Father, being officially diagnosed with diabetes recently has been an adjustment. Thank You for a caring wife who is by my side to help me along through this part of my journey. Thank You for the tools given to me in order to help manage everything. And thank You for the blessing of tenacity to stick to what needs to be done. All praise goes to You!

Matthew 19:23-26 (<<click to read the passage)

Most people I know are pretty self-sufficient. Some have more than others but most basic needs are met. We are very blessed. But can those blessings, if we are not careful, become a detriment – especially a detriment when it comes to our relationship with God?

Self-sufficiency and dependence are on separate ends of the spectrum. Is it possible to truly give our all to God if a good portion of our energy and efforts are making sure that we take care of meeting our own needs? Those mindsets seem to be diametrically opposed.

After speaking with the rich young man,

Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is difficult for a rich man [who clings to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status] to enter the kingdom of God.” AMP

A footnote in the Amplified Bible states, “These declarations of Jesus directly contradicted the teaching of the Pharisees that God bestows wealth on those He loves and chooses.”

So understandably the disciples “were completely astonished and bewildered” so much so that they exclaimed, “Then who can be saved [from the wrath of God]?”

How in the world can any of us make it? We may not consider ourselves well off but we are taken care of pretty well – and we lay claim, quite often, to taking credit for it! So are we really in any different position that the rich young man? Was he doomed? Are we doomed?

Jesus answers that question,

“With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy and compassion. You know we are weak and frail, especially when it comes to our spiritual health. Help us to count our blessings but to give credit where credit is due and to trust You for our salvation…not ourselves.

Aug 19th, 2018, Sun, 6:27 am