Simple Living, Christian Style

Thank you for visiting my blog! In this place, we will discuss the simpler things in life. The simple things that God touches me and you with every day. I hope you enjoy it and comment often. I am here to listen.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Our God is a Matthew 6 God - Part 4

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

I've been thinking a lot lately about a minimalist lifestyle. What exactly does it look like? What would you I have to give up? etc...

I really like the way it makes me feel. I feel free. Less burdened. I can breathe.

But, where do I begin?


Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

God puts it pretty simply. Don't do it pretty much means "don't do it." Now, I don't believe this means I'll be sitting in an empty room surrounded by nothingness at an attempt to be obedient. If God tells you to do that, then by all means obey, but in my opinion, there is huge difference between owning possessions and having possessions.

I'm reading an excellent book right now called Freedom of Simplicity (You'll see it to the left.). I'm really excited about it because every other simplicity book I've picked up didn't have a thing to do with Jesus. And, as I hope you all know, I am ALL about the Big Guy and my life was created to glorify His name. So, when I was totally led by the Spirit to this book on the library's shelf, I was completely taken in.

A simple living book based on scripture? Who would have thunk it? ;o)

The author of the book talks about a time in Jewish culture when the land was used for the good of all. It's value was not because it was "land," but was based on the crops and goods that could be produced by it. Humans didn't own the land. The land was used/borrowed to survive --never owned.

Is anything on this earth truly ours to own? We think we can own people. We think we own our house, our cars and our jobs. But, do we?

In my world, the bank owns my car, and I pay them to use it every month. I don't have a house. And, my job is quite and matter-of-factly owned by my employer who allows me to work there for a paycheck. (Thank you to God for giving me favor to have a job in the first place!)

To give up "ownership" is daunting to me. I want to own things. I want to control things. It is my human nature. Is it yours?

But, God says to not store up treasures on earth for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Ouch! I want my heart to be in heavenly places with the King.

God, please allow me to give it all to You. To allow you to work in my life of sustained simplicity. Please purge me of all things that are not from You and by You. You are my King. My heart is with You.

In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN!

God bless you all. 'Til next time!

~DMS






Thursday, March 24, 2011

I'm ba-aaaaack

Hello, world!

I'm back with vigor, enthusiasm and ways to simplify your life while glorifying and serving God.

I know I've been away for a long time. Life does that to me sometimes. I get going on a track and then someone switches the tracks and I go off in a new/different direction. Not that that's bad, or that I'm not listening to God. Sometimes I feel that He stops me from my busy-ness so I can focus on Him and so I may get out of His way.

He is working. He is always working.

He is working in your life, too. Don't let discouragement get you down. I know that is easier said than done, but believe me when I say this, HE IS WORKING. Whether it looks like it or not, He is here with you right now walking before you and paving the way. Be encouraged. He loves you with His whole heart. He created you with the same love and feelings He has. Isn't that neat?

Have a blessed and joy-filled day!