tizalouisa

Strong desires erode our faith because we start taking our eyes of God and looking at the deisres and pretty soon like the fruit in Eden, the desires start looking so good that we give in and taste. Living in the Spirit which produces good fruit or desires to grow in God. When you have a strong desire for God then you spend time getting to know God. God's promises and our desires are at odds with each other because we still have the sin nature fighting against what God wants us to do. God's promises helps to do what pleases him and keeps our eyes on Him while the strong desires try to replace God in our lives.

The meaning of this passage is that He calls all of us personally. He bridged the gap that sin caused through the sacrifce of Jesus Christ and calls each one of us to cross that bridge. How can mere words describe how being in the the presence of God affects me? It is an experience that is the greatest most joyful times in my life. Sometimes I so long to go home to be with my Lord like Paul yet I know that I must stay and complete the tasks He has given me. His goodness shows me how ugly the sin in me is.

I believe that God as our Heavenly Father provides for our spiritual growth just as our earthly fathers provide for our physical growth. There is no special esoteric or secret knowledge needed to know God. He has provided through Jesus Christ all the knowledge we need to know Him. As a Loving Father, He gives generously to each of us what we need to continually grow in grace and knowledge of Him

I think it means that faith is a gift more valuable than silver and gold. It is a gift that neither can be stolen, rusted or destroyed. It is a gift not to be taken for granted or to puff yourself up with. We cannot compare our faith to Peter's because as Romans 12:3 says each of us is to think of ourselves with sober judgement according to the measure of faith God has given each of us. If I compare what God has given me to someone else I might become puffed with pride or envious. I think it is not equal because God's gives us what each of us needs to accomplish His purpose. We need to be thankful for what He has given to each of us not worry about whether some one has more than us. God is the giver and His judgements are righteous and fair.