matthew 5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 16:24 If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. In the process of giving up our own way and following Jesus, we discover that we need His help! Galatians 5:25 …let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. You are not crazy. You are not alone. And this will end. — Shawn Johnson Galatians 5:1 NIV It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. We can be set free, but not know know how to live free. - Shawn Johnson The foundation of our battle against worry and anxiety is that WE CHOOSE to make Jesus our LORD and we LEARN TO LIVE FREE. Matthew 6:25-34 1. GOD ME. vs. 25-27 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 2. GOD FOR ME. vs. 28-30 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 3. SEEK GOD’S & LIVE . 31-34 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Colossians 1:11-14 May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. 2 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Everything you need: (verses to memorize) Philippians 4:6–7 - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Psalm 16:11 - You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. 1 Timothy 1:9 - For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. Jeremiah 17:7 - But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.