Life often presents us with challenges and uncertainties, causing us to question whether God will provide for our needs. However, as we turn to His Word, we discover the unchanging truth that He is our faithful provider.
Matthew 6:26 says, “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?”
As we observe the world around us, we witness the intricate care and provision of God. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26 that even the birds of the air, with no human toiling, are provided for by our heavenly Father. How much more will He provide for us, His beloved children, who hold immeasurable value in His sight?
Despite God’s faithfulness, we often find ourselves succumbing to worry and anxiety. We worry about our daily needs, our future, and the challenges that lie ahead. However, Jesus tenderly teaches us in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Worrying does not produce the provision we seek; instead, it robs us of the peace and joy God desires for us.
To experience God’s provision, we must align our priorities with His divine order. Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritize our relationship with God, seeking His will above all else, He promises to take care of our needs. Trusting in His faithfulness brings peace to our hearts.
Let us hold firmly to the truth that God is our faithful provider. Just as He cares for the birds of the air, He cares for us even more. When worry tempts us, let us remember to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that He will supply our needs according to His perfect plan. May we cultivate a heart of unwavering faith, knowing that God’s provision will come in His time and in His way. As we walk this path of trust, we will experience the joy of His provision and find peace in every season of life.
The End.
Wow, what a great devotion that was. I hope you took away something valuable from it. It had plenty of scripture and solid points for personal application, didn’t it?
Well…I didn’t write it. Artificial intelligence did. All I had to do was copy and paste. Impressive? Yes. Dangerous? Also, yes.
We’re in the wild west of AI. Now more than ever you are seeing artificially generated photographs, videos, and even AI generated voices of famous and influential people. It is accessible to anyone but there are no laws or regulations governing it, and no way to determine if it’s real or fake. You can make it appear like someone did and said whatever you want. So the obvious question is this; if AI can do such a good job at blurring the line between fact and fiction, what am I supposed to believe?
Well, that’s exactly what the actual topic of today’s devotion is.
“Test everything. Hold fast to what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
If we do not take the time to determine what is good, it will be determined for us. Human nature is lazy. When left unchecked, we take the easy road. Evaluation is work, which is why assumptions happen far more than evaluations. We must value critical thinking in 2023 now more than we ever have in history. If AI can write that devotion on its own, it is capable of wreaking havoc on the information we ingest. The only way to prevent it from doing so is to test the information.
That article as it turn out, is actually solid. If you read the points that it makes, and read the scripture, you’ve got a devotion that is grounded in truth and will help you grow in your walk with the Lord. However, it would be foolish to blindly assume that it could deliver that accuracy each and every time it made something up. It would be more foolish to base your relationship with God on something it made up that was erroneous. It must be tested.
Critically thinking about AI generated material may be obvious, but what about other sources of information? Do I need to think critically about the headline of an article? The advice of a friend? What about a pastor’s message on Sunday? If it has the power to influence you, it should not be taken at face value. Even taking notes on a Sunday sermon is no substitute for studying the bible on your own and being in prayer with God.
One thing Pastor Kevin has taught frequently is “Don’t take my word for it. Read the bible for yourself.” This principle is grounded in Ephesians 4:14.
“We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.”
Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Sorry this one was long, it was kinda like two devotions in one. Hopefully you got something from at least one of them!