GPS-I Want One

OCT 15  / Sunday – Read Matt 6:19-21 / Psalm 63:1

Overview: Getting what we want doesn’t always turn out so good, which (hopefully) gives us pause to reconsider. Or, to put it biblically, where is your treasure?

16 / Mon – I must have it!  |  Read 1 Tim 6:6-8 / 1 Thess 5:18

In the children’s book, I Want One by Dennis Reader, a little boy screams ‘I want one’ every time he sees someone getting something he doesn’t have. When his parents give it to him, he’s satisfied. Until he sees his friends getting something new. Then the screaming starts again. In the end, this little boy’s final gift, a giant anaconda snake, swallowed him up. Little kids often want everything they see but what happens when a person never grows out of that ‘I want that new thing right now’ stage? What would be a better attitude for those who follow Christ?

17 / Tue – FOMO?  |  Read 1 Tim 6:6-10 / Hebrews 13:5

Have you heard of FOMO (fear of missing out)? It is real and drives the choices of many in our current culture. For them, life has become a mad rush to get all the right stuff, to know everything about everything and everybody, to experience everything life has to offer, and to make all the money they can so they’ll be happy. What might cause a person to act on this fear of missing out on life’s best? What could be some consequences of living like this? What promise from God (13:5b) counters this destructive tactic of the devil?

18 / Wed – A fair trade?  |  Read Mark 8:36-37 / Luke 12:15-21 / Matt 6:19-21

It is true that a person can work hard and achieve goals but sometimes it comes at great cost. Jesus told a story about such a man. What was his goal? When he achieved it, how did he respond? What serious warning did Jesus give? Is there something you strongly desire? What will it cost you? How can you prevent yourself from adopting this man’s way of thinking? Maybe you can ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you may be sliding into this attitude and what you could do about it.

19 / Thu – First things first  |  Read Matt 6:32-33

The priorities Jesus taught seem backward at first. In this verse, he shows his followers where to start. How is this contrary to human thinking? Is there a situation in your past when you put these words into practice? What happened? Were you surprised? If you have never tested this promise for yourself, think of a current situation where you could start. Don’t let the devil deter you, for he will try. Remember: God is always faithful to His word.

20 / Fri – An old-fashioned word  |  Read Ps 9:10 / Ps 14:2 / Ps 10:4 / Jer 29:12-13

To seek means to go in search of, to find or discover by searching or questioning, to make inquiry. How might this apply to seeking to know the Lord better? Which of these verses encourages you the most? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see God’s face in His word, in how he blesses you through large and small things, in the ways you unexpectedly sense His presence, and in how He speaks to you through scripture or worship music or the words of people around you. He is also seeking you.

21 / Sat – Yes, no, wait  |  Read Matt 7:7-8 / James 4:2-3 / James 1:16-17

Sometimes we think about what we want but fail to ask God for it. Why is that? Do you think He may say no to something you really want? Ask anyway. If God says no, check your motives. If they are pure and God still says no, there is a good reason. It may be that He is planning a better yes for you in the future. Will you trust Him? You can, you know. God made you. He knows you. He loves you. He gave Himself to redeem your life. Will He not also give you ever