“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.”

Jesus often taught in parables, which are interesting and relevant stories woven around great truths. Consider The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

The merchant found “the best of the best” and, to have this incomparable prize, he sold everything that he had previously accumulated. In gaining The Pearl of Great Price, he was able to discern the authentic from the counterfeit. He recognized that the Pearl he had found would sustain him forever. With all his needs and desires met, he was finally happy.

The kingdom of heaven is authentic and in it are all things that you need to live well starting right now.

Scripture References: Luke 12:29-20 | Matthew 13:45-46 | Mark 4:26-29

“No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”

Salvation, including his new name, was accounted to Abraham because of his faith. Faith is acting on what you believe. Belief is an assumption of truth pointed to by past experience or a source you trust. God prophesized to an old and childless man who used his faith to immediately and consistently correct people who called him Abram. Even though God’s words seemed impossible, Abraham believed God could, and would, bring it to pass. Your Bible states that "the just shall live by faith." Knowing that we live 24-hours of every day, faith must be a way of life and "not a spare tire" put on in emergency situations.

Faith directs us to look at the unseen (the spiritual principles of God), not the seen (the trials and tribulations Christ said would be in the world). While faith does not deny adverse circumstances, it does deny the circumstances the ability to exercise power or authority over the Believer.

Scripture References: Genesis 17:5 | Hebrews 11:1 | Habakkuk 2:4 | Romans 1:17 | Hebrews 10:35-38