1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

When you think of lust, what image do you get? Most of us relate lust to the sexual aspects of desire. Perhaps that is because hormonal responses are so strong. Here John lists two lusts, of the flesh and of the eye. The eye in and of itself is but a way to see. It sees but has no emotions. However we covet that which we see. The issue of lust is covetousness. We want to possess it.

Ever go window shopping? The first time I met my current wife, God said, “Take her shopping.” It was our first date, we were trying to get to know each other. We went to the Outlet Mall and window shopped. It was amazing how much we revealed about each other in sharing what we saw. Our likes and dislikes, our preferences of style and dreams. All this in a non-evasive manner seen thru our eyes.

There is a lot of fantasy involved with window shopping. The rational mind says, “I cannot afford it.” The covetous side says, “How can I possess it?” Rarely does one think “What good would it do to actually have it?” Covetousness does not have a practical side. All it wants is to possess.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

When you read this verse what image pops into your mind’s eye when you see the words “all these things”? Jesus was talking about basic human needs here. Food, drink, and clothing were the list. That list did not include ten bedroom houses, 200 MPH cars, diamonds, pools, or million dollar motor homes. All those things are more closely related to lust of the eye. Yet somehow they are often seen in the list of “all these thing”.

What’s on your list?

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

OK, I gave away the answer to yesterday’s question right there in the title. The simple matter is that if assurance was enough there would be no word reassurance. There is something within the experience of being human that causes us to need reassurance. Perhaps it is the relentless attacks of the enemy that causes that.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. (AMP)

These are forms of reassurance. “You’re doing good, keep it up.” Exhortation is the most commonly used reassurance, but even admonishment is reassurance. “What you said is true but maybe you could deliver that with a little grace seasoning.” Yet the topic yesterday was more about reassurances found in scripture, revealed to you thru the Spirit. Think of it in these terms.

I know my wife loves me, but I still like to hear her say it. My wife does things to show me she loves me, but every now and then she does something unexpected, something special and intimate, just for me that makes me feel so special. Those little treasures hidden in scriptures that God reveals to you are those moments when God is being personally intimate with you. It is your moment and it belongs to no one else but you.

Sadly most Christians do not seek those hidden things. Either they have not discovered that moment because they have not looked, or no one has ever revealed that character of God to them before. I am telling you now, this is how God loves us. You can no longer say you do not know.

Will you go to His Word with a lover’s heart? Will you seek the intimacy which God wants to share with you? Do you wish to be reassured that God really loves you?