Tag Archives: instant gratification

July 21st 2023 – Choosing God Over the World

In our journey of faith, we are constantly faced with choices that can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. The apostle John, in his first letter, reminds us of the importance of choosing God over the world. In 1st John 2:15-17, he highlights three specific areas where we often find ourselves tempted: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

The “lust of the flesh” refers to our desires for physical pleasure and satisfaction that can easily lead us astray. It encompasses anything that appeals to our sinful nature, such as indulging in unhealthy habits, seeking instant gratification, or pursuing selfish desires without considering the consequences. When we prioritize these worldly cravings, we distance ourselves from the love of the Father.

Similarly, the “lust of the eyes” speaks to our longing for material possessions, wealth, and worldly success. Our society bombards us with messages that equate happiness with accumulation and consumption. However, John reminds us that these desires are fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. True contentment and eternal satisfaction can only be found in our relationship with God.

Lastly, John warns against the “pride of life,” which encompasses the pursuit of personal status, recognition, and power. It is the tendency to exalt ourselves above others and place our own will and desires above God’s. This prideful attitude can lead us down a path of self-centeredness and arrogance, hindering our ability to fully surrender to God’s plan for our lives.

As believers, we are called to be set apart from the world and to live in accordance with God’s will. We should not conform to the patterns and values of this world but rather seek to align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus Christ. By choosing God over the world, we can experience the abundant life that He promises us.

Let us remember that the world and its desires are temporary, passing away like the fading flowers. But whoever does the will of God lives forever. Our Heavenly Father’s love is eternal, unwavering, and surpasses any pleasure, possession, or power this world can offer. When we fix our eyes on Him, we find true joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

So today, let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives and identify areas where we may have been drawn towards the world rather than towards God. Let us ask for His forgiveness and seek His guidance to help us make choices that honor Him. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist worldly temptations and choose the path that leads us closer to our loving Creator.

Remember, you are never alone in your journey of faith. Lean on God’s wisdom and seek guidance from fellow believers as you navigate the choices before you. May your heart be filled with God’s love and your steps be guided by His truth. God bless you abundantly!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs us. Help us, dear Lord, to discern the ways of the world and to choose You above all else. Forgive us for the times we have allowed worldly desires to take precedence over our love for You. Fill our hearts with a deep longing for You and grant us the strength to walk in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior?

If you do not know Him personally. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. We truly are living in the end days, a d the only road to Heavwn is through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

July 20th 2023 – Setting Aside Childish Ways

As Christians, we are called to grow in faith and maturity, leaving behind the things of our past that hinder our spiritual progress. Just as a child must put away childish behaviors and thoughts to become a mature adult, so too must we set aside the childish things of our spiritual journey.

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Childishness can manifest in various ways in our lives. It can include immaturity, selfishness, and a lack of understanding or discernment. These things hinder our growth in Christ and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of His blessings and purpose for our lives.

When we talk like a child, we may use our words to tear down others, gossip, or speak unkindly. However, as we grow in Christ, our speech should be filled with grace, encouragement, and truth. We should strive to build others up, speaking life into their situations, and glorifying God with our words.

When we think like a child, we may focus on our own desires and seek instant gratification. But as mature believers, we should seek God’s wisdom and align our thoughts with His truth. We should prioritize His will and consider the needs of others, putting aside selfish ambitions for the sake of serving and loving others.

When we reason like a child, we may lack discernment and make decisions based on our emotions or worldly perspectives. However, as we mature in our faith, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and allow God’s Word to shape our thinking. We should strive for wisdom and discernment, making choices that align with God’s truth and bring glory to Him.

Setting aside childish things requires intentional effort and a humble heart. It means surrendering our own desires and seeking God’s will in every aspect of our lives. It means growing in our understanding of God’s Word and allowing it to transform our thoughts, words, and actions.

Let us commit ourselves to the process of maturity in Christ, seeking His guidance and relying on His strength. As we set aside childish behaviors and thoughts, we will experience the freedom and joy that come from walking in alignment with God’s purposes for our lives.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I humbly come before you today, asking for your guidance and strength as I seek to grow in spiritual maturity. Lord, I recognize that there are areas in my life where I still cling to childish behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes. I ask for your forgiveness for any immaturity, selfishness, or lack of discernment that has hindered my growth in you.

Father, I surrender these childish things to you and ask that you replace them with your wisdom, grace, and understanding. Help me to speak words that build others up, encourage, and reflect your love. Remove any harshness, gossip, or negativity from my speech, and fill my mouth with words that bring life and honor to you.

Lord, I also ask for a transformation in my thought life. Give me the ability to think like you, to align my thoughts with your truth, and to focus on your will and purposes. Help me to put aside selfish ambitions and instead prioritize serving and loving others. Grant me discernment and clarity of mind, that I may make choices that reflect your wisdom and bring glory to your name.

Father, I know that this process of maturity requires your grace, patience, and guidance. I pray that you would continue to mold me into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach me to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, allowing Him to lead me in all areas of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love and for never giving up on me. I trust in your faithfulness and power to transform me into a mature believer. May my life be a reflection of your grace and may others be drawn closer to you through my growth and maturity. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior?

If you do not know Him personally. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. We truly are living in the end days, a d the only road to Heavwn is through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org