Post by Richard on Apr 23, 2005 7:39:53 GMT -5
WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE?
_________________________
Mark 8:34-38 (NRSV)
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
_________________________
What can a man give in exchange for his soul?
-- Mark 8:37 (NIV)
_________________________
THERE'S an old gospel song titled "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?" Its theme is as relevant today as it was years ago. Many people are giving much time and attention to material success and little to their soul.
It's easy to get caught up in materialism. Advertising tries to make us believe that we will be whole when we drive an expensive car, live in a big house, and wear fancy clothes. It's a lie. Only relationship with Jesus Christ can make us whole. We find fullness of life through him, not through anything we can buy or through any of our achievements.
When we find ourselves tempted by the false promises of materialism, we learn the truth and return to the truth by reading the Bible daily. In the truth of the Bible we discover that we are precious in the eyes of God. We hear that God accepts us and loves us regardless of how we look, what we wear, or what we've accomplished. We can exchange our life for the junk of this world. But we can give ourselves to Jesus Christ and gain eternal life.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to see through the falsehoods of this world so we can know what truly matters. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Fullness of life comes in knowing and following Christ.
-- Jack Zavada (Illinois, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People controlled by possessions
_________________________
Mark 8:34-38 (NRSV)
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
_________________________
What can a man give in exchange for his soul?
-- Mark 8:37 (NIV)
_________________________
THERE'S an old gospel song titled "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?" Its theme is as relevant today as it was years ago. Many people are giving much time and attention to material success and little to their soul.
It's easy to get caught up in materialism. Advertising tries to make us believe that we will be whole when we drive an expensive car, live in a big house, and wear fancy clothes. It's a lie. Only relationship with Jesus Christ can make us whole. We find fullness of life through him, not through anything we can buy or through any of our achievements.
When we find ourselves tempted by the false promises of materialism, we learn the truth and return to the truth by reading the Bible daily. In the truth of the Bible we discover that we are precious in the eyes of God. We hear that God accepts us and loves us regardless of how we look, what we wear, or what we've accomplished. We can exchange our life for the junk of this world. But we can give ourselves to Jesus Christ and gain eternal life.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to see through the falsehoods of this world so we can know what truly matters. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Fullness of life comes in knowing and following Christ.
-- Jack Zavada (Illinois, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People controlled by possessions