February 22, 2026 -- Matthew 5:5-15 -- What do you rely on?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Matthew 10:5-15 ESV
 
Faith. What do we really rely on? Note that those, during the life-time of Jesus, who are sent out to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel were not to acquire funds, or pack suitcases. Like the prophets of the Old Testament, they were to rely on the generosity of the people of God as they go out. I wonder. If our bank accounts were opened before the LORD and His servant—what would it prove? What do we rely on? Do we trust our money management? Do we buy things for ourselves? Are we investing in the Kingdom of God? Are we going out as His ambassadors, or are we living for ourselves?
 
Believers, who have no riches, show their dedication to the LORD in hosting servants of God in their homes. They support missionaries through prayers. Through letters of encouragement. Meals. Our goal in life is not to acquire money, wealth and possessions for our own use. We must, as the Proverbs teach us, be wise and gather up our wealth bit by bit, however, we must also be willing to give to anyone who is in need. All that we have is from the LORD and all we are is His. Our thoughts, our actions, our inaction, all of these are laid bare before our Creator. To Him we will give an account at the end of our lives. The passage is warning to us now to examine yourself. Ask yourself how you are, and how will, use your resources for the Kingdom of Jesus.
 
I give thanks to You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life;
You stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and Your right hand delivers me.
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;
Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of Your hands.
Psalm 138:1a, 7-8 ESV
 
https://youtu.be/rpYM6Et_hVY?si=adE64mvvMjL8eEvo He Leadeth Me
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.