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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, August 5, 2008
$31.00 HOTDOG
Today I watched a news report on the finest dining cuisine in Moscow, Russia. I was shocked at the prices. A curry wurst, which is a type of German sausage (hot dog) with curry flavored catsup, cost $31.25 (and that is without french fries)! If you are a late sleeper, one restaurant offers a brunch just for you at the special price of $312.00. The head chief explained that his customers want luxury at its finest, and money is not obstacle. An evening meal with wine averages $2,43.75. Needless to say, I probably couldn't even afford water and a toothpick at that place! The reporter interviewed a man at one of their luxury clubs. He said, "The finest women, food and wine- what more could you want than that? It's a great life!"
People like that are so blinded to what is really valuable in this life. Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Those of us who belong to the Lord, we have a different view of value and worth. Or do we? If we had that kind of money would we be just as foolish? It is easy to say no, when it is not an option.
Let us think about the reality for a minute. How often do we wish we had a nicer car, or bigger house, or fancier more stylish clothes? I'm not taking about need, I am referring to our hearts lust for "things" that leads us to discontentment.
The truth is that the sinful flesh (our old nature) is the same whether it is in a rich ungodly person in Moscow or a faithful church member in one of God's churches. When we are born-again by faith in Jesus Christ, He gives us a new nature and frees us from the bondage of sin. However, it is my choice, to yield to the Spirit or to my flesh. They are constantly at war. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other:" Galatians 5:17. Romans 6:19 tells us clearly we choose who we will yield to, "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."
It is extremely easy for the ungodly philosophy of the world to filter into our mind. I wonder where we are busy storing up 'treasures'? I recently read a thought provoking statement. "The world says to leave everything here when we die and take nothing into eternity equals success. But to leave nothing here and to take everything into eternity equals failure."
Jesus says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO:"
POINT TO PONDER:Where is your heart child of God?
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- Sandy Hastings August 5, 2008 |
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