Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:15-22
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Scripture Quote: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8 NIV)
Christians called to live by faith in the unseen God face a world fearfully ruled by the opinions of imperfect people. Public opinion will do nothing to improve God's righteous judgment of the life lived outside of His Law. Most of us are protected from committing horrendous sin by loss of liberty, loss of reputation, or some other form of consequence for unacceptable behavior. But for the Christian, even if there is no human law enforcement, God’s reign must truly be supreme in the individual's heart?
Believers tithe out of gratitude for God's provision, not so others will think us generous - Our motivation is everything. We can fast, letting our hunger keep us focused on God, or we can make sure other people know how "religious" we are, as we make a big demonstration of our deprivation. God knows if our hearts are humble and obedient or if we are just acting like it. If we place a higher value on what others think, or our material possessions, than on our eternal destination, we will surely pay a dire consequence for those foolish decisions. Make faith in God your life’s priority and rest confidently in Him.
Today’s meditation: Make God’s Ways your heart’s desire.
Memory Verse: For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)