Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Sin Is Sin

Studying the Bible can be a lot like looking at the news and world around us. In the study of Jeremiah you will see many instances of Judah breaking their covenant with God.

  • Trusting in self more than God
  • Unnatural sexual relations
  • Making gods out of your own creation
  • Children hating their parents
  • Sexual perversion
  • Being envious and coveting other people’s stuff
  • Truth called lies and lies called truth
  • Murder of children for the sake of convenience and outside pressure
  • Redefining God’s plan for humanity

Sounds a lot like our culture today doesn’t it? The good news is that even in the midst of all of this rejection of God’s Word and His desire for our lives He still stands true to His promises and covenant with us. It’s not about public opinion, personal feelings, or government legislation.  It’s about standing firm on God’s Truth and Jesus Christ’s covenant in His blood that last forever and fever. Amen?

Be wise, don’t follow the crowd - follow the Christ.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Empowerment


The problems of this world can be overwhelming, but we can be confident that God cares, God can, and He’ll use us to transform this world. We need to be obedient and faithful.



1 Corinthians 1: 24-30 says, “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.”



When you look at the world, what do you see?



Identify one way that you can serve your church and community — and do it, in the Name of Jesus!

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Give to Live

Today starts a 5-week emphasis at Hopewell called, “Give To Live” that focuses on stewardship and mission in the local church. We will learn how to take the next step and discover the personal, spiritual befits of generosity.



Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38



We will learn how to discover God’s purpose for our lives and use our time, talent, and treasure to create the future God has planned for His people. It will help us:

·         Make the switch from being a consumer/receiver to being a steward/giver.

·         Apply biblical principles in the use of our financial resources.

·         See ourselves as God sees them.

·         See the world as God sees it.

·         Use our God-given abilities to serve our neighborhood and community.



So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver”. - 2 Corinthians 9:7



Thank you, Stan Toler, for providing this study to me to share. May we all become “cheerful givers” in all areas of life. Amen?


Saturday, October 28, 2017

The Source


My Dad had great advice, for times when I quoted something that didn’t seem quite right. He would say, “Consider the source”. The same is true with prophecy we find in the Bible.



 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. -2 Peter 1:19–21



So there you go! The source is God! Trust God’s Word it’s true and faithful to the one who knows what tomorrow will bring. Amen?

Friday, October 27, 2017

Lacking


These days it seems that truth is relative and right and wrong have swapped places. Many people believe there is no God, or that they are their own God. Sad times indeed. The Bible is really clear on these issues. To ignore it doesn’t change the truth it contains. Ignorance of God's law is not an excuse for disobedience. God's Word says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge"

The greatest knowledge one can have is in knowing Jesus Christ as Savior. True wisdom and guidance come from God through His Spirit and His Word. The Apostle Paul wrote these great words; You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Sin is sin. Amen? Or Oh me? (Or maybe both?)

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Sheep Business


Today my wife and I are celebrating our 32 year wedding anniversary. During these years we have been involved with many business ventures. Believe it or not for a short time in my life a was a shepherd! Okay, not in the traditional sense, but I did own and care for two pregnant ewes for six months. I learned a lot about them. First of all sheep are pretty helpless and really do depend on their owner for all their needs. Secondly, sheep aren’t very bright. They could turn their face to the corner of the stall and start crying (baaa-ing), because they thought they were lost. So then I read what Jesus said in John 10:10, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
Hmmm I guess that says a lot about our relationship, and the sheep/shepherd one. We depend on Jesus for all our needs, and without Him we’re lost. I’m glad He loves and cares for us aren’t you?
I just want to be a sheep. Amen?

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Sin Reaction


Usually when we hear of someone that is sinning and being disobedient the last thing we'd expect is for them to break out in praise. Consider the following prayer.

I was as far down as a body can go,

    and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever

Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive,

    O God, my God!

When my life was slipping away,

    I remembered God,

And my prayer got through to you,

    made it all the way to your Holy Temple.

Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds,

    walk away from their only true love.

But I’m worshiping you, God,

    calling out in thanksgiving!

And I’ll do what I promised I’d do!

    Salvation belongs to God!”



Do you know who this is? It's Jonah (2:6-10)! After he was throne over board and swallowed by a "big fish", he decided to that he should turn to God.



 Life is easier and better to follow God's direction from the beginning. Jesus said in John 14:15, 15 “If you love me, keep my commands".



Always love Jesus - focus on and be obedient to Him.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Consistency Counts


The answer for most of our problems is maintaining consistency. Behaviors we repeat often define the reality of our lives.



But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,  2 Timothy 3:14



Use These 5 Keys to Consistency:

Get Positive

Get Connected

Get Inspired

Get Going

Get Committed



“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:58



Get Jesus! Amen?

Monday, October 23, 2017

Life's Answers

Life is tough! We all know that, so how are we handling it as far as successes and failures? I believe along with our vertical focus we need to search and follow God’s advice through His Word.



But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25



Here are four reasons we give for our failures:

Time – usually not enough of it.

Tough – the task is just too hard.

Terrible – to describe how you feel

Trouble – people, systems, rules


Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:9


So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19



May we apply God’s direction to our everyday lives. Amen?

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Questioning

Christ told us to love our enemies. If God is willing to forgive His enemies then do we have the right not forgive ours?

Let’s take a look at Jonah 4:1-4  But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.  He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.  Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”  But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Four attributes of God that we need to follow are:
1. God is gracious and compassionate.
2. God is slow to anger.
3. God is abounding in love.
4. God relents from sending calamity.

We have the right to question God but, He also has the right to question us!

What is He asking you to get over and move on from?

Don’t miss giving the grace that you have received and more that God wants to give you.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Response

In the book of Jonah we read about one of the greatest revivals of all time, but Jonah was a reluctant evangelist. He was disobedient and tried to run away, but after a three day “fish trip” found himself doing what God had commanded. When God’s messengers brings forth the Word of God three things will occur, and true revival will break out.

First of all people Respond to the Gospel.  Jonah’s message was simple and direct. He said God was going to destroy them because of their evilness. The response was immediate. “They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” Our sin has separated us from God, and we are doomed unless we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Have you responded to God’s Word?

The second thing we see in revival is that people Repent of their sins.  In Jonah’s time, the king declared a national time of fasting and repentance. They prayed for forgiveness, and that they would turn from their evil ways. Many people came with tears and brokenness before the Lord. They also prayed for forgiveness, and cleansing. God calls for His people to repent. Jesus said, “ Unless you repent, you too will perish.” When you have asked for forgiveness did you truly repent?

Salvation is complete when people are Reconciled to God.  God saw what the Ninevites did and how they had turned from their evil ways. He had compassion, and did not destroy them.  In 2 Corinthians, Paul tells us that we become a new creation when we accept God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We are reconciled with God through Him. All believers are to be Christ’s ambassadors, and are given the ministry of reconciling man to God. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Where are you at in your relationship with God today? 

As the body of Christ, let us continue to pray for revival in our lives, our families, our churches, our city, our country, and throughout the world. Amen?

Friday, October 20, 2017

Expectations

The prophet Micah’s name means – Who is like the Lord. Sounds like a question or maybe a riddle. I believe the answer can be found in Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” In other words – We are to be like the Lord!

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 1 John 4:13-17

What does this looking real life?

What is God’s expectation of Christ followers?

Pray right now for the Lord to help you make the changes necessary to be more like Jesus. Amen?

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Giving Glory

God’s Conversion of Israel is found in Micah 7:16-20. Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power. They will put their hands over their mouths and their ears will become deaf. They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling out of their dens;
    they will turn in fear to the Lord our God  and will be afraid of you. Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago.

God really does care for all humanity. It’s all about confession of sin and confidence that God forgives. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 
What do these verses say to you? How can they be applied?

Remember it’s all about God’s glory! Doing it His way not ours. He is the King of Glory - Amen?

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalm 24:7-8  

How can we give God the glory this week?

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Reaches


Long before Third Day, there was man who loved the Lord and sang praises to Him. Consider these words:
"Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! 
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light". – Psalm 3:5-9
May we be like David and have God’s song in our heart – today and every day. Amen?

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Like the Lord


The prophet Micah’s name means – Who is like the Lord. Sounds like a question or maybe a riddle. I believe the answer can be found in Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” In other words – We are to be like the Lord!



This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 1 John 4:13-17



What does this look like in real life?



What is God’s expectation of Christ followers?



Pray right now for the Lord to help you make the changes necessary to be more like Jesus. Amen?

Monday, October 16, 2017

Your Message

If you could say something to the world what would your message be?


Well, mine would probably two-fold. 1. A message of hope! Regardless of how bad you have been God still loves you. If you are willing to repent and turn back to God and your back to worldly things you are in for a great life (and after-life). 2. Bad things happen! Trouble comes to the wicked and the righteous. We better make sure we are in the right relationship with God regardless of our circumstances. He's coming back soon. Be doing the things that will put a smile on His face, and quit complaining! 

If we keep our focus vertical and not horizontal we will be in the proper position for a well lived life. Bad stuff happens in this life. I don't like it that my wife had cancer and both my parents died in the last two years. I know there is a lot of "I don't likes" out there. But you know what? We don't go through Valleys of Trouble or the shadow of Death alone.

Thank you Jesus for never leaving or forsaking us. We look to where our help comes from and lift up our voice in praise, glory and honor to our Deliverer and King! Praise Thank You for forgiving us and offering Your mercy, love, and great grace... always.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

All Together


At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry an event is recorded that captured the Trinity:

 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13–17

The Son, Jesus – being obedient in baptism
The Spirit – descending like a dove, coming to rest on Jesus
The Father, God, speaking - “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Quite a family gathering? This same Jesus, Spirit, and God are available to all of us! “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Amen?                                                  

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Trinity Experience


The Bible is full of verses telling of the Trinity. Consider how they are all involved with creation and the glory we can experience all around us.



 Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth;

break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.” - Isaiah 44:23-24



15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. - Colossians 1:15–17

When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. - Psalm 104:30


Today may we sing and worship the Lord. Thank and honor Him for “holding all things (in our lives) together”. Amen

Friday, October 13, 2017

The Trinity


Last week in our AIG class we studied the Trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. See in these verses how they were all involved with creation.



1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. - Genesis 1:1–3

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. - Psalm 33:6



1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:1–5

The Trinity all have different roles but love us the same – since the beginning of time. Today show your love for the “Light” who overcomes darkness, and allows us to see the truth.

Amen?

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Fantastic


Our Memory Verse in Answers in Genesis this quarter is Psalm 119:89–90,


“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”



It’s a great verse about God and His attributes:

1. “Forever” – eternal – always was and will be

2. “Firmly Fixed” – His Word will last forever

3. “Faithfulness” – His promises are true to all

4. (Stands) “Fast” – Never changing and always loving



Meditate today on this verse and the wonders of God who loves you so much He sent us Jesus so we can be with Him forever. Amen?

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Eternal Time


Is there one thing that you’re worried about, that thing you’ve been waiting on – maybe an answer from God, or a break-through in your life, or enough money to cover this month’s bills?
You’ve been waiting and you’ve begun to wonder – Where is God? How much longer do I need to wait? Believe God will answer in his precise timing. He sees your need, but he also sees the exact time it needs to be filled.

Remember it’s His timetable; not ours. And while we wait, we can know our God of precision timing is working all things out for the good of – you, who loves him

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 (NLT)

Always trust in God’s timing.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Time Use


The Bible teaches us how Jesus expects us to use time:

  • We follow God’s timetable, not our own – Despite being bombarded with choices between good, very good, and best, Jesus stayed so closely aligned with the Father that he always made the right choice of what to do and when to do it. Following Jesus means focusing on the eternal not the temporal.
  • We look toward eternity, not just the momentary – Jesus always had the end in mind.. Even as he died, he said, in a sense, “Father, forgive them. They don’t see the end of time and so they don’t know what they are doing. They don’t understand who I am.” We must get our eyes and attention off the “petty” distractions around us and remember there is only one of the purposes we cannot do in heaven – evangelism. Our focus must be on telling others about Jesus.
  • We believe that God is always right on time – Timing was so critical to Jesus and his mission that he even died right on time. When the Roman guards came, expecting to break his legs and hasten his death, they found Jesus already dead. It was finished, and finished in time to fulfill the prophecy that none of his bones would be broken. Following Jesus takes faith.

God used precision timing in the life of Jesus and his timing is just as precise in your life!

Today and always – follow, look to, and believe in God’s timing.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Vantage Point


Jesus never arrived late and he never arrived early, he simply arrived according to his purpose. Look at times where it appeared to the people there that God had forgotten them or did not care. Here are some examples in Jesus’ life.

His Birth – 400 years Jesus was born at exactly the right time to be in Bethlehem with his parents, right as the stars aligned to announce the birth of Israel’s long-awaited king.

At the Temple at age 12 He stayed to study Scripture in the temple, even though his parents left for home.

Jarius Daughter – It seemed he was taking His time getting to the sick girl. When word came she had died and not to come, Jesus said she was sleeping and brought her back to life.

Lazarus (John 11) When others thought he was late, Jesus arrived just in time to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Cross (John 19:28-30) Most people though He missed His purpose by dying instead of becoming King, but in John 5:24 Jesus told them that Death leads to Life!

When we think God is late there is probably a lesson we need to learn in that following Christ means using our time wisely.

Always remember God has the best vantage point over our lives.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Never Late

Many heard or read this passage during the Easter season out of John 19:28-30 28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. It’s hard to follow someone who is late all the time. Trust in them comes in to question. Even though it appeared to people then (and now) Jesus was never late.


Timing was important to Jesus; everything in its time at just the right time. On his mission to bring you and me from death to life (Romans 6:13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.), he never rushed or struggled to play catch up.

He clearly worked from a different clock than everyone else. Instead of Eastern Standard Time, Jesus seemed to be on Eternal Standard Time.


Be wise – be on Jesus time!

Saturday, October 7, 2017

More Words


We all need encouragement. I came across these quotes recently.



"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." 



"Believe you can and you're halfway there."  



"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." 



"The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything." 



These are very wise but the best words come from Bible.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7



Take the promises of God to encourage and give you peace. Focus on success in God's eyes not the world's. You will put a smile on His face and will be able to sleep better at night.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Joined Prayer


The church still has an audience to reach. We get confused about the message and the method of evangelism.  The message is sacred (truth of the Gospel) but the method to share the Gospel to the world is not. You may have to change your way of outreach to reach your community more effectively. Jesus said in Matthew 9:17: “No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” (NLT)



Often, we’re too attached to those old wineskins to be the church God calls us to be. We want God to do something new in our congregation, but we’re not willing to make the changes to see that happen.



As a Christ follower, you can see there’s a need for change, particularly in being open to new ways of sharing Jesus. You and those in your faith community have to renew your relationship with God, with one another, and to God’s mission in your community before you’ll ever see lasting change. After all is about us or the Lord - My way or His way?



Are you ready for God to do something new in you midst?



I am praying for a change in order to bring revival to our churches, cities, states, country, and world. Will you join me?

Thursday, October 5, 2017

What Good Thing

One thing I love about Jesus is that He knows all our flaws and loves us anyway. He will point them out if we ask……but watch out because the answer my reveal to us something about ourselves that we didn’t realize. It can be quite humbling because we typically think of ourselves better than we truly are. Jesus points out the truth. Take the young man in the scripture below. He just told Jesus that he has obeyed all the commandments (my advice: never tell Jesus that because a severe humbling will follow). Now without saying “No you haven’t!” or scolding him Jesus simply says that he must sell his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow me. In his refusal, the young man showed that he did not in fact keep the commandments Jesus listed. By refusing to sell his possessions and give to the poor he showed he did not love his neighbor as himself. Most of all it showed that the man broke the greatest commandment by putting his wealth ahead of obeying God.

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”  “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:16-22

This was a personalized prescription Jesus gave to heal a huge disease the young man wasn’t aware he had in his heart. The young man truly believed he was righteous and didn’t realize just how important his wealth was to him. Once Jesus pointed it out the man went away sad.

So, I’m not saying we need to sell all our possessions to show we love our neighbor. But I am saying that how we hang onto our wealth says a great deal about how much we trust God and love our neighbors. If we have a heart like Jesus we will always be willing to financially meet a need if God prompts us to do so.

Next time God has a need come across your path I challenge you to open your hands to God and give beyond what you can afford and see how He will bless you in return. Having a heart like Jesus means having sensitivity and a willingness to give to those in need trusting that God will meet your needs. He always does - Amen?