The House You're Building

I've always been driven, a fighter.  I've always had a “what’s next.”  Due to my tenacity, I usually get what I’m after and the cycle repeats itself.  Take that same inclination and project it onto consumerism.  Now what’s interesting is that I am very disciplined with money.  I keep a budget.  I save and give.  I live below my means and as my spouse has the same agenda, live debt free (with the exception of our mortgage).  Yet I wouldn't say I was content. I realized last month that the gifts of Christmas didn't make me feel satisfied but instead awakened a desire for more.  Though many things on my wish list were satisfied, I was drawn to think of the things I didn't get…this unsettledness became clear as I was listening through a sermon series on the 10 commandments on coveting.  I had always felt like buying was okay as long as it was in the budget and I could afford it.  My allowance was something I could spend whims...

We live in a world of anxiety.   There always seems to be something we need; worries, doing without, or relationships that are out of sync cause worry and stress.   This week Paul closes his letter giving advice about how to restore relationships, how to find peace, and what to keep your mind on.   Key Verse: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.   (Philippians 4:8-1 ESV)   Read chapter 4 of Philippians this week and consider the following:   Relationships v. 2-3 : What do you know about Euodia and Syntyche?   Who does Paul want to help them restore the relationship?   Journal prompt:   Have you ever been worried about two of your friends not getting along?   What did you do?   Does the situation change if the...