Chapter 5: Emptying “Greed” In the previous chapter, through emptying “pride,” we examined the heart that seeks to exalt itself above God and put its own will first. Now, in Chapter 5, we will examine “greed,” which, together with pride, takes deep hold of our souls, prevents us from being satisfied with God, and causes us continually to grasp for the things of this world. We must stand honestly before the Word of God, confront the true nature of the greed that has taken root within us, and learn how to empty ourselves of it. Dr. Hee-dae Lee, who once served as director of the cancer center at a large general hospital, explained the physiological characteristics of cancer cells by comparing them with a spiritual principle. According to medical principles, the normal cells of our bodies are supposed to grow and die repeatedly according to an established order. But when abnormal genetic mutations occur, malformed...
How can we rest when we are in such an uneasy situation? “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8) (KJV). “When I think about this, I am terrified; trembling seizes my body” (Job 21:6). If I think about the situation I am in now, I cannot sleep. I lost my appetite. I'm discouraged. It is out of my ability. I don’t know what to do. I am disturbed and my spirit grows faint (Ps. 77:3). Prayer also does not come out; it is only a groaning (Ps. 38:8). How can you rest in such an uneasy situation? In 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, Hezekiah king of Judah gat...