This verse in used in the context of a discussion over financial provision. This is hugely important in relation to how we live. What is our priority in life? Building a secure financial future for ourselves, or seeking God's kingdom through living a righteous life?

This is a very practical, important and contentious issue for all of us, particularly in the West. Where do we draw the line between working to pay the bills and seeking God's kingdom? Is there indeed a division? Such questions are not easy to answer.

On the one hand, we are told not to be lazy, that we need to work to eat.....

11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12)

..... while on the other, Jesus says in the verses immediately prior to today's key verse......

31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (Matthew 6:31-2)

So, what is the balance we need to seek?

I can only give you some testimony from my own life, where (Kathy and) I have struggled with this question over the years. I am not saying what we have done is necessarily right for you, but I trust that it will give you something to ponder upon.

The basic question is, "What is the importance of money, possessions, investments etc., in living ones life?" Is our security in what we have, or is it in the Lord?

Kathy and I live in the Western world. However, my attitudes have also been influenced by time spent in the developing world. The other main factor has been a deeper committment that has been developed over the years in my walk with Jesus.

My life has been a financial roller coaster. We have twice been millionaires and twice bankrupt too. Hence, like Paul, we know what it is like to live with plenty, and with very little.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:11-12)

I was a self made man, who came to Jesus when my life fell to pieces, through bankruptcy. I then found that Jesus was a greater benefit than financial hardship proved to be!

Over time God restored us financially, introduced me to His precious Holy Spirit and used us in lots of ways in ministry for Him, most of which was financed through our successful business. A course was written by the Holy Spirit (I just held the pen) and distributed, at a 6 figure cost, to thousands of people in New Zealand and around the world. We 'double tithed', were able to significantly help our church obtain land and buildings, as well as help others in the community. I had accurate prophecies over churches. We were able to travel to Africa and Asia, spreading God's Word. And start this internet ministry. Sure there were 'speed humps', but overall we lived a highly effective life for Jesus. Life was good. We had the best of both worlds.

Then, at god's request, we sold our business in order to move into full time ministry. I made a bad financial decision, attempting to provide for ourselves, so as not to be a burden to others, and, oops, I was bankrupt again!

There were 3 choices. Abandon God altogether. Try and rebuild the life we had had. Or thirdly, get deeper into God.

God spoke to me! "Are you reliant upon yourself or on me?" "Ah God! Well....."

At that time, I made the decision that I would work for Him without payment for the rest of my life. We gave away a small inheritance I had received (ironically, it was eventually given back to us and used for ministry trips!) and live, without assets, except for our furniture, in a rented house, relying on Kathy's income as a nurse for day to day living.

Then came another trip to Africa where the Lord supplied the airfares, but I had to rely upon Him, over there, for accommodation and living expenses which was a real faith adventure! But He came through!

Then back to New Zealand to set up a second hand clothing business, to help the local community, provide employment and support projects in Africa. Another challenge, and a resisted temptation to take a salary! It went brilliantly for 3 years. This year has been a real struggle. So back even more into God!

You may see the pattern for me. The times I have been closest to God have been those when I have truly had to rely upon Him financially, as well as spiritually.

No, it is not easy. Others have a much 'nicer' lifestyle than us. I thank the Lord for Kathy, for not many women are willing to voluntarily go along with the worldly insecurity such a committment brings with it. Our relations, and even most of our Christian friends, do not understand.

What will the future bring? We do not know. But we do know, against our natural human instincts, to believe the verse following our key verse today.....

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

""Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34)

Warning Against Idleness

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

Thanks for Their Gifts

893. Religion builds. Revelation breaks down, then builds.

894. Religion breeds status, revelation, servants.

895. In religion, roles are nouns, in revelation, adjectives.

896. In religion, roles are expressed by Title, in revelation, identified through action.

897. Revelation changes hearts, religion tickles the mind.

898. An ounce of revelation is more precious than a tonne of religion.

899. Revelation meeting religion, ignites revolution!

900. Religion is built upon structure; revelation, servanthood.

901. Give me an ounce of revelation rather than a tonne of religion, any day.

902. Religion breeds division, revelation, unity of Spirit.

903. Religion claims to be truth, revelation is truth revealed.

And Abraham said, "Don't worry, son, God will provide the Ram."

318. WAKE UP CALL
A certain pastor was upset with a man in his congregation who was frequently going to sleep during the sermon, so the pastor decided to teach the man a lesson. Near the end of the sermon, the pastor, in a normal voice said, "If there's anyone here this morning who wants to go to hell . . .", he began - then raising his voice to a near shout, continued, PLEASE STAND UP."

The sleeping gentleman, startled from his slumber, sprang to his feet. Then he slowly looked around and then said, "Well, Pastor, I'm not sure why it is that I'm standing, but it looks like it's you and I are in the same boat."

317. GOD'S FIELD
A pastor drove out into the country to visit one of his parishioners, a farmer. As he approached the farm, he noticed the man along side of the road, leaning over the fence gazing out at his expansive field of corn, nearly ready for harvest. As the pastor approached, the farmer exclaimed, "Look at this, isn't it beautiful?" "Well I think you should be careful not to be too boastful," the Pastor noted. "After all, it is God who created this field." "Maybe so," the farmer replied. "But you should have seen this field when God had it all to Himself."

ANSWER:
Quite logically, 'Inclined Elevator' was another term used at the turn of the twentieth century for what we now call an escalator. The first one was installed at Harrods department store in London and was scary enough that store personnel served brandy to customers who felt faint while riding it. (Most today feel faint at Harrods prices!)

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
What is a Welsh rabbit?

SOME FUN FACTS

91. A LADIES GATHERING
Some lady beetle, ladybug, or ladybird colonies have been reported to contain as many as 40 million bugs. (Are there male ladybugs? Must suffer an inferiority complex!)

92. STERILE
Because total absence of life on the moon had been satisfactorily determined, NASA didn't bother to quarantine the Apollo 14 astronauts on their return to earth after the third moon mission. (Let them loose to catch earth bugs!)

93. ANCIENT WAETHER FORECASTING
According to ancient Chinese legend, the appearance of the Hyades group of stars in the sky means rain. Interestingly, Roman and Greek legends say the same thing. (Could it more accurate than current methods?)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU

Make another word from this word using all the letters.

PATTERER

A - Dove
B - Swallow
C - Raven
D - Pigeon

Source: www.biblequizzes.com

!!!!!!! Never leave your wife's anniversary present in a Wal-Mart bag.

!!!!!! The person who pays for the pizza gets the toppings that fall off in the box.

!!!!! Definition of a will: It's a dead giveaway.

!!!! I don't need beauty sleep, I need a coma.

!!! When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.

!! It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill - just add a little dirt.

Churches and other groups can use free downloads from IE Day's resource site to showcase these opportunities - video clips, PowerPoints, handouts, free music, dramascripts and posters.

A range of evangelism-related books and other resources (normally on sale) will be offered as special free downloads during the month.

"All you have to remember," he said, "is that when you enter the church you walk up the AISLE. The groom and best man will be waiting before the ALTAR. Then I shall request the congregation to sing a HYMN....then we shall get on with the ceremony.

All you have to remember is the order in which those things happen and you can't go wrong."

The happy day finally arrived, and the bridegroom waited nervously for his bride to appear.

When she arrived and stood alongside him, he heard her quietly repeating to herself, "Aisle, altar, hymn, aisle, altar, hymn."

Or, as it sounded to him, "I'll alter him!"

29. THE RING?
Dave took Mary out for a romantic dinner where conversation turned to the subject of marriage. Dave had been saving for an engagement ring, but he was in graduate school and in dire need of a new computer.

Mary was understanding, telling Dave they had the rest of their lives to get engaged, so he should use his savings to buy a computer instead. During dessert, Dave suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring.

Mary was stunned, but after she collected herself, she looked up and prompted, "Well, don't you have something to ask me?"

Dave then got down on bended knee. "Honey," he said, "will you buy me a new computer?"

Today, it is usually used to describe the self-important and self-deluded.

Examining 33 countries, the British branch of Aid to the Church in Need reported that most of the persecution was occurring in the Middle East, Africa and Asia in its 2011 "Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their faith."

Besides the usual suspects - China, Iran, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia - the report also reveals that countries such as Venezuela, Zimbabwe and even the Holy Land are guilty of religious persecution. The report also finds that Christians face increased persecution in 22 countries among those examined, with Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan being among the worst countries for believers to live in. The report also says that now 100 million Christians worldwide are facing persecution.

"The proportion of countries with a worsening track-record of anti-Christian violence and intimidation would be higher were it not for the fact that in many cases the situation could scarcely have been worse in the first place," the report stated.

Besides the persecution from Islamic extremists, the report also highlights that Christians are harassed by rising nationalism in countries such as Burma, India, and Sri Lanka. There is also the rising threat of Islamic extremism in North Africa and parts of Asia. Meanwhile, some communist and atheist countries are suppressing the religious rights of minorities.

"Extremists increasingly link local Christians in their countries to the West," explained John Pontifex, spokesman for Aid to the Church in Need. "As they are in most cases unable to attack Western countries direct, many extremists turn their fire on local Christians."

"I want more Christian news!"

This week, Ann Widdecombe, a well-known British politician, was named as a special envoy on religious freedom for the charity Aid to the Church in Need.

Widdecombe, a Catholic, said on Thursday that she is "increasingly alarmed" by reports of violence and intimidation against Christians. She also highlighted the inconsistency of the British government's effort to protect the rights of religious minorities domestically and its tendency to turn a blind eye to persecution of Christians overseas.

"It is time to put our heads above the parapet and speak up in the name of Christians suffering for their faith," she said. "I am delighted to support the work of Aid to the Church in Need, which is doing excellent work to help persecuted Christians."

U.K. Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Edinburgh recently described persecution of Christians as "perhaps the biggest human rights scandal of our generation."

A MATTER OF TIME Isn't time such a wonderful thing,
Seems as long as a piece of string.
Not knowing where it begins, or is likely to end,
With so much of it, you can give some to a friend.

In the bright sparkle of youth,
It's never ending, 'tis the truth!
So much to do, but with all the time in the world,
No hurry to use it! In bed we lie, snugly curled.

Then comes along the responsibilities of life,
Now it's time to settle down with the wife.
Still the time ahead, it seems so great,
To be lovingly shared, now with a mate.

But soon comes along the patter of little feet,
And suddenly, time is no longer in surfeit!
For now there just are too few hours in the day,
To do all your work, no longer time to play

The family grows up,
With a cat and a pup.
Then all of a sudden they are leaving home,
For now it's their turn, the world to roam.

Where did all the years dash?
Disappeared now in a flash!
Yes, time it truly does you con,
Once so much, now all gone.

Then it's time to do all the things we desire,
As time passes, from our work we may now retire.
But while the mind is willing, the body's now weak,
For old man time, havoc on our person does wreak.

Such a time was Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning, New Zealand time, with our national cricket team, called the 'Black Caps'. You see, our team has been absolutely useless for the best part of the past 2 years!

Every 4 years, the one day cricket World Cup is held. This time, it is being played jointly in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. With the defeat of the champions of the last 2 tournaments, Australia, on Thursday, the favorites to win the Cup have become South Africa and India.

In a miracle of miracles, the Black Caps somehow defeated the Proteas (South Africa) in the knockout, quarterfinals! Unbelievable! "Miracles will never cease!!!" (LOL)

Seriously though, in our Western, humanistic culture, where mankind is seen as being in charge of their own destiny, belief in God's miracles has almost evaporated, even amongst believers. Sure, we may talk about them, but rarely expect to see them happen.

Yet, in poorer countries, for example in the realm of health, where miracles are believed for, the alternative is death! A great faith motivator! And miracles happen!

May we learn again, from our brothers and sisters there, an understanding of the power of a miracle working God.

Now, how about the semi-finals (against Sri Lanka) and finals, for the Black Caps.....!!! Well......!!! Maybe miracles will cease!!! Me of little faith!!! (LOL)

Until next week___

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: PRETREAT