world wars
"Such as these will end in disaster! Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. I am talking about those who are set upon the things of this world." —Philippians 3:19
Are you "set upon the things of this world"? (Phil 3:19) Do you think of your car, house, money, and other possessions much differently than non-Christians think of these things? Is the focus of your finances your own pleasure or God's will? Are you using your possessions to live as comfortably as possible or are you living in love by taking up your daily cross? (see Lk 9:23) Are you a friend or an enemy of the cross? (see Phil 3:18) Any friend of the world is an enemy to God (Jas 4:4).
Is your "citizenship in heaven" (Phil 3:20) because your heart is set on things above rather than on things of earth? (Col 3:1-2) Are you conformed to this world or transformed by the renewal of your mind? (Rm 12:2) Do you have any love for the world with its lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life? (1 Jn 2:15-16, KJV) Have you crucified your "flesh with its passions and desires"? (Gal 5:24) Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be crucified to the world and the world to you (Gal 6:14).
Prayer: Father, the world hates me because I proclaim Your word (Jn 17:14). In Jesus, I will overcome the world (Jn 16:33).
Promise: "I rejoiced because they said to me, 'We will go up to the house of the Lord.' " —Ps 122:1
Praise: When Craig and Lois lost their farm, they were led to Christian community and gained more than ever could have been imagined.
Reference: (To grow as a disciple of Jesus, attend one or both of our Discipleship Retreats: Men's Retreat, Nov. 16, and Small Christian Communities to Change the World, Dec. 6-8. For information or to register, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002