Saturday, April 9, 2016

The Progression of Desire

The Progression of Desire by Joan Cook

"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?  Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?  You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel." James 4:1-2

Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise.  The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves.  Why are there fights and conflicts?  I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
   
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it?  Even in today's Christian marriages we even see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.

Here is the progression of desire:

1.  Want something

2.  Begin to think about it.

3.  Dominates our thoughts and we involuntarily think about it all the time.

4.  Dream about it.

5.  Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.

6.  Do whatever it takes to obtain it.

Some desires may be perfectly legitimate (ex: health, friendship, family, job, home).  The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin!  Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
   
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:

"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot,  keeping my eyes on You in trust.  Knowing your love is true, your way is just.

Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
   
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."

On The Go Prayer Focus: The "On The Go Daily" 2 Minute Radio & Podcast Program. This is a daily program airing across the United States, and World via the internet and radio stations. "On The Go Daily" is used to encourage, challenge, and motivate Christians in their daily walk. Pray for Keith, Joan, the On The Go Staff, and special guests as they share on these 2 minute broadcasts. You can hear these programs via our website if it is not available in your area.

Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.

On The Go Daily Devotion for APRIL 9, 2016
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team

Copyright (c) 2009, 2016 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.

On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
Send E-zine questions or comments to: ezines@onthego.org
______________________________________________

Subscribing - If you're reading a pass-along copy of this "On The Go" devotional e-zine and want to receive your own subscription, free of charge, simply fill out the online form at http://onthego.org/ezine_newsletters.php .

After registering online you will receive an e-mail asking you to confirm your subscription request, and you simply reply to that e-mail. Thank you and God bless.