228/365: Chasing The Right Dream

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ~ 1 John 2:16

While the world exists for our pleasure, the world is not our god. Be careful that your pursuit of the the world doesn't consume your time and energy.

There's nothing wrong with success and enjoying all that this amazing world has to offer. However, true joy and lasting contentment comes when God is your first pursuit - your first love.

GO DEEPER: Matthew 6: 19-24

Next Step: Are you balanced between your pursuit of what the world can give and what God can give?

Old Dude

on 08/17/2023 at 03:51 AM

I have actually made better than average income over my career, yet no amount of material gain has brought happiness, peace and joy, which only God can provide. I wish I had my priorities in order years ago.

Jerome

on 08/16/2023 at 03:29 PM

Satisfaction and gratitude for the blessings our Lord has provided to us is all me and my family need. There is a feeling of peace and contentment knowing that God has taken care of us. I have known many that have followed a worldly path in pursuit of more "toys" (boats, cars, etc.) only for many of them to discover that their toys own them! The attention, maintenance, financial support of such things many times causes stress and anxiety - one has to wonder if such pursuits are worth it. To me, there is contentment with simplicity in life - traveling a worldly path only leads to complications and frustration.

Brandon Pembleton

on 08/16/2023 at 02:22 PM

I believe I am balanced because I don’t feel off or anxious or dread or any of that worldly stuff this morning. This isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of mornings where those creep in. I have learned to ask myself is the because my fearful viewpoint is weighted in greed or ego for example. Often times if I’m really honest with myself that’s exactly where the break is occurring. Fear is a sneaky thing and if I’m operating off of it I will think I need more and more and more of everything you know just in case blah blah blah zombies. This isn’t to say I shouldn’t be prepared for everything but I should prepare for everything by asking the Father what do I actually need and how can I use my talents to serve as many people as possible. When I’m really working on trying to just be of service I feel happy and wouldn’t you know it all of the stuff and things I’d like to have kind of take care of themselves. God keep me grounded in this humble mindset always. It has been and will always be the key to happiness in my life. A life best spent serving You God. I love you God amen 🙏

Ashley Jarvis

on 08/16/2023 at 02:12 PM

My experience has been that there if I truly pursue first God and His kingdom, whatever I’m suppose to have will come. I will have “enough”, and I just experienced this first hand in selling our home. As a matter of fact I can’t remember the last time I “pursued” something worldly that didn’t backfire, aside from things God placed there for me to have. Easiest way to explain this I think would be like fishing… if I start out my day casting a hook but don’t bait it in prayer and surrender, asking for His will to be done today, I’m unlikely to catch any true blessings or opportunities to be of service today. Then, even if I do bait it, if I’m not patient and wait for God’s timing and what it is He has for me rather than what I want to pursue, I’ll keep reeling in an empty hook. I must be patient and wait for that opportunity that I know is from God, and I’ve experienced this enough times, I WILL know when it’s from God so long as I’ve maintained that spiritual connection through the day. If I’m not maintaining that connection, I’ll most likely chase something I’m not suppose to, get distracted, and whatever He had for me today will come and go and there goes my bait for today… Each day has its blessings for us, our challenges, and our rewards, so long as we remain surrendered to His will, and vigilant for His opportunities He provides 🙏🏻

Boyce Moses

on 08/16/2023 at 01:51 PM

Very happy and comfortable where I am. Don’t want more of the world, have enough, and probably too much. Strive to stay focused on the cross as I go through this test called life. Love you Jesus! 🧡🤍💜💛

Justin Barrett

on 08/16/2023 at 01:43 PM

Just heard this message Sunday so true!

RodC

on 08/16/2023 at 01:34 PM

You guys inspire me to be so very grateful for what I have. And to be grateful for the things that I am not tempted by. Thank you both for sharing.

Mike J

on 08/16/2023 at 12:34 PM

Very to Michael. One of my favorite verses is proverbs 13 seven. “ A pretentious showy life is an empty life a plain and simple life is a full life. I am middle class and I don’t think I would want to be any more. God bless everyone and be happy with what God provides

michael f vinning

on 08/16/2023 at 12:13 PM

I guess I am thankful that I am lower middle class, as a high school teacher, my income doesn’t afford me all the luxuries of this world and often I’m dependent upon God to provide for things we need and want! Bc I do know when I was single and in business, I had much more $ and I was always in trouble! Thank you Jesus for the changes in my life that have caused me to rely on you more!!! Amen

228/365: Chasing The Right Dream

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