From: October 21, 2014
Money is a means of exchange, a morally neutral thing that is useful when rightly used. Yet, the love of money is idolatry. It puts money in the place of God. Rather than saying “in God we trust,” it puts its trust in money. The one who loves money sees serving God as a means to get more money, rather than money being a means to serve God. How can we tell if the love of money has infected our hearts? When we feel unable to give to His ministry, or to go on His mission, we may be suffering from the love of money. Giving is the antidote to greed.
From: October 21, 2013
“Take hold” (seize with focused resolve) of the prize of your salvation which is eternal life, and by implication do not try and take hold of worldly things. Focus on the prize. Live as a soldier in a foreign land, not becoming entangled in worldly pursuits, focusing on the victor’s crown of eternal life. What’s in your hand? Release that which is worldly and take hold of that which is eternal and don’t let go.
From: October 21, 2012
A city wall controls both the coming and going of people. Its gates protect from unwanted entry, as well as keeping safe those who should remain within. Self-control is like a wall. It closes the eye, ear, and mouth gates to harmful things. In like manner, it controls what comes out too. Self-control is the 9th attribute of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23). Are your walls broken down? Or have they been rebuilt by God? Who guards your gates?
From: October 21, 2011
Anything can come in or out. There is no gate or filter for what this one allows in his mind, heart and body. There is no control for what he spews out either. But the Fruit of the Spirit is love… and self-control. Let the Spirit rebuild your walls and be the guard at your gates.
From: October 21, 2009
A man (or woman) of God is marked by what they retreat from as much as what they pursue. What are you chasing?