October 6

Ephraim mixes with the nations; Ephraim is an unturned cake. — Hos 7:8 BSB

It’s a great thing to learn to put God first. When we do that, He can freely give us everything else without the risk of it becoming harmful to us.

As long as you desire something—especially more than you desire God—it’s an idol. But once you become truly content with God, everything else loses its grip on your heart. Then, He can give you those things without them having power over you, and you can use them for His glory.

There’s nothing wrong with having money, houses, lands, friends, or even beloved children, as long as you don’t treasure them for their own sake.

If your heart is detached from them and you find your satisfaction in God alone, then those things will become channels through which God draws nearer to you. Each little joy in your life will be a tender cord binding you closer to Him. Every affection will become a cup filled with His love. Every resource—whether bank accounts or investments—will simply be a means for you to pour out His blessings and spread His goodness.