IS A LIFE OF COMFORT TRULY WHERE GOD WANTS US TO BE ?

As the year 2022 moves toward a close I find myself contemplating how the past year has gone, and truly realizing with a lot of Gratitude just how fortunate I am. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, a secure life financially, and a group of truly amazing friends. I have the freedom to pursue my interests and hobbies, and the ability to travel and enjoy the beauty of God’s incredible creation. All in all, a very comfortable life. In America, it is sometimes hard to really comprehend what it is like to Not Be Comfortable. It is hard to comprehend what it is like to be constantly hungry; to be out in the cold with barely enough to keep oneself warm; to go to sleep hungry and wake up hungry; to be alone and afraid. Many people who have found my blog are from a wide variety of countries all over the world. I know that their lives are often Not Comfortable in the material sense, and yet in my heart I know that they have a strong Faith and Appreciation for God despite their trials and circumstances. Many of these brothers and sisters are living in countries that are torn by War and Persecution. In places full of danger and fear that are often without freedom, YET. THEY FIND DEEP FAITH, PEACE, AND JOY. I sense that what moves their lives to this place has nothing to do with Comfort, but Everything To Do With GOD. GOD IN THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY ! Believing that HE WILL PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEEDS. It is truly humbling to see that kind of Faith and Endurance despite having so many needs. What it exemplifies in my heart and mind is that My Focus needs to change and address my idea of being Comfortable. I recently started a book on Deep Faith and perhaps the most impactful lesson I am taking in is that Our Faith Grows The Most When We Are Not Comfortable ! WE GROW THE MOST WHEN WE ARE CHALLENGED. In the Valley we must look upward and struggle to Higher Ground.

THEREFORE I TELL YOU, DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT YOU WILL EAT OR WHAT YOU WILL DRINK, NOR ABOUT YOUR BODY, WHAT YOU WILL PUT ON. IS NOT LIFE MORE THAN FOOD, AND THE BODY MORE THAN CLOTHING ? Matthew 6:25

DO NOT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, WHERE MOTHS AND RUST DESTROY AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK IN AND STEAL, BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTHS NOR RUST DESTROY AND WHERE THIEVES DO NOT BREAK IN AND STEAL. FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. Matthew 6: 19-21

AND HE SAID TO THEM, “TAKE CARE AND BE ON GUARD AGAINST ALL COVETOUSNESS, FOR ONE’S LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS POSSESSIONS.” Luke 12:15

When we truly contemplate what brings us the most Peace and Satisfaction should it really revolve around Possessions and Our Own Comfort and Achievements ? The Things we Do and Achieve In Our Lives are of Importance, but as I am maturing in my faith I am finding it is more important to focus on How I Use Those Things. That question is of much more significance. Am I sharing my wealth and successes with others ? Am I a good steward of my blessings in using them to bless others ? Or am I gathering everything unto myself ? My possessions for My pleasure and Comfort because I Achieved it and I Deserve it. Is my COMFORT more important than to be always looking to Help Others In Need ? I live in one of the most Prosperous Nations in the world, and yet I See A Lot Of People In Need ! Homelessness. Hunger. Anxiety. Fear. Lack Of Trust. Anger. Hate. And most sadly, No Presence of God in Their Lives….. IT HAS TO STOP ! We need a NEW MESSAGE. I hear Jesus’s voice over and over saying “ GET THE MESSAGE OUT “ !!! “I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.” “ I AM YOUR PEACE AND SALVATION. “ “COME AND BE MINE, AND WALK IN MY WAYS”. Move out of your comfortable existence and GO FORTH AND MAKE DISCIPLES.

SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON THE EARTH. Colossians 3:12

COMMIT YOUR WORK TO THE LORD AND YOUR PLANS WILL BE ESTABLISHED. Proverbs 16:3

YOU KEEP HIM IN PERECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU. Isaiah 26:3

AND HE SAID TO THEM, “GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO THE WHOLE CREATION.” Mark 16:15

The year 2022 is slowly drawing to a close. Will we spend it adding to our possessions and chasing comfort and pleasure or will we look to do something else ? It is a hard question, because we are all pulled by routines and habits to hear many voices other than God’s. I believe more than ever that THIS IS THE TIME TO SEEK AND HEAR GOD ! There is a cry from all the earth for GOD’S PRESENCE. From the faithful believer to those who refuse to see or hear anything about Him, GOD IS WATCHING HIS CREATION. God is aware of all of mankind’s needs as well as the multitude of weakness and shortfalls. WE WHO FOLLOW HIM ARE A VOICE UNTO THE WORLD…..unless we remain SILENT, choosing to remain comfortable. Jesus came to earth as a man and walked among us. He came to show us THE KINGDOM OF GOD. JESUS IS GOD”S KINGDOM. Will you choose to give your life to Him and put your shoulder to the plow and move mountains for His Glory ? May It Be So :) GET THE MESSAGE OUT/JAA

TO THIS END WE ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOU, THAT OUR GOD MAY MAKE YOU WORTHY OF HIS CALLING AND MAY FULFILL EVERY RESOLVE FOR GOOD AND EVERY WORK OF FAITH BY HIS POWER. 2 Thessalonians 1:11