06/03/2013 - HOW TO AVOID WANT AND MISERY

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He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Proverbs 21:17

The Scriptures are straightforward in stating that the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (I John 5:19), therefore the pleasures it offers are inspired by the devil to deceive those who have not tasted the gift of salvation. You can get to know people based on what they like. The lost ones, whether rich or poor, revolve their lives around worldly things, whereas those who are born again take pleasure in the Lord’s work. What can be said about you?

It is a fact that the world feeds the lost with its deceits and as a result many of them commit lots of serious faults. While nobody wants to be betrayed by a spouse, for example, most people love to think about the possibility of having an affair outside their marriage. The lost are always planning parties and doing what is forbidden by the Word and they have no qualms about it because the spirit that guides them gets satisfied when they do what pleases him.

Those who have sound judgment seek to fulfill the divine will. That which is highly important for the lost is repulsive to the saved. The joy of God’s children is to be used by Him. The lost love wine and what it does in their lives, but those who are of the Most High do not take pleasure in that liquor or in anything that might dull them, for they know that one must be sober to love the Father.

Those who have tasted the new birth cannot care less for the oil and other condiments that gladden the wicked; after all they feast on something better: the bread of heaven. However, the person who is still in the darkness loves trying new restaurants, new dishes, and oftentimes does not wake up to the fact that obesity and other diseases that plagues them stems from what they eat.

In fact, the food that the Lord gives His children – the Bread of Heaven – is what gives joy to those who truly serve Him. The best part is that this food enriches us with wisdom, provides understanding of all things and strengthens us to war. He who feeds from this bread never gets hungry. The Christian is measured by the spiritual health he enjoys.

The miracle of transformation in our lives happens by virtue of the Bread of Heaven, if only we eat it. If we use the faith that the Word gives us, we will be able to win. We’d better shun the seasonings that some people malevolently put in God’s message, for they prevent the Lord from working in our favor. Those who eat the Bread of Heaven lack nothing.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares