Welcome back!
Once again, we have a story in the news just yesterday that stated that
Exxon showed huge profits for the last quarter of last year. Why?
Because they were profitting off of our misery, that is, the price of
gas at the pump. Last year, it reached so high that folks spent more
than they earned and saved. And that would be the second story. It is
very possible that the reason folks could not or would not save as much
as in the past was because of those high gas and heating prices.
Frankly, because of the greed of the one, the other had to suffer.
Greed is one of those seven deadly sins that God is against. The Lord
asks us to seek first His
kingdom and then all
the things we need and desire shall be ours as long as they line up
with the Word of God, His Bible. (Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom
of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to
you.)
Unfortunately, the world is a
very cold place. Greed is a strong factor in what companies do to get a
profit. They will stop at literally nothing to get what they want, which
is more money for themselves. They simply do not care about those who
are buying their product. They will cry and tell you that they are
hurting too, yet they have these huge profits. Our Lord tells us to lay
up treasures in heaven, not in this world, because there are thieves
that can take it. We see that in the oil companies and the profits they
make with the higher prices at the pump. Yes, the price has gone down
but, in the long run, you can expect it to go high again someday. There
will be the usual excuses for why it happened. Do you want to live like
that, making excuses for how you behave or would you rather learn from
the Father about treasure in heaven that cannot be stolen. I know that I
would prefer the heavenly treasures. Wouldn’t you?
For more information on this subject and other articles, please come to
my website. Whether you are a brand new Christian, one who has known the
Lord for many years or perhaps you have never sought the Lord for
anything before now, we have articles to address many questions for you.
I invite you to
Lura’s Bookcase. Thank you for
visiting.
Today I was thinking about just how many people are more interested in
revenge rather than actual forgiveness and they most assuredly do not
want to forgive when they can get the revenge first. Our society is
cold, the hearts of the people have become cold. (Matthew 24:12, "And
because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.") I
think most of us can agree that the word iniquity
(definition-iniquity(n.)Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness. (n.)
A grossly immoral act; a sin.-Webster dictionary) is relevant to today’s
news, can’t we? How about all the murders, rape, road rage,
assassinations. I heard about a guy who, in a drug induced rage, shot
and killed his wife while his little girls watched. How cold is that?
How about when a person’s only reason for living is to get revenge on
someone they believe has hurt them? In their minds, they are living in a
cold and cruel world with no way out. It may completely consume their
lives. So many people are hurting today. So many lives have been hurt or
devastated by thoughtless, heartless individuals who are only seeking a
dollar, their own way or seeking to hurt someone who has hurt them. Does
this seem right to you? Or is there a better way?
As I see it, the better way is the Lord Jesus. Since He has already
forgiven us for our sins, surely forgiving others for theirs is a no
brainer. It is written that we have been forgiven as long as we accept
Jesus into our hearts. But then, it also states that we must forgive
others so that we may be forgiven as well. (Mark 11:25, "And when ye
stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father
also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.")
So, it seems to me that if a person seeks revenge they go against
everything the Lord is teaching us. Does that make sense to you? Take
the time to search your heart to see if you are wanting to seek revenge
on someone. Now, does it take priority over other things (not that it
has to but many people have that problem. It consumes them)? Does it
stay in your mind all the time? Why not seek a better way rather than
putting all of your energy into a negative emotion. It may seem
satisfying to get that revenge for the moment but in the end you will
not feel the satisfaction that you thought you would. It’s time to seek
that better way. Take the high road this time.
If you have not asked Jesus into your heart or if you are not where you
should be with the Lord, please take the time right now to seek out the
Lord. Ask His forgiveness of your sins. Yes, He WILL forgive you of
all…..I said ALL of your sins. Even the ones too nasty to speak, He is
there to take you into His arms and tell you He forgives you. Why?
Because He died on a cruel cross over two thousand years ago just for
you. After you ask forgiveness, which Jesus has in abundance, please ask
Him into your heart where He will reside with you forever. He has told
you that He is knocking at the door to your heart. Please let Him in to
stay with you. Then, look up that dusty Bible and open it to the book of
John. There you will find the story of Jesus and how you have been
saved. We welcome you to the family of the Lord. Please try to find a
church that supports the actual teaching of the scriptures as they were
written.
I invite you to my website for more information and articles on this
subject at Lura’s Bookcase. We
have many articles, stories, poems for you to read. Let us know if you
have questions. We are here to help you to grow in the Lord.
