Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts 5:3 NIV
We’ve all done it.
I’ve done it,
you’ve done it.
[...]
The disciples could not get it through their thick heads, and I’m guessing, neither can we.
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV
Before we were saved [...]
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, [...]
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
My hand is clamped over my mouth as I think about writing these words. We [...]
Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! [...]
Do you remember when you first believed? If you were an adult, do you remember the feeling, the “eye opening” moment when you realized it’s really all true? Do you remember how you had to question everything you ever knew and put your entire intelligence back in order based on now knowing the truth?
It’s not like it’s a secret. We know it’s going to be hard. We know we are going to face trials. We know that temptations are everywhere. So why are we surprised when it happens?
Why are we so quick to point our finger at others instead of at ourselves, where it belong?
Are you all in? Are you really all in? Have you decided, truly decided that this is it and Christ is the answer and there is no going back?
Food, clothes and shelter are things believers should not dwell on, should not be overly concerned about, according to Jesus. Seek first the kingdom and these necessities will be taken care of. However, I also think that, used more broadly, this thinking could apply to every facet of our lives.
