My Daily Journal:
Thinking and praying about the question regarding “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” set me back on my heels today (no praying pun intended).
I realized that while there are worries and elements of seeking “more” that related to desires I have for security and to be able to provide better/more for my family, there was also a strong element within it for the desire to be more generous. I realized that part of the reason I wanted to receive more was to be able to give more. And, while, on first blush that may not sound like a bad thing, I realized that I wanted to give more without it impacting my way of life.
As I read and study the bible, I realize I have that backward. Being obedient and faithful in small things leads to being able to be the same with more. But, shouldn’t we take the first step in the water out of faith, not only after God has parted the water?
I think the net message to me was that God doesn’t want more monetary generosity from me. He wants more of me. If my idea is to give more without giving more of me, my weeds and thorns grow in direct proportion to the crops. My field is in no better shape and I am no closer to God. But if I give more of myself each day to God, then then confidence in Him is returned which kills the weeds and thorns in the field of my life.
My Answers:
7.
Through lies – spreading confusing messages and mistruths, spreading a philosophy of self-indulgence
8.
a.
What is enough? self imposed pressure to “succeed/provide”. The desire to be more generous without it impacting my life.
b.
Where is my heart? (Matt 6:21)
Who am I turning to? (Prov 3:5-6)
c.
My heart is good soil, prepared well by the work of the Holy Spirit, but I’ve allowed the enemy to plan many weeds and thorns which interfere with the production of fruit
The Notes are Good 