Midweek Encouragement - "Don’t Hold On To It Too Tightly”

“Don’t Hold On To It Too Tightly”

             ^{“Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.”}

^{Amos 6:7 NIV}

         ^{What do you consider absolute necessities in your life? During these recent 90 degree days, maybe it’s your air-conditioned house or your pool. What could you not live without? What would utterly devastate you if you lost it? Is it a relationship, a possession, or a certain situation in your life? Here’s a better question to answer . . . Is it more important to you than God?}

         ^{Maybe it’s time you considered how tight a hold it actually has on you, because it could become counterproductive and even dangerous. What would you do it God asked you to give it up? Could you obey Him? Does the thought of letting it go cause you to feel anxious?}

         ^{For some people, their finances are central. They devote most of their time, energy, and attention to gaining it and keeping it. Do you regard wealth as the key to your worth, power, and influence? Does the thought of losing it keep you up at night? Maybe this question doesn’t apply to you, but how much time do you spend each day thinking about your finances compared to the amount of time you meditate on God’s Word?}

         ^{It there’s something keeping you from trusting and honoring the Lord, it’s called an idol, and God isn’t going to allow you to keep it in your grasp. If you’re looking for anything other than God for your sense of acceptance, accomplishment, and security, you’re headed for serious trouble, my friend, because it won’t last long. Sooner or later, you’ll come to understand that anything you hold too tightly, you’ll lose.}

         ^{If you read Hosea 10:1-3, you’ll discover that God’s people, the Israelites, valued their prosperity so much that they forgot God. Because of their affluence and military victories they had become full of pride and didn’t think they needed God anymore. (Sound familiar, U.S. of A.? You removed prayer, the Bible and God from our schools and see what’s happened.) When God called them to repent, they refused to obey His commands or let Him back into their lives. They just weren’t willing to give up their wealth and comfort for Him and, in the end, it cost them everything.}

         ^{According to Amos 3:7, God sent prophets to Israel and Judah before sending His judgment. The same is true today. Through your pastor and His Word, God wants you to know what’s going on and what His plan is for you. However, no matter what the circumstances might be, your most important responsibility is to trust and obey Him. If there’s something you’re honoring above God, He’ll let you know that He’s not happy about it and He’ll call you to lay that person, possession, or situation down on your own.}

         ^{What I want you to know is that God won’t share the control of your life with something or someone else. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he’ll hate the one and love the other, or else he’ll be loyal to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). My friend, you’ll neither honor God nor help yourself by having a divided heart.}

         ^{Today, please make a decision regarding what will rule your life once and for all. Please surrender whatever is coming between you and the Lord. The good news is that no matter what God wants you to give up, you can be certain that your life will be much better without it in the long run. God isn’t punishing you by taking that precious thing from you. He’s getting you ready for something better.}

^{For those of you who will be in worship at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, July 14, Pastor Nate Buck, Executive Director of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Churches of God, General Conference, will be bringing the message from God to you!}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.