Greed, desire, lust, all fall in the dust when the ax of the truth is laid to their roots. 

Thanks To The Lord

Thank You Lord for not giving up on me.

Thank You Lord for helping me to see.

For showing me what's true.

For drawing me close to you.

Thank You for teaching me something new.

For all the times in trouble that You have brought me through.

Thank You for never leaving me.

Thank You for setting me free.

Greedy Weed

In my garden is a greedy weed. This weed is so greedy for space it will bust through weak cement. It is so greedy for space it will creep in, then take over an area, and kill what ever plants are there that is weaker than it. When I pull up this weed and don't get all the root it comes back even stronger. No matter how much space I give it from a flower bed, it is never enough. Trying to redirect in another direction doesn't work, it wants my flowerbeds. Killing the weed at the root is the only way to be rid of it, and watching for growth from any seeds it may have dropped so I can pull the up too. Greed in my spiritual life is the same way. When I am at a weak point (discouraged, stressed, etcetera)  it breaks in trying to take over a space in my mind. Example when I am feeling stressed I want to go out to lunch and shop as if  I am on a holiday, buying things I don't need, spending money that could better be used else where. Another Example when I am discouraged I complain well I could have people over for dinner if  I had a bigger house, better dishes, nicer table and chairs. It's like greed says I never have enough or things that are good enough. There are other examples but I want to get to the root. Even though greed doesn't make me want to kill anyone physically it tries to bring death to me through sin, the sin of lying and deceit and a host of other things. Greed in my life can creep in in small doses and can work its way into big doses. I get offended feel sorry for myself so I buy something for myself  feel better and that convinces me that I should treat myself  better the next thing you know I buy more things. I found if  I don't get at it's root it will come back stronger. I get at it's root with the truth. I identify it and obey the truth and that kills it. I can give greed a little foot hold because it will seek more of a foot hold. I can't redirect by trying to be greedy on behalf of someone else because I can't control it, it would start out on behalf of others and end up being on behalf of me too.  I always have to watch out for little greed seeds that try to work their way back into my life, through thoughts and emotions and other means. Greed's other partners or forms is lust and desires. God's word not only teaches me how to identify greed, lust, and desire; but also teaches me the truth and how to apply it to the roots to kill them.

Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:10, He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, Proverbs 15:27  So is everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners. Proverbs 1:19, But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16, Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. James 1:15, And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

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