Things of This World

When we lived on Tonya Ct. in Bonita Springs, FL I loved my one bedroom/one bath home, my flower gardens, my mini-van and my Pomeranian and calico cat. However, my dog died and we sold our Tonya Ct. home.

Things of this world are temporary at best. I've always loved sappy movies, treasure hunting at thrift stores, writing novels and devotionals, walking in nature, hanging out with my husband and worshipping with God’s people.

Yet, we can lose our standard of living or people or things that we cherish in this life without a moment's notice. 

I always attempt to remove anything in my life that causes a spiritual impediment. I deal with any physical ailment using nature’s remedies and with as little medicine and surgery as possible. Yet, we all die of something.

Once I get the “big one” that is going to take my life, I will not fight it; because I look forward to my homecoming in Heaven. How can I say this?

In Christ dwells all the fullness of the triune God; and this same powerful Jesus dwells in us. He hides us with Himself in God (Colossians 2:9, 3:3; Romans 6:8).

Prayer:

Father God, we are Your offspring and You transform us with ever increasing glory into the likeness of Your Son (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 12:2). Christ is glorified in us when we live and move and have our existence in Him (Acts 17:28; John 17:10).

Sanctify us until we exhibit Christ’s character in us, which is the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With Your divine nature infusing every part of our spirit, body and soul – our mind, choices and emotions, we live a fulfilled and victorious life (Acts 17:28-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Thought for the Day:

God wants to fill us through all of our being with all of His fullness, so that we might acquire the richest measure of His divine presence within us until we are completely filled and flooded to overflowing with God Himself (Ephesians 3:16-19; 4:13 Amplified Bible).

Life's Simple Pleasures

Many people question my sanity. I am weird by their way of thinking. I have two pair of shoes - one for home and one for dress. I buy all my clothes at the thrift store or clearance racks. I make my own jewelry, unless it is a gift. I clean my own home and cook most of our meals myself from scratch.

My husband has this same mindset. We have basic cable; we live in a trailer without a mortgage, instead of an expensive house; and we do not pay exorbitant amounts of money for entertainment. He even makes his own Folgers coffee at home.

We have no expensive "toys", but spend our free time walking in nature and rocking on the front porch. We have one car and paid no interest on it. We also take staycations instead of lavish trips - of course, it helps that we already live in Florida.

We live below our means, tithe even on financial gifts and bonuses, and share our savings with missionaries and the needy in our community and around the world. Why do we do this? Do we have a spirit of poverty or a martyr complex?

We simply came to the realization that we are not of this world (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). We find joy in life's simple pleasures and would prefer to spend time with people than things. We have no desire to partake in the allurement of this world; it does not interest us at all.

We find more joy in listening to worship music, writing our devotional blogs, discussing God's Word, ministering in our local church and being involved in our community, so that God can open doors for us for His divine appointments.

We are Saints, not because of our habits, attitude and focus, but due to what Christ did for us on Calvary's cross. Our chosen lifestyle is a result of His character and nature within us. He gave us the mind of Christ, and we love what He loves and are not interested in the excesses of this life.

Prayer: Father God, whatever we do, it is for Your glory, even something as mundane as eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). You do care about what we eat and drink, because You want us to care for our body, which is Your temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). You bring health to our bones (Proverbs 3:8).

In the beginning, we loved You because You first loved us (1 John 4:19). Then, we gradually grew deeper in love with You until we can honestly say, "Though You slay me; yet, I will serve You" (Job 13:15). This is when we knew that we are living in union with You alone (1 Corinthians 10:31). We enjoy serving You, our Savior, who are also our help and deliverer.

Thought for the Day:

The good things in life often become the enemy of the best things; let those who love God's salvation magnify Him with our body, spirit and soul - thoughts, choices and emotions - so that we do not partake in the excesses of this world. 

- Psalm 70