Today's Scripture Reading: Luke 18.19-30 "What is impossible for people is possible with God." Luke 18.27

Good Morning.

You don't think that's true, do you? (that Jesus doesn't like rich men) Reading the above passage, it could certainly appear that way. . . but go ahead, step a little closer. Let's listen in to what Jesus is talking about--'Don't be taken in by people's flattering words--even you, calling Me 'good', only My Father is truly good'--the humble Savior deflects glory away from Himself. Then Jesus narrows His probe of the rich young leader's priorities, pointing His finger at the young man's possessions, quickly deducing that 'where his treasure was, there his heart was also'. "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" Ha--so it is true, God has something against rich people! False.

This man could have joined the disciples of Jesus--(not just the 12 apostles, but those who were traveling with Jesus, learning from Him)--but his possessions are too great to bring along with him. What gets in the way of the rich man and God is the love of the treasures of this world, but that is not all that comes between a man and his God. Sure, chasing after wealth can lead us astray, and keep us from God, but so can other things--such as, desiring power or position, trying to attain stature in this world to the point that it knocks God out of first place. Here's the truth--looking for something else to make us happy is wrong; looking for something else plus God to complete us is misguided as well; whatever we let come between us and God is wrong. Some people have thought that 'just the right' family, with children that 'turn out just right' will complete them. . . just the right job. . . just the right house. . . NO, stop--Let's look at Matthew 6.33--But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What things, you ask? Food and clothing--all we truly need in this world. And then just to set our minds at ease, Jesus adds verse 34, which should be required memorization for all of us God-seekers. . . Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. So, let's seek God first, then the other things in their rightful place(s). God really isn't so interested in our sloppy seconds.

Segue. . . .Glossary definition of the term Solar Eclipse. ... A total solar eclipse is when the sun is totally obscured by the moon. Hmmm. . . what is the 'moon' in your life? Have you let anything in your life eclipse God--either in total or in part?___________ __________________________ Let's face it--it is next to impossible for daily living not to crowd God out! Like gravity, it is like a law of science that we have to fight against--that is, if it is important to us. So, what does seeking first God's kingdom look like? ___________________________________ ___________________________ Let me take you to Psalm 37 - it means for God to have center position in our lives - verse 4, Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Proverbs 3.5,6 - Trust in the Lord with _____________________________ and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways ____________ __________and He will make your paths straight. Then, check out verse 7 - Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. Simple, straightforward ways to seek after the heart of God.

Why would you want to? Why was this rich young ruler wanting to follow Jesus--what did he see in Jesus that attracted him? Wisdom, compassion, truth, changed lives, the miraculous! And yet, it seemed impossibly unattainable for him, because the cost was too great to love Jesus and leave behind his 'stuff.' To which Jesus said, "What is impossible for people is possible with God." If you are caught in the trap of loving your worldly treasure, thinking it will buy you meaning in this life, consider what John D. Rockefeller said, "I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness." How about Cornelius Vanderbilt, 1794-1877, transportation magnate, who amassed a $100 million fortune, but said, "The care of millions is too great a load. There is no pleasure in it."

Consider Paul's words, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment." (1 Timothy 6.6) GODLINESS + contentment = great gain. Let's find our contentment in recognizing we have ENOUGH. There is no "richer" or more fulfilling life than the relationship we can have with Jesus Christ, both on earth and forevermore in His presence. Do not anything eclipse God in your life.

So that you may know,

Christine