At work with God – Day 12

₂₄“No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love the other; he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

₁₉“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. ₂₀Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. ₂₁For your heart will always be where your riches are.

₃₁“So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ ₃₂(These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. ₃₃Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.

₁₃Happy is anyone who becomes wise — who gains understanding. ₁₄There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. ₁₅Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.

₁₇Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ₁₈Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ₁₉In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

₇Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

₆Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. ₇And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

₈In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. ₉Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.