I am not really sure what I am going to be posting on here, so I thought I would start by sharing something that has really effected me today.
I have been checking out a Pastor from southern Cali the past couple days. His name is Francis Chan and I encourage you all to check him out and listen to what he has to say.
He mentions a verse in one of his vlogs that is just so challenging to me and my entire lifestyle. The verse is Proverbs 30:7-9;
"Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
So many people in this world, me included, grew up being taught to always strive for wealth, happiness, safety and comfort. I think back to my life and can now see all the times throughout life where this idea of obtaining all these "things" will make you happy and life will be great has been pushed on me. Unfortunately the bible tells of a different life to live. One of suffering and pain and giving up possessions and living on just what we need and nothing more. The verse above opens our eyes to the kind of thoughts that are so opposite to what we as a society want to believe.
The problem is this verse is so in line with God.
"give me neither poverty nor riches". Who prays this? How many times during a time of prayer with family or your church do you hear people ask God "Hey Lord, I made a lot of money at work this week and all my bills are paid so I gave the rest of it away. Maybe next pay you could give me less because I dont want anymore. Thanks"
I can honestly say I have never heard this prayer but I honestly wish I would pray this prayer. I have known a few people that once they started earning enough money they get comfortable in life and think that they have met all there goals and that they actually earned this money. When in reality none of us have earned anything we have. The truth is, once we obtain everything we WANT we start denying everything we NEED. Once we loose everything we have we start comminting crimes to life and loose touch with God. If we just rely on our daily bread this verse tells us that we will not forget our God.
The awesome part about all this is we know from the scriptures that no matter what ups and downs come to us. If we fully rely on a life devoted to God and nothing more, he will guide us through.
My prayer this day is that we all strive for a constant state of faith in the Lord. I pray that I dont just become satisfies with my faith. I want to learn to lean on Christ and give all things to him and continue to grow and strengthen my faith in Him. I want to be able to give things away, I want to be able to live life without all the earthly 'things' that I cannot take with me and that dont mean a single thing to the Lord all mighty.
Your servant in Christ, Geoff.
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