Desires

July 19th – Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

Many people struggle with being control freaks, feeling an overwhelming need to manage every detail of their lives. This relentless pursuit of control often stems from fear, anxiety, and a lack of trust in anything beyond themselves. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 offers a profound truth for those who follow Jesus. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Trusting in God frees us from the burden of needing to control everything. When we place our faith in Him, we acknowledge that our understanding is limited and that His wisdom is infinitely greater. This act of surrender is liberating, allowing us to experience peace and assurance that God is in control. By submitting our plans and desires to Him, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and guidance. Instead of being consumed by the anxiety of uncertainty, we can rest in the knowledge that God is orchestrating every aspect of our lives for our good. Trusting in God transforms our perspective, freeing us from the chains of control. And it leads us on a path of faith, hope, and love.

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April20th – James 5:7

James 5:7

Waiting for spring takes great patience, as we wait for the warmth of the sun and the beautiful colors of blooming flowers and trees. Yet just as the changing seasons do so gradually, so too does God’s plan for our lives take shape in His perfect timing. In James 5:7, we are reminded of the importance of patience as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises. Like seeds planted in fertile soil, our dreams and desires require time to take root and grow. So today, let us cultivate patience as we trust in God’s sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness. And let us embrace the season of waiting with a heart of gratitude, knowing that each moment brings us closer to the realization of the Lord’s purpose for our lives. Because as we surrender our timelines to His divine wisdom, we’ll find peace in the certainty that His plan is always greater than our own. With unwavering faith and steadfast trust, we can navigate the journey ahead. And do so trusting in God’s perfect timing, knowing all things will unfold according to His perfect will.

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August 15th – Colossians 3:2

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

With all the distractions of daily living, it’s easy to set our minds on earthly concerns and priorities. That’s why Paul encourages us to be intentional in our thinking. To instead purposely set our minds on heavenly matters. But what are these things from above which should be our focus? First is God’s will. We should be constantly seeking to understand and align our lives with God’s purposes and desires. And there’s eternal truths to focus on. The unchanging truth of God’s Word and the teachings of Jesus. And how about our spiritual walk? One of greatest priorities should be our own spiritual development and maturity in Christ. By keeping our hearts attuned to the heavenly, we navigate life’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose, finding contentment in God’s presence and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives. This enriches our spiritual journey. And it reminds us of the wonderful and imperishable treasures that await us beyond this world.

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July 23rd – Proverbs 16:1

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Man plans and God laughs.” But although a funny way to describe the unpredictability of life, it’s hardly the truth. Because nowhere in the Bible does God tells us not to plan ahead. In fact it would be rather foolish to live life by the seat of our pants. And if He didn’t want us to make plans, God wouldn’t have given us the gift of free will to make choices and decisions for ourselves. A free will which allows us to take responsibility for our actions, learn from our experiences, and grow on our spiritual journey. Our Father understands that we each have our own intentions and desires. But for our good, it’s essential to surrender them to the wisdom and will of the Lord. To be open to His guidance, and trust in the path He chooses. For He knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us beyond measure, and wants only the best for our lives. And in Jeremiah 29:11 God gives us His beautiful promise that the wonderful plans He has for us include, “a future and a hope.”

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July 8th – Proverbs 15:6

Proverbs 15:6

In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.”

As a teenager I remember watching the television program, “Lifestyles of the Rich and a famous.” Oh how I longed for such a life filled with glitz and glamour. Greed is a powerful desire. And if we aren’t careful, that desire can be the downfall of even the strongest Christian. Because the pull of wanting more can lead us to do things that we may end up regretting for a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to lead a life of righteousness and integrity. Important to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with God.  And that the most precious treasures are the spiritual ones that come from living a Christ-centered life. Anything we get apart from God and through ill gotten gains maybe give us a moment of pleasure, but will always lead to destruction. But unlike worldly treasures that fade or can be lost, the treasures given to us by God are eternal and unchanging. They remind us of His unwavering faithfulness, abundant provision, and unconditional love for us. And more far more precious than any amount of gold.

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July 7th – Proverbs 17:24

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom is before him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”

One of the Hebrew words used to describe foolishness is “nabal.” It means someone who has lost spiritual perception, the one always searching for something. In our fast-paced and consumer-driven society, everywhere we turn we are we enticed by the newest trends, technologies, and experiences. No wonder we are always looking for the latest and greatest. But Solomon warns us about the dangers of constantly chasing after the next best thing. Because the pursuit of instant gratification and the constant need to keep up with the Jones can leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. Instead of being driven by the fleeting desires of the moment, we should focus on developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values. By doing so, we can make more meaningful choices and find contentment in the present. Rather than constantly chasing after the next shiny object. By focusing on what truly matters, we can make wiser choices, set meaningful goals, and lead a purposeful life.

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March 1st – Philippians 4:1

Philippians 4:19

An old Indian proverb says, “a harvest of peace grows from seeds of contentment.”  A wonderful but difficult sentiment. Especially in a world that constantly bombards us with images of how we should look and what we should have in order to be happy and successful. Discontentment is one of Satan’s most powerful tools of the trade. He loves for our focus to be on what we don’t have instead of all that we do. But what we want isn’t always what we need. And no one knows that better than God. That’s why He promises to always supply everything we require, not everything we desire. From His abundant grace and love, our Heavenly Father is faithful to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. And as His children, we can have confidence in His faithfulness goodness, love, and provision.

 

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January 14th – Psalm 20:4

Psalm 20:4

David was a king who loved his people. And out of that love he prayed that God would grant them the desires of their hearts and fulfill the plans He had for them. We too need to be praying for one another. For we each have hopes, dreams, and goals. And out of a Christlike love, we should be praying that God would fulfill both the desires and His purpose for all, and rejoice when those prayers are answered. Because praying for each other is a privilege and one that God wants us to exercise often in both love and togetherness.

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