Piling up the Loot

Some really, really like the gadgets and comforts of this world. You can have nice things but you must keep it in perspective. It is the obsession and lust for them that throws you off God’s course. Pray for an appetite for God’s wisdom, not for “piling up loot”.  

Psalm 119:33-40 (MSG) God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.  Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway. Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.  Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.  Affirm your promises to me—promises made to all who fear you.  Deflect the harsh words of my critics—but what you say is always so good.  See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!

2/26/2023

Shine your Light

These verses talk about the light that shines for others that comes from within you.  Some think this means being bold or outgoing in your witness but how God works in you is his decision to make.  Ask God how you shine best so his goodness can be seen by others.

Luke 8:16-18 (TLB) 16 Another time he asked, “Who ever heard of someone lighting a lamp and then covering it up to keep it from shining? No, lamps are mounted in the open where they can be seen. 17 This illustrates the fact that someday everything in men’s hearts shall be brought to light and made plain to all. 18 So be careful how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall be given more; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”

2/19/2023

Man Scatters the Seed, God does the Work

 

This parable says, “man scatters seed on the ground.”  Ask God what that means for you - what your seeds are and how you are to scatter them.  He will show you.  He will then take over the care and growth of the seeds. Step back and watch him work.

Mark 4:26-29 (NIV)  26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

2/12/2023

Understanding God

 

Believers don’t understand how others give up understanding the ways of God so easily. This verse explains:  The Holy Spirit within is the one who conveys the thoughts and ways of God.  You become a Christian in faith first and then the Holy Spirit teaches you. 

1 Corinthians 2:14 (TLB) 14 But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.

2/5/2023