So many decisions. Where will we live? What will we eat? How will we pay our bills?
But are we misplacing our priorities?
Are we letting worry, fear, anxiety control us-and not letting God work in and through us?
"Therefore, do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'...For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." -Matthew 6:31-34
Our desire for power, wealth, possessions and status have become idols in our lives...hurting our personal character, our friendships and our relationships.
We must remember that these idols are only temporary, not eternal.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:2
If we are not intentional, we will focus on good things, but not the BEST things.
We Christians sometimes ignore parts of Scripture- we forget that all of it is ours to use, that each passage has a reason, a purpose.
If we haven't read a certain passage or scripture, we can consider those parts of the Bible, 'buried treasure'.
We have to read scripture in order to understand what our purpose is, who God created us to be and how to live in this broken & sinful world.
So, what does this mean?
God commands His people to reach the lost.
How does this happen?
God has ordained a message (the Gospel) for people to hear and a method (the saved) to teach others (the lost).
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17
God commands us to be obedient.
"If you love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15
To not merely listen, but to do what is asked.
Many of us can recall growing up and listening to our father's..and doing what they ask. If we didn't, there would be punishment or consequences. Or, even disappointment.
If we loved our father's, we would obey them.
This is the same with God, our Heavenly Father.
Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind..You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39
Our Heavenly Father commands us to love one another, helping to carry other's burdens.
Showing love, compassion & concern for others.
I was once broken and if it weren't for some truly faithful friends, family & mentors, I am not sure where I would be.
I was once lost..I was once blind..I was once dead..I was once an enemy of God.
We have learned the sinful patterns of this world, but we have a chance to learn a NEW way to live.
I am not perfect...but, I am changed.
We need to repent..in sincerity..and this doesn't just mean confessing our sins, asking for forgiveness and going back to the same way of living.
I knew I needed to turn from one way of living to ways that honor God.
I needed to change my mind and attitude about God- ultimately changing my actions & decisions.
I have been experiencing fear...and while fear is normal, I knew it wasn't of God.
It was a spirit of fear coming from Satan (the fear of the unknown) and not of God (truth).
Everyone is born with spiritual cancer (sin), and Jesus is the cure...He forgives.
I have asked Him to come into my life, a few times.
I loved going to Church. I loved being inspired by His word..but I still wanted to do the same things I was doing. I was still making unwise decisions.
I have learned that I need to surrender my whole life to Jesus..and begin living for Him.
I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit..for my flesh alone is not able to do this.
God has given me another day to glorify Him & I need to make the most of every opportunity!
I love you, Lord.
Your beloved daughter,
Brenda
I was once broken and if it weren't for some truly faithful friends, family & mentors, I am not sure where I would be.
I was once lost..I was once blind..I was once dead..I was once an enemy of God.
We have learned the sinful patterns of this world, but we have a chance to learn a NEW way to live.
I am not perfect...but, I am changed.
We need to repent..in sincerity..and this doesn't just mean confessing our sins, asking for forgiveness and going back to the same way of living.
I knew I needed to turn from one way of living to ways that honor God.
I needed to change my mind and attitude about God- ultimately changing my actions & decisions.
I have been experiencing fear...and while fear is normal, I knew it wasn't of God.
It was a spirit of fear coming from Satan (the fear of the unknown) and not of God (truth).
Everyone is born with spiritual cancer (sin), and Jesus is the cure...He forgives.
I have asked Him to come into my life, a few times.
I loved going to Church. I loved being inspired by His word..but I still wanted to do the same things I was doing. I was still making unwise decisions.
I have learned that I need to surrender my whole life to Jesus..and begin living for Him.
I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit..for my flesh alone is not able to do this.
God has given me another day to glorify Him & I need to make the most of every opportunity!
I love you, Lord.
Your beloved daughter,
Brenda
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