Finally...another post!!

How long has it taken me to get this done? I know Katie...I've been a real slacker! Actually, my problem is that I've been the exact opposite of a slacker...I've been busy!

Verse of the Day:
"15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

1 John 2:15-17

What does it mean to me? It means I need to stop being so focused on the things I want (new home, new car, new clothes, etc.) and to focus more on the things God wants (aka: The things I NEED). I got so caught up in wanting things that I didn't realize how uncontent I was and what a bad attitude I had in my heart! God has blessed me with so much and instead of being unhappy with what he has given me, I need to be content and thankful in what he has given and provided. I need to be confident in His promise that He will take care of me and provide everything I need. God's provision is enough for me! Amen!

Belief

Inspired by "Battling Unbelief" by John Piper
Faith & Belief in God's promises are so important to our quality of life. When I talk about 'quality of life' I'm not referring to the clothes we wear or the car we drive. I'm talking about the mindset we have as we walk around every day. If we do not believe in God's promises for our future ("future grace" John Piper calls it), then we're missing out on peace and joy AND opening ourselves up to sin. When we don't believe what God has promised us for the future (whether the future be two seconds, two years, or twenty years), we decide we'll handle things on our own, which in and of itself is a sin (putting ourselves above God).

I've only read the Introduction and the 1st chapter and I've already gotten so much out of this book! Thank God for the inspiration he has given to men like John Piper, who can help open the eyes and hearts of believers and unbelievers, giving freedom for today and tomorrow!