Needs Compared to Wants

When we take time to examine our needs as compared to what we actually have, how can we help but be thankful for what God provides? However, there tends to be a relationship between our lack of dependency on God and the desire to satisfy our own needs for ourselves.

Everyone, with few exceptions, searches for a better life. Yet those first immigrants who came to America set aside time to celebrate and be thankful for what God provided. Jesus said, "I've come that you may have life abundantly." That does not mean an abundance of things, but of peace, joy, forgiveness, and eternal life with God. 

Jesus also said, "I am the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep." No matter how extensive our possessions, El Shaddai, the “all-sufficient God,” is able to provide adequately for what wealth cannot offer. That should give us a thankful heart filled with gratitude and the desire to praise God for his kindness.                            

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Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

~1 Chronicles 16:8-9 English Standard Version

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Values: Boundary Markers for Living - Part 3

The idea that God is interested in you may be difficult to believe and accept. He not only has an interest in his creation, but he pursues you for his purpose so your days on the earth will be worthwhile. What does he ask in return? To love him with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

This command is not easy because it requires identifying and analyzing your values. Someone told me her priorities were her career first, then family, her social life, and finally God. Then she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. Confined to convalescence for an extended time, she was forced to rethink her purpose and goals for her life.

Identifying and analyzing your values may result in life-changing decisions. That God is interested in you and will pursue you is validated by Jesus' words, "I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." To accept that God is interested in you may require rearranging your values to include his love and purpose for you.