Jesus explains to the rich ruler
that worldly wealth can be a hindrance to spiritual growth. As written about in
the post Eternal TreasureJesus explains to him that building treasure in heaven
should be our ultimate purpose in life.
God sees the big picture and if
we put our attention on Him and what He can do, then we will receive this
greater perspective. Today’s video Greater
by MercyMe is about this the Spirit of God living in our heart to help make
the impossible possible and build eternal treasures in heaven.
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” -
Luke 18:27
In thinking of ways to receive
the kingdom of God with enthusiasm like children as written about in Just be Yourself, we need to give all credit
for what is accomplished in our life to God. We need to be humble and love
others as God’s creation.
Have a passion for pointing out
the good in others and let others know that God has great plans for them. Point
out lessons in life that we have learned the hard way and that it is when God
carries us that great things are done. Be inspired by today’s video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3
In the post Maintaining Faith Over The Long Haul,I
wrote howJesus teaches a lesson on perseverance. He teaches about
the need for us to press on like the widow who continued to go to the judge and
plead for justice until it was granted. The lesson is to always pray and never
give up. Here’s a video to inspire us to keep going today: Building 429 – Press On.
We may not feel good at times,
we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these
are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger; the
resistance like lifting a weights to build muscle. The resistance of water as
we swim laps to burn those extra calories or the hill as you run to the top.
Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the
air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is
filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and press on.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that
you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3
Even under tough times, we can
look forward to brighter days ahead. What we need to do is continue to get prepared,
be confident, and have inner peace because the kingdom of God is within our
hearts.
No one is too young or old; too
weak or strong; Start now to do the thing that you are really good at and don’t
believe the lie when others want to discourage. Every day has a lesson or a
piece of history that can be used to learn and share with others.
Gain your edge for the day by
getting your thinking toward the things of God. Think of what good things are
going your way, build momentum, and focus on one task at a time. Most of all as
the video All the People Said Amen – Matt
Maher explains, give thanks to the Lord! Amen.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
Jesus talks about adding quality
to faith and the power of faith when he says in Luke 17:6, “If you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,
‘and it will obey you.”
A mustard seed is very small but
grows into a large plant. Faith is the same. Sharing about faith gives a great
purpose because what we share today may pull someone through to meet the
challenges of tomorrow and step ahead throughout the week.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live
your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you
were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7
The lessons taught by Jesus
never change and are applicable today just as they were during the time He
walked in the flesh on earth. The way to get to heaven is to accept Jesus as
Savior; to be connected to and internalize these guiding principles taught by
Christ. Then noticing those in need; being the hands and feet of God to assist
with their needs. Here’s a video that inspires these qualities: Fix My Eyes – King & Country.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. – Hebrew 12:1-2
From the depression of the
1930’s and to a smaller degree with the stock market crash in 2008, there is a
lesson to be learned. Bad loans build up a bubble that eventually will burst.
As written about in the post Heaven’s Riches
Are Far More Valuable Than Earthly Wealth, a manager was accused of wasting
a rich man’s possessions. We are not told what possessions the manager was
wasting but we have to speculate that the manger’s greed caused him to take
risk with the rich man’s money.
It could also have been that he
just couldn’t say “no” to those who bought things from his master on loan
without the ability to pay back the loan. We see the same things happening with
many money managers of today. There is this push to sale things or give out
loans to people that can’t pay it off.
When we serve God, the emphasis
is not so much on short term gain but on doing the right things that result in
long term success. There are right attitudes, motives, and actions to take. If we
are focused on serving Him only; to being a good steward for what He gives and
look forward to the time we get to spend with Him each day, then we have a
tendency to think things through and make better decisions.
I found this video that inspires
this desire to hear God’s voice and help make good decisions: Word of God Speak – MercyMe. As we go to
God each day in prayer, it’s important to listen for the instructions and take
the proper steps.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to
all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5
