Relationships for the Glory of God

Here is a principle in scripture that if we would just grasp it and trust God by faith, we would all be a happier and more secure people.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away."
Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Do you live in light of eternity? This world, especially our culture, is absorbed in an "American Dream." They are living for materialism and for each other. God gives the blessing of human relationships but they are only able to be a blessing when the LORD Jesus Christ is sitting on the throne, in REALITY, in your life. You may think in your mind, "Yes, the Lord is on the throne." But is that the reality? As the time is short that we have on earth and the Lord's return is near, has the enemy deceived you and robbed you of labor in prayer, sharing with the lost and discipling others because you have become consumed with making life for yourself here on earth? Have you considered the people that God has placed in your life as people to minister to? Do you seek to get your needs met by them? You will only waste years of your life and expend energy trying real hard only to learn and realize God never created them to meet your needs. This verse in 1 Corinthians may seem radical to you, but let me suggest it to be more logical, practical and wise above being radical. By obeying this verse by faith and using your emotions and energies for the things of the kingdom of God, things that will not fade away, you will remove vast amounts of disappointment, sorrow and tension in your human relationships. Please do not misunderstand and take this out of context...what you sow into a relationship is what you will reap. Your relationships are to be a testimony and witness to the lost world around you. But do not believe the preaching of the world that you have to live like they do. You do not HAVE to be materialistic. You do not HAVE to experience all the joys this world has to offer. The world is living like this because they are seeking what we already have! They are searching for what we have found! Allow this teaching in scripture to FREE you and FREE your friends and loved ones. When conflict or trials come in a friendship allow it to deepen the friendship. God puts us in situations in relationships so we can learn how to live out our Christian faith. The deepest being that of a relationship with a spouse. How wonderfully sanctifying! How beautiful the process can be. When Billy and I were engaged, God very persistently gave us Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God gives us what we need. He will not allow people and things to satisfy because God is into reality. Do not believe and illusion that we live this out perfectly, but by God's grace alone it is our goal. God alone can meet our needs and in His goodness He does not allow the things of this world to give us satisfaction to our soul. We have the choice to test God in seeking these things to satisfy, but we will be choosing to learn the hard way. Love others and put them before yourself. JESUS IS COMING! The time is short and He is returning soon! Are you ready?????

Treasures from Psalm 119

Be refreshed with these sweet reminders...

Is the Word of God alive to you?
Pray Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law."

Are you entangled in sin? Make God's Word your treasure...then your heart will be attached.
Matthew 6:21 "For where your is, there will your heart be also."
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee."

Held in bondage by unguarded eyes?
Psalm 119:37 "Turn my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways." If your focus is on the treasures of this world and what the world craves after regarding success, beauty and satisfaction...your character will be shallow because all of these things are here for a moment.

Affliction can be good
Psalm 119:67 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word."
God is faithful.

Remember your responsibility
Psalm 119:101 "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word."
Oh the pain we can avoid! Remember how weak we are and be wise in your daily decisions. See sin for what it is. Call it what it is.

Remain faithful
Psalm 119: 130 "The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
Be faithful to be in God's Word and you will day by day, month by month, year by year and God will open you eyes to truth more and more. You may not understand a lot now but He will be faithful to give you understanding.

Broken is beautiful
Psalm 119:136 "My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Thy law."

Don't want to stumble? Love God's Word.
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble."
It doesn't say those who read or know God's law, it says those who LOVE it. Set up your life around treasuring God's Word, then your heart will be attached...you will LOVE His Word. Love is most powerful. Guard your heart with God's Word and the enemy will be restricted in your life.

OVERCOMING FEELING UNLOVED

Here is an excerpt taken from Beth Moore's Book "Praying God's Word." I pray you will be so edified!

"Whether we seek to have our cup filled through approval, affirmation, control, success, or immediate gratification, we are miserable until something is in it. I have come to dearly love and appreciate Psalm 143:8 (NIV): 'Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.' What a heavy yoke is shattered when we awaken in the morning, bring our hearts, minds and souls and all their "needs" to the Great Soul-ologist, offer Him our empty cups, and ask Him to fill them with Himself! No one is more pleasurable to be around than a person who has had her cup filled by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only One who is never overwhelmed by the depth and length of our need. Imagine how different out days would be if we had our cups filled by Christ first thing in the morning. During the course of the day, anything else anyone is able to offer could be just the overflow of an already full cup. This person will never lack company or affection because she draws daily from the well of unfailing love. This blessed of all believers will know from experience what the apostle Paul meant in Colossians 2:10 (KJV); 'Ye are complete in Him.'"
-Beth Moore, Praying God's Word

GOD LOVES YOU

"God loves you and there's nothing you can do about it." -Billy Graham