Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

I’ve had another work on my heart all morning. As I sat down to work on that I was reminded I had not written my blog today. I didn’t want to do the blog. After yesterday’s blog I especially thought not to post today. Then I went to the Word to seek counsel in support of my feelings. This is what I found.

While Paul is talking about dying and being with the Lord as opposed to continuing his earthly ministry to the first century church, I found one principle to be consistent with my current thoughts. I don’t do this for me. My other work is not due until October 2^nd and while important, it is not immediate.

I am taken back to a lesson learned in a book, Rees Howell, the Intercessor. It was the principle of first need. Our plans are our plans. If we fixate upon our plans and do not take care of first needs, then we give no room for God to act on our behalf, having taken matters into our own hands.

This is a lesson worthy of sharing and furthering your faith. If you have discovered this principle, great I rejoice with you in this remembrance. If you have not, please consider the principle of first need as you make choices in support of your faith life and natural life. Give room for God to be your provider.

I know this post is short, but I pray it will be well received. God bless you my readers.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

One of the most profound pieces of advice was given to me by a wise elder. “Then don’t.” I was rather surprised by his answer because I had just said I didn’t feel like reading the bible. We are always met with encouragement to do the right thing. We strive to advise on the side of those things we know will prosper our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wise counsel almost always sides with connecting with God and each other.

This elder recognized there was a struggle going on inside of me. He believed my conversion was real, he believed God was working in my life. He also knew that God is better at mending a broken heart than man. He had the gift of discernment which allowed him to see this was a heart issue and not one of the mind. He knows that God cares more about our happiness than even our closest friends and family.

We have a tendency to hold resentments against friends and family that do not want to go along with the program. Spoil sport, whiner, selfish, deputy downer are thoughts that creep into the mind at those times. I’ve thought those words, I’ve heard those words. They do nothing to heal a troubled heart.

While 90% of pastors will tell you this verse is about tithing because of the previous passage, please allow me to interject the issue of sowing the seed of faith. Whatever you do in obedience of faith, God desires your happiness, you cheerfulness, it the effort. If you find yourself feeling a little like the child that says; “I don’t wanna.”, I would hope you would look to the cause.

Heart and soul, not the same thing.