Remember, You are in This World, but not of This World (9.20.16)

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. - Proverbs 27:6

Faith Believers,
We all seek happiness in life, and we often look for the answer in worldly things; like making lots of money, getting a great job, or even finding the perfect significant other. Can you relate? Though the world makes us believe these things will satisfy us, true comfort and happiness do not come from worldly things. Rather, happiness comes from GOD, and the Bible shows us this over and over again.

Let’s be reminded of Esau, the firstborn and favorite son of Abraham’s son, Isaac. In Genesis 25 and 27, it tells how he lost his birthright and blessing. Esau ignored what was important to his father. His life shows what can happen to “those who look to this world for their reward.” (Psalm 17:14) Expect trouble from the world (John 16:33), even persecution (John 15:20).

Friendship with the world is an offense to GOD (James 4:4). Instead, love the world the way Jesus did (John 3:16). Reject all its temptations (1 John 2:15-16), deny yourself, and embrace the cross (Luke 9:23). The only way to really win in life is to resist the satisfaction the world offers (Mark 8:35). Christians gain victory over the world by our faith (1 John 5:4)! How amazing is that?

Many of the Bible’s stories warn us about looking for comfort from this world, rather than from GOD, to help us learn more about how we should avoid making the same mistakes.

The life of Samson was a story of entitlement and pride. Samson felt his chosen status (Judges 13:7) and great strength gave him the right to immorality. He once set eyes on an attractive pagan woman and told his parents, “I want to marry her. Get her for me” (Judges 14:2). Can you relate to these lustful and entitled feelings? Many of us can. The world makes us believe these feelings are okay, but what does the Bible tell us? Samson was deceived by Delilah, blinded and enslaved in the temple of an idol. This is a warning and a reminder to us not to live our lives in the same way.

When you are told you do not fit into an environment, or group of people; or you are different and people shun you, PRAISE GOD!!!!!! GOD has made it clear to us that we cannot be His child and be friends with this world. Remember beloveds, you are in this world but not of this world.
  -  Marilyn