Matthew 6:26-34, difficult to understand when we have countries living in famine?

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)

I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

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Always look at the context, here the context is Jesus is teaching from Matthew ch 5 all the way continuously to the end of ch 7.
He is not setting out rules for economic planning, but rules for spiritual living.

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

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Jesus spoke that to His disciples, not to everyone.

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

Click to expand...

Paul was often naked and hungry...the fowl of heaven ...never sow nor reap yet God feeds them...consider Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

What rain comes on the just and unjust ...what sun rises on both? Consider the parables of the sun rising and that which planted not in good ground ...having no root withers...burned(baked) by heat. Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Song of Songs 6:2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
^Even Solomon in all his glory...is not arrayed as one of these gathered of my beloved.

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” The oven is already...heated seven times ...the grass being Isaiah 40:6-8 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: [7] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. [8] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

It is His raiment one is to be clothed in, His glory which never fades as man’s glory passes away. ...a raiment which does not perish and reserved in heaven for those who love Him. It is that bread(Christ) one is to eat ...a bread which does not perish in “give us our daily bread” and it is His living water ...in what will we eat or drink...what will we wear. All promises which fail not. Contentment: if you have raiment, bread and living water which does not perish or pass away ...even that which the gentiles Seek after...be content whether abased or abounding...rejoice! Seek First the kingdom of God and His righteousness and His raiment, His bread (Christ)and His living water...all these things from above will be added unto you. Set your heart on things above, treasure man can not take away or doesn’t perish...whether abased or abounding always blessed of the Lord.

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

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Get there is a famine and starvation in this world but there is a greater starvation for God and His word. This He promised to feed and whether it is fully realized this Great cry of famine in the world is a need for God above all else.

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

Click to expand...

“Feed the world” ...the move and cry should be “Feed the world God.” Give them Your bread! Array them with Your glory which does not perish.

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

Click to expand...

No...such an outlook would mean that Jesus' kingdom was of this world, but it is not.

To understand properly, we must first understand that this world is not what it seems, but is a mere "created" "image" and a "manifestation" of what is true and real on high. Meaning, that what you have seen are mere images of a truth that only actually exists in the heavenly and spiritual realm of God. Who could accomplish such imagery? God. God has created this image and placed us in it, that we might come to know the error and fall of man against Him. In the heavenly realm this is an image of what occurred in the twinkling of an eye before the foundation of the world, now made manifest. This is what is written. This is a testimony against all offenders unto judgement. This is the reading of the will of evil men.

The good news however, is that these are mere images, sketches to be burned with fervent heat and with fire, as it is written of these elements of the world. In the end some will awaken from this nightmare to eternal life, and some to eternal damnation. But this, this is all contrived, all imagery. Even the blood and suffering are sketches of no actual harm to all who love God.

Thus, Jesus spoke of this imagery going well for those who place the kingdom of God first, that there is really nothing to worry about if we have our priorities straight.

ScottA said:

To understand properly, we must first understand that this world is not what it seems, but is a mere "created" "image" "manifested" of what is true and real on high.

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I’ve wanted to ask you this question for some time pertaining to “behold I make all things New.”

Isaiah 65:17-18 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. [18] But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Is “create” in the above not correct?

The Sons of God are ‘manifested’ ? and all creation is in travail to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the Liberty of the Sons of God.

VictoryinJesus said:

I’ve wanted to ask you this question for some time pertaining to “behold I make all things New.”

Isaiah 65:17-18 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. [18] But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Is “create” in the above not correct?

The Sons of God are ‘manifested’ ? and all creation is in travail to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the Liberty of the Sons of God.

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Of course "create" is correct.

But for understanding...if you or I "created" an "image" of something good we were doing overlaid with an image of an evil past; it would be a mess, just as the world is a mess. But also (bringing it down to our level), if we "created" it, it would not be real, but imagery, sketches or something mocked up. Certainly, that imagery would not be preserved and become that of which it was only an image of. Not even. It would serve its purpose and then what was real would be established. Like house plans, the created images are just images.

Thus, "created" can be understood as a mere image of something real, or as the creation of that something that is actually real. In this case however, God has said from the beginning, "Let us create man in our image."

jshiii said:

I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth?

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This is a teaching by Christ TO HIS PEOPLE that they are not to be anxious for their daily necessities. This also ties in with the Lord's Prayer.

As to the existence of starvation and poverty in various parts of the world, that is only because of IRRESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENTS and evil dictators.

Papa Doc Duvalier and his family raped Haiti and also put it under demonic bondage. Then the Clintons came along and also cheated Haiti out of relief funds (and were never punished for it).

The same applies across Africa, Latin America, Asia, etc. There is more than enough cash in all these countries to establish a solid agricultural base as well as a sound infrastructure. But when the men at the top rape and pillage their own countries, while the West pours billions into the hands of these same traitors, what do you expect?

ScottA said:

Of course "create" is correct.

But for understanding...if you or I "created" an "image" of something good we were doing overlaid with an image of an evil past; it would be a mess, just as the world is a mess. But also (bringing it down to our level), if we "created" it, it would not be real, but imagery, sketches or something mocked up. Certainly, that imagery would not be preserved and become that of which it was only an image of. Not even. It would serve its purpose and then what was real would be established. Like house plans, the created images are just images.

Thus, "created" can be understood as mere image of something real, or as the creation of that something that is actually real. In this case however, God has said from the beginning, "Let us create man in our image."

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Isaiah 45:17-18 But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. [18] For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord ; and there is none else.

He created it not in vain.. or not in emptiness ...or not to wasted...He formed it to be inhabited: 1 Corinthians 15:46-47 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Is this what you mean?

VictoryinJesus said:

Isaiah 45:17-18 But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. [18] For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord ; and there is none else.

He created it not in vain.. or not in emptiness ...or not to wasted...He formed it to be inhabited: 1 Corinthians 15:46-47 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Is this what you mean?

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Yes.

Or simply: The "natural" is like an "image" or photograph, while the "spiritual" is the real thing.

ScottA said:

Yes.

Or simply: The "natural" is like an "image" or photograph, while the "spiritual" is the real thing.

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"Where there is no vision, the people perish:..." Prov 29:18

So many, among those calling themselves, Christians, have still a very carnal vision, rather than a vision from God of God's reality.

"For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." Matt 13:15-16

jshiii said:

Matthew 6:26-34 King James Version (KJV)
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



I think I am looking at this to deeply? This must be a general truth, not an absolute truth? In some countries like Africa and even here in America, vegetation, animals, humans are not always provided for. I know when I was in Haiti a couple of years ago, I saw starving children and without clothes. Africa the same. In some places vegetation and animals do not survive because of the harsh environment. So this is just a generalized statement correct? Not true everywhere perhaps because of sin maybe??? Humans mistreatment of the Earth?? Thanks for any insight.

Click to expand...

Paul going hungry sometimes could be likened to Israel in the desert. It says: and He let them become very thirsty to see what they would do. So God was testing their trust. He didn't let them become thirsty because He is stingy. He did it to prove if they trusted or if they didn't trust.

They failed the testings of their trust in Him over and over in the desert. And becoming hungry or thirsty for an amount of time does not equal starving to death or dying of thirst.

After I met God, I never seemed to have enough. But before I met Him, I did. I think He took me into poverty so that I would finally trust Him instead of a stockpile. He took away my stockpile so I couldn't depend on it rather than Him.

My situation got worse and worse until I learned the obedience of trust. Then I was amazed as I saw things turn around once I stopped trying to worry and work my way out of poverty and instead just learned to ask for what I needed and then wait in trust. I was stunned for days when I realized that I could have skipped years of worry and poverty if I had just trusted.

As far as Africa, if anyone there is truly and completely trusting and leaning on Him, He provides enough for them.

ScottA said:

Yes.

Or simply: The "natural" is like an "image" or photograph, while the "spiritual" is the real thing.

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What are you thoughts on 1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.


“...we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” To bear the image of the “spiritual” is “the real thing.”

VictoryinJesus said:

What are you thoughts on 1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.


“...we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” To bear the image of the “spiritual” is “the real thing.”

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1 Corinthians 15:46-49
"However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man."

Paul does spell it all out quite well. But we do need to consider what we have just barely tasted and heard of. Which is less the nature of Christ in the world, even after His resurrection, but more the nature of the ascended Son whom is God Almighty. If we are actually to follow Christ...it is to lay down our flesh and to be raised up in the Spirit, which no man has seen except by visions and manifestations. Nonetheless, that is the future and we should press in and press on.

ScottA said:

1 Corinthians 15:46-49
"However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man."

Paul does spell it all out quite well. But we do need to consider what we have just barely tasted and heard of. Which is less the nature of Christ in the world, even after His resurrection, but more the nature of the ascended Son whom is God almighty. If we are to actually to follow Christ...it is to lay down our flesh and to be raised up in the Spirit, which no man has seen except by visions and manifestations. Nonetheless, that is the future and we should press in and press on.

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Good topic, seek first the kingdom of God. Seek to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, seek the bread which came from heaven, drink his blood.

ScottA said:

1 Corinthians 15:46-49
"However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man."

Paul does spell it all out quite well. But we do need to consider what we have just barely tasted and heard of. Which is less the nature of Christ in the world, even after His resurrection, but more the nature of the ascended Son whom is God almighty. If we are to actually to follow Christ...it is to lay down our flesh and to be raised up in the Spirit, which no man has seen except by visions and manifestations. Nonetheless, that is the future and we should press in and press on.

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As far as what I’ve always been told ...in as you have borne the earthly image, you shall also bear the image of the heavenly...as yet off in the future after this body of dust goes into the ground and is covered with dirt. What I’m asking is that really what is being said ...or to bear the heavenly image now by laying down the earthly image and taking up resurrection power of Life in the Son. Am I understanding that correctly? As in Today?