This trade of ours is in danger of falling into disrepute. Acts 19:23-41
One man who was worried about losing his livelihood riled up several others in his trade, who then riled up the whole city in confusion, and it says "most of them didn't know why they had come together." (Acts 19:32)
Do you know what you believe?
The crowd that gathered didn't know what they believed, so then were easily led astray by the unbelievers who were threatened by the way of the believers to drop everything and follow Jesus.
We are no longer in need of certain things and this threatens the economy of society. We don't need to worry because God is our Provider.
You can only have one Master. (Matt 6:24)
Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-34)
The Bereans knew what they believed because they studied it for themselves.
I need to pray and study God's Word daily like the Bereans.
These Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica, they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11)
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. (Acts 17:13)
It's easy to get caught up in the things of this world, especially when we are hurting, struggling, grieving, lonely, depressed, desperate just to survive and put food on the table for our families. The wolves are targeting the weak sheep, especially when they are separated from the herd. Satan tempted Jesus when he was alone, tired, and hungry. But the things of this world are only temporary.
So we do not lose heart, though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:16-18)
Paul said, I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Phil 4:11-13)
Rejoice in the Lord always. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 7:4:7)
Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thess 5:17-18)
Praying continually doesn't mean you're always on your knees 24/7/365, it just means you realize that God is a part of your day, He knows your heart and your thoughts, and He is speaking to you whether you realize it or not, you just have to listen and stay in tune to Him.
The world is like a radio, it has many radio stations and lots of static in between but then you finally find the right station that speaks directly to your heart. So I try to stay in tune with God so I can hear Him when He is trying to tell me something.
I can be praying even when I'm talking with someone, especially when I need Him to give me the right words or help me to be silent and listen. I can be praying while I'm doing my work as unto the Lord. Praying continually helps me to not worry.
Dear Lord, I know your word says not to worry, several times even, so you must know that we as humans do worry or you wouldn't tell us so many times. I heard a pastor say that he repeats himself whenever it is something that he really wants us to hear and understand. Lord, please help me not to worry. It's so easy to get busy, distracted, and then I get anxious because I'm not focused on You. Help me to focus on you Lord. Help me to study your word every day. You are my Provider and You are in control Lord. Thank you Lord for all your many blessings.
