1 John 2:17 - I want it!

 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17

There are times when we want something. Maybe it is a new job, a new car, a drink, or a half gallon of ice cream. Whatever our desires are, we have to keep our main focus on the will of God. In the end, none of those things we want really matter. They may be good things, and it is ok to want and get them as long as it is not at the expense of the will of God. When the pursuit of these things cause us anxiety and to make sinful choices, then we need to put God back in first place and reasses our desires.

Lord. Thank you for all of the gifts of this world. Please help us to keep you and your will as the most important thing in our lives. Amen.

Psalm 147:10-11 - What makes God happy?

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
     nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
     who put their hope in his unfailing love.

In the first two lines, In my head I modernize this verse to this: His pleasure is not in cars or athletes. Humans are drawn to strength and victory. We love to drool over new cars and cheer on sports teams. But God is not impressed by these things. This is not where he finds "delight". He finds happiness in us, in those who fear him, love him and put their hope in him.

Lord, thank you for delighting in us. Please help us to always fear you and put our hope in your unfailing love. Amen.

Matthew 6:19-24 - Bible Study Challenge Day 5

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Question 1 - What treasures do we lay up here on earth?
Out treasures can be stuff. We fill our lives and houses with stuff. In the last few day I have spent a bunch of money on a bunch of stuff. It is easy to find our value in the stuff we purchase. Our treasures may be the things/activities we give our time and effort to, especially if it is more time and effort than we give to God. Our treasure may be our savings or retirement account. It's good to think ahead, be prepared and plan to take care of ourselves when we retire, but investments can fail, big expenses can drain us financially and all can be lost. We must be careful we are putting our trust and value in God, not our savings.

Question 2 - How can we keep the light in us?
We are a vessel for light. The more broken we are, the more light gets out to share with the world. We must fill our vessel daily/hourly through prayer, study and meditation, by believing and trusting in God.

Question 3 - Who or what competes to be our master?
So many things!!! Anything we obey rather than God. This could be our job, spouse, children, presidents, food and other addictions, money, etc...