Hello, Friends!

In Matthew 6, during Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we find Jesus saying this at the end of a discourse on worry over material and substantial provisions:

“Therefore, don’t worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Gentiles long for all these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus addresses “worry” not by denying the need for the things that we are concerned about, but by recognizing that God is the provider of what we need. As followers of Jesus, we are to pursue God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness rather than spend emotional time and energy “worrying.” Jesus connects this trust with a recognition that we belong to the Kingdom of God, and not the kingdom of this world.

This does not mean that we ignore the needs of the world around us or love for others, by any means. It does not mean that we become complacent to broader issues in our world, or caring for those who need it, or taking care of our responsibilities at work, home, school, or socially. It does not mean that we become apathetic toward—or abandon—our passion for how we are called to share the good news about Jesus with others—through both action and in what we say.

It does mean, though, that if we find ourselves living in a place of deep anxiety or worry over circumstances in life and in the world around us, we are to remember this: that God is the King, and we are members of God’s Kingdom over all other allegiances. And God, as King, will give us what we need.

If we seek first God’s kingdom—AND God’s righteousness—all these things will be given to us as well.

Blessings this week, Friends!

Bobby Kirkpatrick
 
Family Promise
Our host week for Family Promise is February 9th-16th. We are so thankful for the many that have signed up to volunteer. There are still spaces available to serve as overnight hosts, or helping with setup and tear-down on Sundays. If you are interested in volunteering with this ministry, use the button below to sign-up or contact Beth Skeeter or Desiree Trevino for more information.
Volunteer for Family Promise
 
Sunday Evening Activities
Kidzone and the Acts Bible Study will take a pause this Sunday, February 9th. Both activities will be back next Sunday, February 16th at 5:00 p.m.
 
LA Fire Relief
After the devastation caused by the fires in the LA area, EFC-MAYM and the Friends South West region are partnering to help provide relief amid this crisis. If you feel led to monetarily support the relief efforts, you may donate online via our website or by check, by designating the funds as: “LA Fire.” Thank you for your prayers and support for those in need.
 
Valentine Musicale
Join us for a musical performance in the Friendswood Friends Chapel on February 14th from 7:00-8:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase now by following the link below or calling the church office.
Purchase Valentine Musicale Tickets Here
 
Student Ministries Update
Camp Quaker Haven Registration is Open!
Click Here for Registration!
 
Dude Camp Registration
Registration for Dude Camp is open to church members on February 9th after the church service in the Coffee Cafe before registration opens to the community on February 11th.  For more information about Dude Camp, visit our website or contact Ms. Tena.