Central Truth

God through the Holy Spirit is warning us today. Do not be entangled in the cares of this world but focus on the things that will help you keep the faith. The world is going to lure you with it's  false charm. Be sensitive to God's voice. Trust and obey.

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Reflections

I met this dear sister in the Lord who is a gifted artist. She was able to help the church and  support the ministry of her husband. One day she wanted to talk to me to me about something that had been bothering her. One day, I asked her out to lunch so we could talk. She had encountered problems with some church members who was offended by her "working" on the side. Some people in and out of church believe that the pastor's wife should not work but concentrate on assisting her husband. She asked me if it was a sin to continue to paint. I asked her, "If Jesus calls you to follow Him, in the middle of your painting job, are you going to leave what your doing?" She said, "Why of course! I would not trade serving Jesus for anything in this world."

Attaining a career and gaining material possessions is not sin. It becomes sin if those things hinder you from obeying God. If the things we have acquired are distracting us or preventing us from serving Him then that is where the problem lies. Do we love God less because of what we're engaged in? 

Lot's wife was in love with the things of Sodom. She didn't obey the instructions God gave. The pull of the world was so strong. It made her disobey God. She had to take one last look and perished. We have to guard our hearts. Matthew 6:19-20 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 
(NIV) 

God speaks to us even today: "Don't look back. Leave the world behind. Set your minds on things above for you are not of this world. You're merely passing through. Don't hesitate!  Flee for your life!"

May the Holy Spirit help us to hear and obey!

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Discussion Questions

1. Is there anything in your life today that is hindering you from following God. ?

2. Are you willing to surrender all to follow Him?

3. How can you cultivate sensitivity to God's voice.

4. What steps can you take so that you will not be swayed towards the cares of this world?

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