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DIVINE ECONOMY DEVOTIONAL: WHERE NEEDS MEET PROVISION
~Matthew 17:24-27~
Lawrence W. Rodgers, Guest Preacher
In-person service at
Second Baptist Church
2412 Griffith Ave.
Los Angeles
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Dear Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles Family,
In a world caught in the throes of economic uncertainty, where resources seem scarce and the future unpredictable, we're invited to explore a realm where scarcity has no foothold—the divine economy of God. Here, faith, obedience, and trust are the currencies that unlock the windows of Heaven, providing for our needs in ways that defy human reasoning.
A Lesson from the Waters of Capernaum
24After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" 25"Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes-from their own children or from others?" 26"From others," Peter answered. "Then the children are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27"But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." Matthew 17:24-27
Consider what it means that Jesus avoided causing offense.
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Our exploration begins with a miraculous incident from Matthew 17:24-27, where Peter, a humble fisherman, is instructed by Jesus to cast a line into the waters of Capernaum. To his astonishment, the first fish he catches carries in its mouth a coin—exactly what was needed for the temple tax. This wasn't merely a miracle; it was an invitation into the profound reality of God's provision.
Consider what it means that the Lord has provision for your needs.
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The Currency of Faith, Trust, and Obedience
In God’s divine economy, currencies are unlike the world's. Faith, trust, and obedience are the spiritual currencies that hold immeasurable value, capable of unlocking God’s endless provisions.
Consider what it means to have the currency of faith, trust, and obedience.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | |
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Faith: The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It is the bedrock of divine transactions.
Trust: Investing in the unseen, believing that God will make our paths straight.
Obedience: The willingness to act on God's commands, even when they defy our
understanding.
These currencies do not depreciate, they appreciate, enriching our spiritual portfolio and securing our eternal inheritance.
Consider what it means that faith, trust and obedience appreciate
in value rather than depreciate in value.
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Investing in Faith: The Divine Dividends
As believers, we're encouraged to make spiritual deposits—prayer, worship, service—yielding dividends in peace, wisdom, and unexpected blessings. Active faith coupled with passive patience plays a crucial role in nurturing our relationship with God, leading to a life marked by divine fulfillment.
Consider what it means that faith, provides wealth that
fulfills the provisions of a fruitful life.
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Riches in Righteousness: The True Wealth
God invites us to discover wealth beyond material riches—righteousness. Aligning our lives with God's will brings not only personal peace but also makes us conduits of His blessings. Righteous living impacts those around us, spreading the wealth of God’s kingdom. A Journey of Divine Provision.
As we navigate life's challenges and opportunities, let's remember the story of the coin in the fish's mouth. It reminds us that in God's kingdom, our needs are not just known but abundantly met.
Consider what it means that the Lord provides your needs through all of life’s changing scenes whether good or bad, happy or sad, sick or healthy, impoverished or abundant, with what is necessary to manage your life.
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A Call to Action
Let this be a call to deepen our faith through daily spiritual disciplines, to pursue righteousness, and to trust in God's provision. As we do so, let us share the love, peace, and joy we receive with those around us.
Let us go forth with the confidence that in God’s divine economy, whatever we need, God’s got it. May this truth anchor our hearts as we journey through life, assured of
His faithful provision.
Blessings,
Pastor Lawrence W. Rodgers
Consider what it means to have faith and trust that expresses itself in
obedience; knowing that the Lord can and will supply your needs
in all of the circumstances of life accordingly.
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