Riches

11-21-2014    Mark 10:23-27

S.       23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

O.      Riches are deceitful and make it difficult to live in faith.

A.      I labor for gain and increase. I have wanted more and more wealth, so life could be easy and my family could excel. This lesson is deep and strikes to the very core.

P.       Father; teach me to trust, to trust you for everything that I need and to be satisfied!  Amen.

Give to the poor.

7-19-2014      Acts 20:35

S.       35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

O.      Honest words about meeting the needs of others and the ultimate word on giving.

A.      Supporting the weak is more than money. Weakness comes to us when we are afraid, lonely and hurt. Supporting people in these times is just as important as filling their bellies. I will attempt to be there for the ones that are in these difficult times.

P.       Father; I see hurting people in every direction I look. I see hungry people in every direction I look. Guide me by your Holy Spirit in all my efforts to help and support. I am overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. I need you Father to fill me up and then pour me out. Amen.

Money, Money, Money

6-22-2014      Acts 16:20-24

S.       20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

O.      Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten and put in jail for casting out the evil spirit of a local witch.

A.      The issue in this case was the fear that money would be lost that was derived from the witches soothsaying. No rejoicing because of a life is set free from oppression, no happy singing and dancing over a soul being un-chained…..just anger and rage because “profit” is disturbed. I must remember to see the “soul” inside the oppressed person and seek to set that soul free, even at the expense of profit or gain.

P.       Father; remind me to look beyond the surface, into the very soul of the ones I am ministering to. Fill me with compassion and love for the bound, chained and lost souls. Wash my mind free of earthly values and sinful lust for money, power and control. Help me to value each person as you do. Amen.