I just read the chapter on possessions (month 3), and I feel like I just got punched in the gut, then upcut to the face, and I am still asking for more. This book yall... this book is so convicting. I just have to write this quote (much of it I quoted in what I journaled to my girl)...
"Do not be fooled by the luxuries of this world; they cripple our faith. As Jesus explained, the right things have to die so the right things can live- we die to selfishness, greed, power, accumulation, prestige, and self-preservation, giving life to community, generosity, compassion, mercy, brotherhood, kindness, and love. The Gospel will die in the toxic soil of self..... The fertile soil of death is where the Gospel forms roots and actually bears fruit. We have to die to live; we have to die so others can live."-Jen Hatmaker (7 page 91)
After reading this chapter, all I could think about was Jesus talking about storing treasures in Matthew 6: 19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
What do I hold dearly? More importantly, am I living that way?
I can say that I hold the Gospel dearly, but what about when Jesus tells me to give up "that." I can hear the Holy Spirit so many times say, "Leslie, you don't need that, you just want it. Give it up." I can't even tell you how many times I have said "Jesus, I might need this thing again... I might wear this shirt next summer... nevermind that I only wore it once this year.... Jesus, I might shrink down to the size pant I was 9 years ago... and then I'll waste money on new jeans... who cares that someone could wear them while they sit in my closet for 9 years... I might wear them again..." (that's just clothes. I havent even discussed my stuff yet.) And yes, I really do have jeans in my closet from 9 years ago...
Gut punch....
Am I living a life worthy of the Gospel?
This life is not mine- its His, so why on earth do I cleave and hold tight to MY STUFF when IT's NOT MINE AT ALL?!?! I don't live a life of sacrifice, and I should because Jesus sacrificed Himself for me (and you)! Please do not be confused- as a Believer, I do not sacrifice or do works to earn salvation... that was already done on the cross. I should live a life of sacrifice and do all my work for Him out of LOVE for what He has done for me- out of a willing heart.
Lord, forgive me of my selfishness.
1 John 2:15-16 states:
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world."
Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me to unclench my hands from all the things I hold dear, and give it all back to You. It is Yours. Everything I have is Yours. My daughter, my gifts and talents, my husband, my life... it is all a gift from You. Help me to treasure what You treasure, and I know it is not stuff. Help me to Die to self everyday so that I can experience the Life You have set for me. I ask all this in Your precious Son's Holy Name.
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