Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Bible in a Year: ❏ Psalms 30-32 | ❏ Acts 13

It’s all about me.

This was a popular social catch phrase about 25 years ago. On the surface, it seems harmless, maybe even wise on some level. The idea resonates with many of us who naturally want good things for ourselves and our families.

Mark 7:21–23
For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.

Greed is listed among many abominations, and it’s one of the warning signs that suggest our spiritual hearts could be drifting. 

Does wanting good things make me greedy? For most of us the answer to that question is “no.” But, that’s how the drift works. It starts out small and harmless … then evolves into us realizing that we’ve drifted for so long that an area of our life has derailed.

If we’re honest with ourselves, we know we allowed many ”small things” to grow out of control. Now we never seem to have enough. Or we think we will be fulfilled as soon as we get that promotion, that car, that house. Or maybe, we begin to find our deepest sense of security in our bank account. 

At its core, greed says, “I owe me.” This notion may have started after a difficult relationship, or followed a bad decision that left us broken, hurt, and maybe, regretful. 

Greed in our heart is something most of us wouldn’t want to admit outwardly. We tend to assume our heart is just fine and the bad stuff is “out there.” This, friends, is a false assumption.

However, this is not the time to be hard on ourselves, but honest, as written in Psalm 139:23-24. From here, we reconcile with God and begin our journey back to the healing power of Jesus. He meets us where we are and guides us back to the foundation of peace and joy.

Managing the drift is easier if we catch the warning signs early. Greed is tricky - it can disguise itself as loyalty to self or even conviction. When you first notice “greedy” behavior, ask yourself why, then ask a few more times. If you're honest, your heart will tell you the real reason. Then you can take it to the cross.

Isn’t that what we really owe ourselves?

Questions: 
Are you only happy when things go your way? 

What promise did you make to yourself to prevent repeating a mistake? 

Next Steps: 
Pray this prayer from Psalm 139:23-24, then be still and listen:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting - Day 17

Today’s Prayer Focus: To Express my Faith in God’s Ability  

Prayer:
Lord and Heavenly Father, you are all powerful, all knowing and yet all loving. Thank you for always being ready to meet me where I am, even after I have drifted from you. Help me to look honestly at my own heart and see where I need to let go of the greed that has a hold on me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so I am never separated from you. In Jesus name, amen 

Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

This post was written by Nick Thomas, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.