seek first God‘s kingdom and all these things will beadded to you (Matt. 6:33).
When Jesus becomes our foundation in life, we realize the imper-manence of the many pursuits the world offers. - P119
When we care too much about how others see us,
we are easily swayed by the circumstances. But when we root ourselvesin God‘s never-ending faithfulness, we can stand firm no matter whois against us. - P122
First, we would do well to remember Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answerturns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." And the anger thatis stirred often escalates. It does not usually stop at an exchangeof angrywords. We are unlikely to simply sit quietly, enduring insultafter insult. - P123
Yet the gospel teaches us to endure. Jesus tells us to turnthe other cheek (Matt. 5:39). And in Luke 6:27-28 He teaches, "Butto you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to thosewho hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mis-treat you." This is the opposite of what our gut instinct, our naturalfallen self tells us to do. But when we are regenerated into new life,
our old self‘s desires no longer take precedence. - P123
The new life Jesushas breathed into us gives us both the motivation and the ability torespond to insult differently. - P123
[NIV] 13 Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king ofIsrael and announced, "This is what the LORDDo you see this vast army? I will give it into your handtoday, and then you will know that I am the LORD." - P124
We could not win against sinand death without God‘s intervention and we cannot fight against theeffects of sin alone. So Scripture instructs us to trust in God rather thanourselves (2 Cor. 1:9). Our imperfect efforts are futile but our perfectGod can give us what we need to fight and win. - P126
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