December 5

Written by Bill Grandi on December 5th, 2018

This is not the typical “needs vs greeds” devotion. This is more about pursuit (in my mind anyway). Pursuit of “I can’t live without” and its importance and impact upon my life.

I can’t live to meet all my needs and live to serve Jesus at the same time. Live as his disciple; he’s got the true needs covered.

As I look around at my life there are things I have said I can’t live without. I have put an emphasis on things, people, and events that I now see were not worth it. I’m not saying my marriage was not important. I’m not saying that new car or truck was not important (probably not as much as I thought though). I’m not saying taking care of my health was not important. I’m not saying my girls were not important. But when they became or become more important than my pursuit of God, they stepped into the wrong category.

But this “I gotta have” was/is never more true that in the physical realm. I flippantly quoted “I can do all things through Christ” but found myself not so strong. Worry easily took over-“Will the money be there?” “Will I have what it takes?”  Silly questions in the grand scheme of things, especially when:

  1. God will give me the strength I need to face life
  2. God is actively committed to meeting everyone of my needs.

“Father, I sometimes still find I get my priorities out of whack. I forget about your provision. I forget about your loving concern for me. Forgive me when I get things messed up. Help me to be convinced you will strengthen me and to believe you are actively committed to meeting everyone of my true needs.”

 

3 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    Bill,
    I had the same thought this morning if regards to the approach Tripp took to the topic of need vs want.

    As I read, what came to mind is that I really do not need to even pursue my true needs. If I am pursuing God… really pursuing God, my true needs will be provided.

    I must keep in mind that this doesn’t mean I will be comfortable. My comfort is not promised.

    The question I must ask myself is if I am willing to forgo my comfort to pursue Christ. Sure God may provide comforts along the way, but they cannot be what I pursue.

    You listed the two promises we are given… I need to learn to hold on to those promises!

    Ryan

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Great minds think alike Ryan! 🙂 I list those promises knowing I have a long way to go to attain them. Thanks for the comment.

  2. floyd samons says:

    Yep… the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. In those times of trials so much is gained.

    Faith brings joy within. I know that isn’t where you were going with this, but that’s how the Spirit used it to speak to my heart.