You live in a world in which much can be accomplished by the push of a button or the flip of a switch. Modern gadgets are designed for ease of use. Yet there is much going on behind the scenes when you use a cell phone or a computer even if you are not aware of it, and it all has to work to function properly. You live in a material world, but also in a spiritual one. You can’t see the spiritual world but there is also much going on behind the scenes there that has a direct influence on your life. Your phone works whether you understand the operating principles or not, but you benefit from seeking discernment of the spiritual world you live in.

I told Peter that Satan desired to sift him like wheat, but that I prayed for him that his faith would not fail. This sifting is a metaphor but it is not a process that anyone would desire or choose. Yet I did not tell Peter that I would prevent it from happening. This is a pertinent story because Peter was not the only one that Satan wanted to sift. He wants to sift you too. Have you ever felt it happen to you? I will pray for you as much as I did for Peter. This process brings forth beneficial changes so I told Peter that when he was converted to strengthen his brethren and you will be able to do the same thing.

Is it easy to tell when someone is favored more than you are? If your brother or sister was the favorite child you have a keen awareness of this. In like manner you see doors open without effort for very attractive people and you have to push them open yourself. Yet those who have favored status are not as aware of it. The favored child and the very attractive person think their special treatment is normal and the way the world should work. Do you know that you have favored status yourself? For I send rain and sun on the just and on the unjust, and open my hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You have favored status with me. Are you aware of it?

Do you consider yourself to be wealthy? You live in an affluent, consumer-oriented culture. Money is on everyone’s mind and you are aware of where people stand according to their wealth or lack of it. Yet there are things you can’t put a price on. How could you value your friendships and the intangibles that give more meaning to life than material things? If you could put a price on them wouldn’t it be more than your material assets? Could you afford to buy them if you did? Yet you have them. So perhaps you are wealthier than you realize. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and lay up your treasure in heaven.