---

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me see the difference between what I need and what I want. Amen!

"Don't be worried about having enough food or clothes," Jesus taught. "Isn't life worth more than that? Look at birds: They don't plant seeds and harvest food, but God takes care of them. Look at flowers: They don't make clothes, but God makes them beautiful. God knows what you need; you don't have to worry about tomorrow."

There's a huge new Minecraft Lego set, and you're dying to have it. It's $200; it would take you forever to save up all that money. You beg your parents, who say, "Absolutely not." You look for ways to earn money. It's all you can think about. You need those Legos!

It may disappoint you, but Jesus would say, "No, you don't." There's a difference between what you want and what you need.

Jesus made sure people had what they needed. He taught them about God and helped them feel close to God, instead of scared or worried that God didn't care about them. Jesus reassured everyone that God is always listening and always cares.

But Jesus didn't give treats. He didn't do miracles to create new clothes for people or even give toys to kids. His miracles were about making people healthy. Sometimes He cured an illness; more often, He helped with feelings of loneliness and sadness.

In the Gospel story (Matthew 6:24-34), Jesus asked people to trust that God would help them have what they need. Some people probably hoped Jesus would magically create things, but that's not what He meant. Jesus wanted people to have faith that God was watching over them, and to do their part to get what they needed.

God knows you want Legos -- and maybe, someday, you'll get them. But it probably won't be because a miracle happened. God also knows that Legos are a want, not a need...even Minecraft Legos.[[In-content Ad]]

---