Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have been afforded an opportunity

to live an incredibly abundant life here on earth. Our God is nearer, more tangible, and has a greater

ability to make His presence known than we've yet realized.

He longs to make his children more in tune and aware of the depths of his love, guidance,

empowerment, and nearness. He longs for our days here on earth to be marked by unveiled communion with him.

As we look at what it is to live an abundant life here on earth,

I pray that your heart will be awakened to the reality of God's presence and affection in your life.

Welcome to the First 15 podcast. Our scripture for today comes from Matthew 6, verse 34.

Scripture says,

Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow.

For tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I used to view my relationship with God as a straight line of spiritual progress.

My goal in spending time in the secret place with fellow believers at church and at work

was to try and make the movement across this line

of spiritual growth as quickly and painlessly as possible.

I would get frustrated any time I got hung up

on some issue or sin and couldn't experience freedom quickly enough.

My time spent with Jesus was more about how he could change me

than how deeply he already loves me.

We unfortunately live in a day and age where speed and progress is everything.

We lose our patience.

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