Thursday, July 19, 2018, 14:35

 Dear brothers and sisters,

Hebrews 13;5 says, "Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly posessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]"

Because I had to take a trip to town, of course I planned where to stop and spend. But, as I ventured into a couple of places, my mind and heart became weary for all the stuff. I came away thanking God that I didn't need to spend what little I had on things I didn't need. I praise the Lord that the cravings I once had are just in the past. At least that is how it was today. Sometimes, it is like looking through the side mirror on the car. Objects are closer than they may appear. How true. We many turn another shade of green-with-envy at a later date. We have to find our lives satisfied in the Lord! The whole thing gave me a headache. I am glad to be home! I am glad I could say "No" to the distractions and come home with what I needed. This feels like freedom!

As we continue through 1 John we can read in the 2nd chapter, verses 15-17 another view about loving the world..."Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever."

I don't know about you but lusting after what the world offers has always been a struggle. The enemy knows right where to hit our pocketbook too! Be simply in love with Jesus and abide in Him and you won't fulfill the desires of the flesh. Sometimes, easier said than done. That is why we need a deep relationship with the Lord, so we can discern His will. All we have to do is cry out His name for help and He will do it.

It says, "If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him." What does this mean? That I am not a true christian? Think about what love is and where it comes from. How can we say we love the things of the world? Can it really provide all of our deepest needs? Jesus knows the longings of our heart. He lived in the flesh but was fully in Love with His Father. The lust of the flesh; the cravings for sensual gratification and the lust of the eyes; greedy longings of the mind and the pride of life; assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things. These do not come from the Father but are from the world itself.

All those forbidden cravings, passionate desires, and lust will all pass away! "But he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever." Glory to God for this assurance. This truth will help each of us choose who we will serve. What do you choose? A true Christian.

My prayer for you and also for myself is the same. Lord help us to know You. To walk righteously before You and bring You great pleasure as we desire to become vessels of honor. In the name of Jesus, amen. God bless you, Patricia.

Abundance is...delighting in the Lord


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