Ephesians 2- Part 2

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Study and learn. Be changed.  Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not
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Help me with a question from my Bible Study

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www.bestwebbuys.com/books
This book, Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow is probably the one book besides the Bible that has helped me with not having as many "If only's" and "What if's". I have read parts of this book more than a dozen times and highly recommend it for anyone struggling with anxiety, contentment with your role, contentment in your relationships, anger with God, anger with others, etc. Now that I have recommended this book to all of you, I will tell you the best place to buy it. The link above is to Best Book Buys .com. It searches 12 or so different places and comes back with the best price in buying books, music, etc. I have used this website for a number of years and have been very pleased.

Back to the book. One of the questions this week's study focused on being content with things/ money. Simply, not having the "give me's". One of the verses she focused on was Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
She said to question often :Where is my treasure? Where is my heart? Then, she asked a question that has me really, really thinking. I would love for you all to take just a minute and tell me your BEST answer to this question, because I truly don't know the answer, but I lead a group of ladies studying from this book each Tuesday, so I need an answer by Tuesday....but no pressure. :) Here is the question: Should my standard of living increase if my income increases?

That's it! I can't see this in a black and white way and know it is a question each one of us must answer in our hearts, but I would love some input. I hope it gets you thinking as well.
Love,
Rachel

Comments

  1. KathleenMarch 5, 2010 at 9:13 PM

    I think so long as you are being a good steward of your money and have increased your tithes and offerings in light of the raise, it is OK for your standard of living to go up. I think it's all about wisdom and discernment and asking the Lord what He wants you to do with your money.

    ReplyDelete
  2. PerriMarch 19, 2010 at 11:26 PM

    Man, I kept waiting for LOTS of replies to this. What did YOU decide?

    ReplyDelete

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