Print off this week's "More to Explore" sheet and use it all week!
This week’s story comes from the book of Matthew. Matthew is the first of four books known as the Gospels.
The author of this book is likely Matthew, the tax collector who became a follower of Jesus.
The book of Matthew gives readers a perspective on the life of Jesus and confirms Him as the Messiah.
God has always deeply valued the condition of people’s hearts. Throughout the Old Testament, we are taught about our heart.
We should love God with all our heart, soul and might (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Man sees what people do and say, but God sees each person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Everything we do in life begins with our heart (Proverbs 4:23).
The Bible tells us everything we have is from God. As with any gift we are given, we can appreciate and love it but shouldn’t worship it or let it consume us. God wants us to enjoy the good gifts He has given us. But when we treasure the things we have more than we love God, that is when it becomes sin.
Start by spending time with God every day. Read the Bible and memorize Scripture. Ask God to help you remember to talk with Him throughout the day. If a particular game, social media app or activity is more important to you than God, consider taking a break from it. Remember, if you ask God to change your heart to put Him first, He is faithful and He will do it!
Read Hebrews 13:5-6. We are told to be satisfied with what we have and not love money. What things are you content with and what things do you have an unhealthy love for? Make a list of those things. Write out a prayer thanking God that He is always with you. Then, ask God to help you love and treasure Him above anything else.
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Read more of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-34. As you read, ask yourself what things you value most. Do the things you value most matter for eternity? Do you spend a lot of time worrying about those things or do you trust God to take care of you and give you what you need?
