Tag: Rich young rulers

Day 3: Step One
28 Day Love Challenge · February · Love · Uncategorized · Valentines

Day 3: Step One

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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all mind.

Jesus says this is the most important commandment.

When God means everything to you, when you love him more than anything else in your life then He can use you to serve others.  We say we love God, but is He honestly first in our lives.  We tend to think about God’s love for us.  “God give me what I want.” or “God will understand” or “God would want me happy”.  We spend much less time asking what does God want.  Will I understand if God does not give me what I want?   Will I live a life that brings honor to God even if it means I cannot do the things I want to do?

We know we have moved in the correct direction when our thoughts seek God’s desire.  Do we long to make Him happy?  Think about it.

Heart:     Who is your first love?  Where are your priorities?  Do you find yourself pushing God aside for other people and things?

Mind:     Do you meditate on God’s word?  Are your thoughts centered on God or on the distractions of the world?

Soul:   Is your spirit one with the Holy Spirit?  When a decision arises do you seek direction from Christ?  Do you seek to be one with Christ through the Spirit–like the vine and branch? Are you walking through the day with Him as your guide.

Journal

Do you have the kind of relationship with Christ that can be described as with all you heart, soul and mind?  How would you describe your day to day relationship with God?

Agape Love requires you to be willing to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. You must love God more than the pleasures and comforts of this world.

Activity

Read Matthew 19:16-29 The story of the rich young ruler.  In this story, Jesus asks the young man to sell all he has, give the money to the poor and to follow Jesus.

As you moved through the day, think about what you have.  What would your answer be if Jesus said quit your job, sell your house, give away your retirement?  What do you love more that Jesus? What do you fear losing?

Ho Ho Ho
Christmas Traditions · Seasons

Ho Ho Ho

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Today was Saint Nicholas Day so it makes sense to discuss the tradition of Santa Claus.

Let’s think about the Santa we know.  A jolly fella who sits in the mall, makes appearances in the parades and tells all the good little kids that of course they will receive all the toys they desire.  Then on Christmas eve he travels the world in a sleigh with rain deer sliding down chimneys depositing lots of toys.

The real Saint Nicholas lived from 273 to 343 and died on December 6.  Born to wealthy parents who died when he was young, Nicholas moved to live with his uncle.  Early in his life, Nicholas learned to love Christ.  He became a monk and then the Bishop of Myra.

Nicholas determined to use his inheritance to help others.  He is known for being a giver to those in need.  He spent part of his life in prison for his faith, but was released when Constantine released the Christians.

Saint Nicholas became a popular saint in many countries across Europe.  Different traditions grew around gift giving on his Saint day.

These traditions morphed into the crazy materialistic Santa gift giving we know today.

Journalling questions.

1)  Do you think of Christmas as a time to give to others in need?  Is this season more about what is in it for you or what you can do for others?

Acts 20

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.

2)  You possess many resources that include money, time, talents, love.  Are you willing to give all you have if God asks it of you.  When people in real need appear in your life, do you find reasons to not help them or do you give what you have to help them.  Saint Nicholas gave all he had both financially and of his time.

The following was what Jesus said to the Rich Young Ruler.  The young ruler walked away because he loved his money more than he loved Jesus.  Saint Nicholas chose to give all to help the poor and to spend his life following Jesus.  What is your answer to Jesus?  Think through all the areas: money, time, talents, love.

Mark 10

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.