9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. --I Peter 2:9, AMPC

“You don’t know who won?” my 11th-grade male student asked, sounding slightly shocked.

“Over four billion people know that Argentina won (the World Cup for soccer),” he said.

“I apologize,” I said, laughing a bit, I played basketball and softball, and ran track when I was in junior high,” I told him, “but my husband and I are in the other four billion." I mentioned that we work a lot, and I write  and have lots of activities, so we don’t really know what’s going on in the sports world.

He seemed to think that very strange.

As I led him through reading high school literature (most of which I don’t agree with, but which I know the LORD uses, like He does various subjects I teach to many grade levels), I rejoiced inside, thanking the LORD for my abundant life. We abide in the Word, and live quiet lives; spending time with God, and each other, and working with our hands, so we have something to give to others--like the Bible says in 

There is nothing wrong with sports, when it’s handled to the glory of God, and the LORD has and is raising up many sports stars who give glory to Him. There may even be sports in Heaven.

However, this was an example to me of how the ‘whole world’ can be excited about and absorbed by something that, most moments, I have no clue about, and could care less.

We are to be "in the world, but not of it," which does not mean we should not enjoy things of earth that are good. As long as something is not against God, it is okay to enjoy it. However, we need God's wisdom and a strong grounding in the Word of God to distinguish between what is truly good and what is not!

15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. 17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.--I John 2:15-17, AMPC

The LORD is a good, good, generous, loving Father. He loves it when we enjoy our lives and the good things He gives us--and truly, every good thing--every blessing!--comes from Him!

17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].--James 1:17, AMPC

17 As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment.--I Timothy 6:17, AMPC

So let us ask our dear Father, the Holy One, Who gave His only Son, Christ Jesus, to die for us on the cross to pay for our sins, if there is anything in our lives that offends Him--and to help us get it out, so He can replace it with the best! 

He has personally helped me with that in every realm of life through the years; revealing things I needed to release and repent of and renounce, and then bringing wonderful replacements of much better things, that led me closer to Him and allowed Him to heal and make me whole! This has brought great freedom, relief, peace, joy, and success! 

18 To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me.--Acts 26:18, AMPC

So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor,--2 Corinthians 6:17, AMPC

 Our Father's plans for us are good and only good (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10)! Let us ask Him today to help us make sure we are on the Right side; in the "Right half"--on His side, walking in His wonderful ways. 

He will help us!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.