30 Day Journey, Day 7

I saw this picture on KLOVE radio's Facebook page this morning, and I really liked it. Especially after the study I had this morning. 

This morning in my "No Other Gods" study, I read Mark 10:17-31, the story of the rich young ruler. I'd encourage you to read it here. In this passage we are called to leave (insert what it is that's keeping you from obeying/following God in abundance) and follow Him. The young ruler wanted to have eternal life. Jesus lovingly told him that in order for him to have treasure in heaven, he had to leave all he had and follow Jesus. The young man walked away sad (the Greek is appalled). Jesus explains that is a hard thing to enter the kingdom of heaven. I love His promise in v. 27 that "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." We cannot save ourselves. God alone saves us. Salvation involves more than that life-changing moment when we say the sinner's prayer and ask Jesus into our heart, though. Even though Christ forgives, it is not an excuse to live life the way we want to. And, believe me, I know how hard it is to leave sinful habits behind. There are those that keep cropping up in my own life, especially when I am walking closely with the Lord. But how good is God to promise that it's possible with Him?! He will help us - His Spirit will enable us - to give those things up if and when we ask Him to. 

Peter (gotta' love Peter!) then says, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" (I used Matthew 19:27, because I like how it shows Peter's heart). Have you, as a Christian, ever felt like that? I know I have! I've whispered (because I kinda feel like it's selfish) to God, "God, I'm doing this and this; when is this going to pay off?!" Sweet Jesus doesn't rebuke Peter. He says, "I tell you the truth...no one who has left home or brothers of sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." These are the verses that stood out to me. Like the picture above says, God has called us to holiness. And holiness does insulate us from the world's negative influences. As we grow in our holiness, it is easier to hear the Holy Spirit's call to avoid a situation or action. It is easier to hear God's still, small loving voice above the searing pain of a cutting remark of someone who doesn't agree with us. Jesus promised persecutions. He also promised us the body of Christ - family - even when those we love turn their backs on us. What a good God we serve. My prayer is that He will move me toward sanctification so I can honor Him with my whole life and be counted last among those of the world, so I can be one of the first into the kingdom. May God bless you today.