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"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

And then today I started reading in Romans and right away came to Romans 1:16-17 (msg)

It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."

And I was reminded of John 3:17:

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

And for the first time I understood what that meant and the freedom behind it. I could see why Paul wasn't ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It's NOT about forcing people to believe what you believe. It's NOT about shaming people. it's NOT about being scared of hell. The Gospel of Christ IS about FREEDOM...freedom from hunger (spiritual and/or physical)...freedom from poverty (spiritual and/or physical)...freedom from pain (spiritual and/or physical). It's about rescuing people. God PROMISES to give REAL life. He promises to take care of the people who trust in Him...who have faith in Him. That is why He seeks the sick...and the poor. They will listen...and He will heal them...and meet their needs...He promises to!! He is real...oh so real...and He can redeem ANY situation no matter how it manifests itself. The problem may be spiritual malnurishment and disease in the form of addictions or it could be physical...He can heal people...He can give starving people food to eat...and thirsty people clean water to drink. He knows they need those things, and if you belong to Him He says to you...Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself (Luke 12 31-32 msg).