Evidence of God's Presence

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless--cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything--encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
{1 Peter 4:7-11}

when i read these verses i think about Romans 13:14, which says, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit are we capable of praying and loving other, including doing all kinds of good things for others.

in today's culture we are so afraid of being injured that we justify driving by a family whose car has a flat tire. we refuse to look into the eyes of a man sitting on the street corner holding a paper cup. we turn the tv station when we see a commercial asking for financial support for starving children in foreign countries. we justify spending $65 on a pair of jeans just to give away our 1/2 worn out ones to a homeless shelter. we think we need to have our nails done.

how and when did the devil trick us into being so selfish? when did we allow him to get that stronghold? how and when are we going to reliquish his power so that we can "love our neighbors as ourselves"?

starting today i'm going to make more of an effort to spiritually discern what is need and what is want. i'm going to make an effort to give what i can for the good of those around me. i admit that i've slacked too long, wasted too much money, and dulled my senses.

Living Water,
i have allowed the world to slip into my life. my senses have been dulled by the world. please, Holy Spirit, come and awaken me. Father, give me a discerning Spirit that i may seek to follow You in all my spending. Open my eyes to others around me who may need a helping hand. let me be quick to respond.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*LeeAnn *William *Nick