Music Monday: “First Things First,” by Consumed By Fire
by: Debbie Waltz
Welcome Back, Readers ~
As you probably have guessed, I love the Dallas Jenkins “Chosen” series; the series has brought the Gospel to audiences around the world, bringing to life things that happened during Jesus” ministry here on earth. Taking a bit of creative license here and there, we see what might have made the disciples tick, and they become more relatable. In his own unique way, Dallas tries his best to deal with the challenging issues while remaining as authentic to the Bible as possible. Not only do I appreciate the series, but I also read the devotional as well. Saturday’s topic was worry.
I’ll be the first to admit I have trouble with this. But who could blame me? I must rely on someone else to help me carry out the most basic physical tasks. Still, it gives me an opportunity to trust-trust that people will come through for me daily and that God will provide the grace needed to take it a day at a time.
Now, I know what you are thinking,” But Debbie, worrying is only natural” Yes, while it’s true, worry is a natural emotion and a byproduct of this fallen world; it doesn’t have to control us. After all, who ultimately provides for our needs? The Lord.
This reminds me of Matthew 6::28- 34, which states: “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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—you of little faith? 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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ”
Earlier in this passage, Jesus clarifies The Father takes care of everything in his creation – even the birds. Now birds are simple-minded creatures; they don’t care what they eat or where it goes from. They don’t have much of a job except to procreate and be examples of God’s beautiful creation and shout of his Glory. God cares enough for them, so why wouldn’t it be like this for us?
Even better, I love how Jesus phrases the question to his disciples, saying: “Are you much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
The simple answer: Yes!
Simply knowing that answer is not enough; we must live out the truth to those around us daily.
We must live out the values we believe in, including loving one another and making sure our actions match what we say. This won’t always be easy, and sometimes we will make the wrong choices., But if we repent and stay humble, God will always be there to pick us back up.
To see Consumed By Fire’s video can be accessed here: