Just Thinking...

I am reading Radical by David Platt and am a little over half way through the book. I read a few pages and then stop, pray, and think...then, I read a few more, stop, pray, and think. What he's saying from his own experience and what the Word says about living to reach others with Truth is wonderful, inspiring, convicting, and hard.

I have found myself in the last couple of months (as I think about/prepare for returning to the States) wanting the "American Dream." I want a house, a car, to be around family, to do what I want to do with my life. I fight these feelings and continually bring them to my great Father who reminds me that He is my satisfaction and joy. He's Home...I don't need a house for myself here on earth. I don't need a car to drive. I don't need a new iPod, Wii, a whole new wardrobe, to join an expensive gym...ugh. But, I WANT those things so badly!

So, like I said, I'm taking these thoughts, dreams, and heart-desires before the Father. I know He'll adjust them to make them His own. Man, obedience with joy (together at the same time) is hard!

Right now, I'm looking into public transportation, cost of living, etc. in my hometown. I'm doing this partly because of the challenge that David Platt raised (based on the stories of the Rich Young Ruler and the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus) to live on a set amount, and then give the rest to others - for the glory of the Kingdom of God. The Father doesn't provide for us so that we can live in excess, He provides for us so that we can provide for others, give gifts, and go spread the Good News.

This book continues to be a good reminder of the Right Goals set out for me as an abiding believer who desires to bear fruit in His name. If you haven't read the book, you may want to check it out!