Feb 27 2022

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

We know that God provides for our needs and takes care of us, but he also warns us about the temptation to be greedy.

Greed is not always a temptation to hoard and spend money. This afternoon's verse in Luke warns us to "beware of covetousness." Another way to say that is "guard against every kind of greed."

Some people have a desire to obtain more and more possessions, but there are other ways a selfish attitude can affect us. For instance, maybe we think someone is better looking than we are, so we try to look like the person. Or maybe a coworker is more skilled than we are, or has more friends than we have, and this makes us envious.

We have to guard our hearts and ask God to help us fight the temptation to always want more. When we realize that everything we have comes from God, it changes the way we view our possessions. It's difficult to complain about what we have or the abilities we possess when we remember that they are gifts from God.

Life consists of much more than material wealth. Let's ask God to help us not be greedy or covetous, but to be thankful for everything we have.

Dear Lord, there is a joy that comes from being content with what I have. Let it be enough for me, knowing that you have given me everything. Take away the hunger in my soul that always craves more earthly wealth. Help me not compare my life to others. Remind me to be thankful for what you have allowed me to steward while I'm on Earth. In Jesus's name, amen.

Feb 26 2022

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. :

Jesus is the only human who has ever lived and never sinned.

We read in the New Testament that Jesus had half-brothers. Imagine what it must have been like to be the brother of Jesus! If we think it's difficult to live up to the pristine example of an older sibling, think about the implications if Jesus, the Son of God, was your brother.

He always told the truth, never made a bad decision, didn't give in to temptation, and the list goes on. Jesus was perfect.

However, this afternoon's verse in Corinthians tells us that this perfect man took on our sin when He died on the cross. Our mistakes and sins died with Him. Because He was raised to life, we have the opportunity to have a new life in Him.

It's interesting that Jesus' own brothers didn't believe He was the Son of God at the time of His death (John 7:5). They saw that Jesus was different from everyone else, and they knew Him in a different way, but still, they didn't believe.

Later on in Scripture, we read that at least two of His brothers became believers. Today, we can choose to follow the One who lived a sinless life and died for us so we can have a relationship with Him for eternity.

It takes faith for us to believe that Jesus was who he was and is. But God can increase our faith if we take the first step to trust Him.

Jesus, thank you for taking my sin so I can receive your righteousness. I choose to accept the life you have offered to me. Remove the sinful parts of me that keep me from knowing you. I didn't deserve the sacrifice you made for me, but I am forever grateful. Help me to honor you in the way I live, Jesus. In your name, amen.
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