Declaring Your Independence From Greed and Envy

One of the areas that causes us Americans a lot of distress, is our finances. There never seems to be enough paycheck to meet the monthly expenses. I'm certainly not exempt from this malady. Can any of you relate? Perhaps, if we were really honest with ourselves, the problem is that we're not satisfied with what we have. We've been convinced we have to have MORE. As a population we're bombarded by an average of 4,000 images every day that tell us the products we absolutely "need" in order to be happy. Most of these products appeal to our "flesh", and really aren't needed at all…faster cars, bigger homes, clothes, jewelry, electronics…the list and desires of the flesh seem to be endless.

Do you really think that's what God intended for you? Do you think he made you so you give yourself ulcers while figuring out how to collect more and more "stuff". I really don't think so. Mark shared last week how he visited one of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi, Africa, and met people who had almost nothing, but they were joyful. Their joy came from the Lord; not because they had stuff, but because they were content with God's provisions.

You no longer need to suffer from greed and envy:

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Philippians 4:8-12 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Matthew 6:24-27 (KJV) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

I must admit I have had to discipline myself in this matter, and I very grateful for the times when I am comfortable with only God's provision. It's not easy to fight against the enemy's bombardment of messages, but with Gods help we can all claim the victory.

Blessings to you all.

Bill

Declaring Your Independence From Loneliness and Despair

Jesus loves you, and He wants you to have joy in your life. Unfortunately, many people struggle with despair. Within the last couple months I've learned a close high school friend committed suicide because his depression took him to a place where he felt there was no way conditions would ever get better. Oh, how I wish he knew my dear friend Jesus. Jesus gives hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Jesus gives strength to people who feel they can't take another step. Jesus heals the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical wounds inflicted on us by the world. Jesus allows us to call ourselves daughters and sons of God. He has won the victory on our behalf, and all we have to do is give our life and heart to him.

You no longer need to suffer from the feelings of loneliness and despair:

John 16:32-33 (KJV) Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Matthew 12:50 (KJV) For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. John 14:2-3 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

James 1:2-4 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Christ will help you through any trial. Claim the victory in Him today.

Blessings to you all.

Bill

Declaring Your Independence From Bitterness and Hate

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that God is blessing your lives and drawing you closer in your relationship with Him. We just celebrated the independence of our country. I don't know about you, but the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I have so many special memories tied to the celebration of our country's independence. I also think it's important to remember that the freedoms we enjoy came at a great price. Like many of you, I have had many family members who have fought in just about every major conflict in our nation's history; including a son and a brother fighting in Iraq. I, like most of you, realize that our freedom has not come without the pain and suffering of loved ones throughout our history.

While we celebrate our country's independence once a year, we have another independence that we can celebrate everyday. You see, we all enjoy spiritual freedom because of the price paid by Jesus Christ. Jesus won the victory in a spiritual battle for our souls, and, as a result of his suffering, we can experience freedom from many of the sins used to defeat us. This week I will share with you some of the freedoms you can enjoy through faith in Jesus.

You no longer need to suffer from the feelings of bitterness or hate:

Matthew 5:43-44 (KJV) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 22: 37-39 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

John 14: 12-18 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Christ, through the Holy Spirit, will give you the power to overcome hate and bitterness. Claim the victory in Him today.

Blessings to you all.

Bill