The Narrow Path

"I was officially homeless. I felt really lost and vulnerable. It was scary. I looked at my time at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission as a cocoon to metamorphosize into a butterfly... and then blossom out. God is so good." - Jason, recovery program graduate at the Mission Listen live weekdays at 4:55pm for stories of individuals once lost in #addiction and #homelessness, who have, today, recovered their lives with #hope and joy that only God can provide. kcisradio.com/ugm

Seeking God's Ways With Our Whole Heart (Read Matthew 6:19-34) Reflection on the passage: When my husband, kids and I moved across country about four years ago, it was humbling to realize just how much stuff we had accumulated. After a yard sale, many trips to a donation center, and even renting a dumpster, we still found that we brought too much with us and ended up getting rid of more upon moving into our new home. It gives one pause to consider how much of our energy goes into buying, maintaining, and getting rid of stuff, not to mention the spiritual, social, and ecological implications. Jesus says in this section of the Sermon on the Mount, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (6:19-20). More than how much stuff we have, the question Jesus wants us to consider has to do with the condition of our hearts. "Heart" refers to the center of our personality - our mind, emotions, and will. Jesus says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (6:21). Where we put our focus - our resources, time, and energy - reflects where our heart truly is. We have a choice. Will we let Christ's light fill our spiritual eyes so that we can see the good and spiritually healthy way, or will we allow our vision to be clouded by worldly, monetary concerns (6:22-24)? The ways of God's Kingdom and righteousness are to be our priority (6:33). Jesus is calling us not only to prioritize His Kingdom, but to trust Him for all our needs. This may be the most difficult part. CRISTA Ministries founders Mike and Vivian Martin consistently lived this out as they fully trusted God to provide for every financial and material need - from cars, to meals, to the property on which CRISTA Ministries now stands. They trusted in our Provider God, the one who even provides food for the birds and clothes flowers in splendid beauty (6:26-30). Jesus is inviting us into a life free of worry. When we trust in the One who delights in providing for His children, we don't have to focus our life around getting what we need and want or worrying about the future. Instead, we can center our lives in Jesus, as we learn to walk with Him in everything from our purchases to our giving, from our financial planning to our daily bread, and from our vocation to how we spend our time each day. Focus verses for prayerful reflection: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 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." (Matthew 6:31-33) Take some time in prayer with these verses, opening yourself to the Spirit. What are you seeking in your life right now? Where are you putting most of your energy? Invite Jesus' work on your heart, that you may seek Him first in all things. ? Jerry Wang