Lust

Lust for more, whether it be material, physical, spiritual, or social gratification can become sin by blinding us to the love of God.  Becoming consumed in achieving immediate satisfaction can result in our settling for much less, now and eternally. A good friend states it this way. “We ‘miss the mark’ by choosing NOT the love of God, but some other less worthy, substantially smaller mark, rather than the all-encompassing and life sustaining love of God.”  Sin is separation from God. Do not let sin disguise itself in happiness and comfort.  God is so worth the effort. Trust Him. He’ll bless you beyond measure.

But now – declares Yahweh – come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Tear your hearts and not your clothes and come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and he relents about inflicting disaster. – Joel 2:12,13

April 23, 2017 - Happiness

I once thought of happiness as a state of mind, yet there are moments in my life that have been filled with unshakable sorrow no matter how hard I tried to shake it.  In prayer, I have come to realize that our emotions are a gift from God.  When we truly anguish through the pains of a sinful world, we are feeling the heart of God.  We grow in understanding, acceptance, hope, and unconditional love. For those who walk close to Him, His emotions become a part of our being.  I give thanks to God for his gifts.  As my sorrow finds peace in God's hands, my heart can be freed to accept the Grace He has for me: the grace of happiness, praise, and thanksgiving.  I pray today that you will be graced with happiness, and filled with the beauty of sharing God's heart.

I know there is no happiness for a human being except in pleasure and enjoyment through life. And when we eat and drink and find happiness in all our achievements, this is a gift from God. - Ecclesiastes 3: 12,13