><>... Steve, was there a bulletin or something?
My family and I were outdoors. Did we miss something on the news? Have all the "glamour and glitz" christian and so-called christian T.V. evangelists repented? Are they turning in all their diamonds and gold studded possessions, are they returing all the collections, (donations, of course)made to them by their loyal followers?
90s? Returning Home? Who? To who's House?
Sorry Steve I really don't mean to make light of it, but it is just not happening. There has been more greed and money making scams in the last 20 years than ever before, and it is getting worse. And much of it is done under the banner, "Jesus is Lord!" A hard fact but a fact nonetheless....
The fact that many christians live a prosperous life is no evidence that they should repent or give everything up, that is not at all what I am saying. What I am saying is that if those "luxuries" were paid for by "ill gotten gains", then repentance is in order.
But God blesses many people in this world, christian and non-christian alike.Some realize it and some don't, some thank Him, and some don't. I am talking about talents, intelligence, skills,great minds,innovative, and invigorating. He has blessed untold millions of people with an endless variety of talent, skills, expetise, and wisdom, and when one uses the blessings bestowed uopn them by God, they in many cases, can make an individual wealthy. I am talking $$$$.
And that is not a sin...It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. Not money itself. Having it in and of itself is no sin.
There is no reason anyone should ever think that just because a christian is $$$$ wealthy, s/he should divest themselves of it. As long as they realize where their "talent" came from to get them to the place that they are, and thank God every day, Then they are "home" already, and no need to "return" so to speak. And of course it goes without mention that they continue to do the work of God, in helping others who are less fortunate.... And I don't mean handouts to those who think that society owes them a living.
Matt.25:14-29
And as to the camel and the needle, Jesus was making a very powerful point, as usual. He had just finished talking with a man who had "great possessions" but was not willing to give them up, not even to follow Jesus. Matt.19:16-22. In Matt. 19:23-24 Our Lord likens the eye of the needleand the camel, to heaven because it just so happens to be a gate entry into many cities at that time, which were walled and guarded. Anyone coming into that city had to pass through this gate. All camels which were usually loaded down with goods, had be "unloaded" and gotten down on all fours, and sort of creep its way through the gate. "eye of the needle" Very tough maneuver, but they did it after much prodding.
The case with the rich young man in v.22 was that he was not willing to "unload" when asked by Jesus. Therefore it was easier for the camels to go through the eye of the needle.They just did it, no questions asked.
I know that you probably never intended all this but I was moved to say it.
Baruch Tihyeh
Shalom...><>
BTW, I am Not $$ $$ wealthy... far from it.. but what I do have is because of God, and that is a key... to realize and readily admit it..and to God be the glory..
Another important key is exactly what you said about It not having you.....Ohhh sooo true
Have a good weekend my good brother |
