My wife and I have lived in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Austin for the past 13 years. Most of our friends and family, including myself, have believed the popular teaching that God wants us to have everything we want. I had believed He desired us to live in materialistic prosperity. Materialism filled my beliefs and I made sure my family had as much as I could afford to bless them with and had my sights set on even more. I was not alone in these beliefs. In fact, almost all Christian churches in the West radiate this belief in materialistic prosperity.
About four years ago The Holy Spirit began to open my eye’s to the true joy God has for us. Leslie started an outreach called Light in the Dark that started out simply as a food gathering ministry for those in need. The joy we experienced was wonderful. In fact, the more we did the more joy we felt. Others who have served with us have expressed the same increase in joy. Leslie and I desired to do more, but our business needs, plus our many bills kept us from being able to commit more time. It finally dawned on me that all this stuff I thought God wanted me to have, the big house, the fancy cars, the best photography equipment, etc. had become a beast that needed feeding and it was very picky about what it was fed…only my time and money. I was to busy supporting and maintaining all the blessings God supposedly had given me to be able to give more time to serving those in need. It became clear to me how my enemy was manipulating me and keeping me from obeying my Lords teachings.
We repented, made a U turn and began to lighten the load by selling everything we could. As we have eliminated debts and payments, time opened up for us to triple what we had been doing before. I can not even begin to describe the feeling of joy and absolute freedom we have felt, not to mention the fruit from loving others. To date, it is estimated that Light in the Dark has given out close to 4.5 million dollars in food. I firmly believe God is calling His children to lighten their load. God has more for you and the the things of this world are getting in the way. The joy of living as a Christian is in loving others! John 15:10-12 “10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Get rid of the stuff so, you have time to love others and fill your life with joy and true freedom! John 8:31-32 “31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Be free and light footed!
the Jesusfreak
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I agree completely, Kevin. I know lots of folks who are shocked at the joy in my life as I drive my windshield cracked 2002 car with 240,000 miles on it…trying to sell real estate. At one point my home was scheduled for foreclosure, so we had a yard sale for 3 weekends in a row…yet we have everything we need..and..at the end of the day, we have recieved and accepted the love of God and salvation through Christ. We are rich beyond measure and we are sons and daughters of the King and Creator of all things.
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Leslie and I really thankful that you were able to keep your house!
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Unparalleled accuracy, unequivocal clarity, and undeniable ipmrtoacne!
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