A Tweeter is Known by his Tweet

⁴³ “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. ⁴⁴ For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. ⁴⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:43-45 NKJV)

This is an attempt to apply this verse to the present context, where speaking (sharing) is not just limited to word of mouth, but has taken the form of different social media and so on. The purpose is to help the reader understand and apply the truth that Jesus teaches.

For a good profile does not bear bad posts, nor does a bad profile bear good posts. For every Profile is known by its own Post. For facebookers do not receive fruitful feeds from filthy posts or worthy tags from filthy photos, nor do they get good posts from a bad profile. A good facebooker out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good posts; and an evil facebooker out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil posts. For out of the abundance of the heart are his Facebook posts.

For a good Tweeter does not bear bad Tweets, nor does a bad Tweeter bear good Tweets. For every Tweeter is known by his or her Tweet. For Tweeters do not receive fruitful tweets from filthy Tweeters, nor do they get good tweets from a bad Tweeter. A good Tweeter out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good tweets; and an evil Tweeter out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil tweets. For out of the abundance of the heart are his Twitter tweets.

For a good blog does not bear bad posts, nor does a bad blog bear good posts. For every Blog is known by its own Posts. For bloggers do not get fruitful blogs from filthy bloggers, nor do they get good blogs from a bad post. A good blogger out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good posts; and an evil blogger out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil posts. For out of the abundance of the heart are his Blog posts.

For a good YouTube/Vimeo channel does not bear bad videos, nor does a bad YouTube/Vimeo channel bear good videos. For every YouTube/Vimeo channel is known by its own videos. For users or browsers do not get fruitful videos from filthy channels, nor do they get good videos from a bad channel. A good User out of the good treasure of his heart produces good videos; and an evil User out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil videos. For out of the abundance of the heart are his YouTube/Vimeo channel videos.

For a good Website does not bear bad content, nor does a bad website bear good content. For every Website is known by its own content. For browsers do not see fruitful content from filthy websites, nor do they see good content from a bad website. A good Webmaster out of the good treasure of his heart posts good content; and an evil Webmaster out of the evil treasure of his heart posts evil content. For out of the abundance of the heart he posts content.

For a good Netizen does not bear bad chats, nor does a bad Netizen bear good chats. For every Netizen is known by his chats. For Netizens do not get fruitful chats from filthy users, nor do they get good chats from a bad user. A good Netizen out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good chats; an evil Netizen out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil chats. For out of the abundance of the heart are his Messenger chats.

For a good Caller does not make bad calls, nor does a bad Caller make good calls. For every Caller is known by his calls. For Receivers do not get fruitful calls from filthy callers, nor do they get good calls from a bad Caller. A good Caller out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good calls; an evil Caller out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil calls. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

For a good Texter does not send bad SMS/MMS, nor does a bad Texter send bad texts. For every Texter is known by his Texts. For Receivers do not get fruitful texts from filthy texters, nor do they get good texts from a bad Texter. A good Texter out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good texts; an evil Texter out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil texts. For out of the abundance of the heart his hand texts.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8)

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What gives one “worth”?

Isn’t it true that almost everyone in this world tries to show and prove his or her “worth” and value? And worth is more often than not attached to one’s qualification, family or community background, position, job, income, creativity, productivity, etc and people of high status and wealth and popularity are valued highly. But the Bible attached value and gives worth to entirely different things. Let’s take a look at it from Luke 7:1-10 and I am going to bring in the issue of “worth” or “value” from the perspectives of different people involves in this incident.

Worth or Value: The Centurion’s Perspective

I was very much surprised to note that which the centurion valued.

“Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.” Luke 7:2-3 (ESV)

The Bible says that it was his servant who the centurion “highly valued”. But the Bible does not say why he valued him highly. But we learn a very important lesson here. We need to value people irrespective of their work and hierarchy. My ownership of authority should never make me devalue the one who lacks authority or one who submits to my authority.

And the Bible does not just say that the Centurion valued his servant. It goes on to say how he valued him; thereby teaching the ways to show that we value someone.

• He loved him “who was dear to him” (Luke 7:2 NKJV)
• He was concerned of him when he became sick (Luke 7:2)
• He looked out for ways for his servant to be healed (Luke 7:3)
• He stooped down & pleaded so that his servant might be healed (Luke 7:3 NKJV)

If I value someone these qualities and actions need to be seen in my life.

Worth or Value: The Jewish Elders’ Perspective

Now let’s see how the elders of the Jews looked at this issue.

“And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”” Luke 7:4-5 (ESV)

The elders of the Jews say that “He (the Centurion) is worthy”. And they give two reasons for valuing him -

• He loved the Jews
• He did something good for them (built them a synagogue)

Loving and helping others is the key.

Worth or Value: Jesus’ Perspective

“When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”” Luke 7:9 (ESV)

When was it when Jesus marvelled at the Centurion and what quality of him made Jesus to value him more than the Israelites?

“Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:6,7 NKJV

• He considered himself worthless
• The healing of his servant mattered more than his worth

When the Centurion considered himself “worthless” he receives worth from the LORD of all Worth! When I think or show off myself as someone, then I am no one. When I think that I am worthy, in fact I am worthless.

A straight question – you need to go to someone for some work; but that person does not value you. What would be your reaction? At this juncture do we let the work suffer because our worth suffers? Let’s check ourselves.

This fits for any sort of a work and especially when it comes to God’s work. Many a times we do not allow God to work because we are so much bothered and concerned about our worth!

Worth or Value: The blogger’s Perspective

Even as I learnt so much on being worthy from all the above perspectives, I was very much attracted to Jesus. It was an opportunity to show or prove His worth. He was the One the centurion was looking for, the elders were pleading to. He could have talked about Himself – about who He was, about His powers, etc. Rather, he appreciates the centurion! And very silently does a miracle too! No self-promotion, no boasting!! And that’s called to be THE WORTHY.

May the Lord help you and me to change and have the right, biblical perspective and Christ-like attitude.

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Also read the other blogs in line with this thought -

Do you see these great.....? 

Who is the greatest?

Worthless Servants, Seeking Worth?!

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This “LPG Bunk” requires increase!

Recently there has been a lot of hue and cry owing to the rise of LPG-Gas price. Because of this price rise the government of India has restricted the supply of gas cylinders to only 6 per year per house. Almost all opposition political parties have been opposing this.

As I was reading the Bible I found another kind of LPG Bunk which needs to increase in our life! Whose increase is needed!

We read that in Luke 6:27-28

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)

Jesus says that we need to grow in this LPG Bunk -

L – Love your enemies

P – Pray for those who abuse you

G – do Good to those who hate you

Bunk – Bless those who curse you

Let us increase in this LPG Bunk and proclaim the love of Christ through this. And whenever we hear the news on gas price rise, let us check and remind ourselves to increase in these!

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The Third Call

This post is on the subject of “call” in the life of every Christian. Many a times we are confused when it comes to this issue of “call” and in this post we will look at it from the life of Simon Peter from the Bible on the three different and three levels of calls that God intends for every Christian. I believe that this post will help every reader to understand where he or she is in their call and towards where they need to grow and commit.

• Meeting the Messiah

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). John 1:40-42 (ESV)

The first call in everyone’s life as that of Simon is to meet with the Messiah – the call to repent from our sins and to commit our life to Jesus Christ to be saved.

This call also involves a change in our personalities. When Simon came to Jesus, He changed his name as Cephas/Peter which means “Stone”. That is, it is a change of character; from being a reed driven in different directions, to becoming a stone that is focused and strong. When we come to Christ He enables His strength and grace through which He helps us to become strong.

That’s why Peter goes on to write in his epistle,

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)

So when we come to Christ He makes us a living stone, removing all “dead works” (Hebrews 9:13, 14) from our lives.

This first call also reminds us of two things -

One, to remember, pray for and thank God for the “Andrews” who God used to bring us to Him.

Take sometime to remember your Andrews and pray  for them.

Two, to always check whether we have the joy of salvation everyday. We need to pray as David prayed,

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)

 

• A call to give ALL

And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. Luke 4:38-39 (ESV)

After the first call, we see Peter growing in a relationship with Jesus and taking Him to his house. The outcome of the first call is a growing relationship with Jesus Christ! This is possible only through daily Bible reading & Bible meditation and Prayer.

As we grow in Christ we need to commit ourselves to the second call as well, as Peter did. When we read Luke 5:1-11 we clearly understand this call.

Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Luke 5:3 (ESV)

This call involves obedience and submission. First, Peter let Jesus use his resource (the boat). Second, he let Jesus direct his resource.

We need to grow to let Jesus take and direct all areas of our lives – personal, family, work, ministry, etc; our education, career, money, time, entertainment, pleasure, pain, etc. This is to act not according to our wish and desires, but according to God’s and obeying God at every point of our life and in every part of our life.

It’s to pray “not my will but Yours be done”. This requires a closer walk with God and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, it is also to obey God right at the area of our failures and loss.

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:4-5 (ESV)

When we fail we withdraw and become discouraged. But when we submit our failures to God and to do according to “His word” He will turn them into blessings that would be a testimony unto His name!

When Peter submitted to obey Jesus’ word, he did witness a great blessing.

And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. Luke 5:6 (ESV)

So much so that his partners astonished,

For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, Luke 5:9 (ESV)

A big blessing; partners praises; Peter could have boasted on his “connection” with the miracle worker or about his “spirituality” or about his “blessings”! But the person who has grown to this level of call in his life will only respond,

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8 (ESV)

Fourthly, a sense of unworthiness! This needs to reflect in all areas of our life, work and ministry.

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:10 (ESV)

This attitude is reflected in Peter’s ministry as well.

While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? Acts 3:11-12 (ESV)

We might also grow to this level of having an attitude of unworthiness, but this call requires that we grow more, to the next level.

and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)

Fifthly, it’s a call to “forsake to follow”!

 

Peter obeyed Jesus to forsake a just-enjoyed-great-blessing to follow Him. It is very contrary decision to the given situation. Peter should have gone  for a “business success sustainment plan” as he has found a great-business-partner-with-a-magic-wand!

 

This is a call to give ALL to Jesus and to let Him direct everything of my life. As we grow in this call the glory would go to God.

 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV)

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live. 

    I surrender all,
    I surrender all.
    All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
        I surrender all. 

 

• Seek to Shepherd the Lost

The first two calls are self-centred; it is between “me and God”. But the third call takes us beyond us.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 (ESV)

This call is to go in search of the lost and bring them to Christ. The call is beyond us in one more sense. It requires that we leave our “comfort zones” and go as God directs and need places us.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” John 21:18 (ESV)

God is calling us to submit ourselves to this call to go where He leads, to go where we do not want to go, so as to seek and save the lost through the gospel of Jesus Christ! God has blessed us with His knowledge and anointed us not to keep it all for us or not to overfeed an already fed people, but to go out and feed those who are starving, who have no one to feed them!

Go into the world
Take His love into the world
The time is right
The fields are white
There's work to do before the night
So let's go into the world
Take His love into the world
He is calling me and you into the world

Still we keep on thinking
Somebody else will go
While a world that's dying
Urgently needs to know
If we will lovingly compel
We'll storm the very gates of hell
WHO WILL GO?

Let us commit ourselves to grow and submit to the third call! Let this generation know Jesus through us!!

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Who, What & Why of Revelations? (Part 1)

In Christendom the word “Revelation” is highly used, misused and abused. Many preachers and pastors boast that they possess the best of “revelations” that no one else possesses. This post is an attempt to study the true meaning and nature behind “revelations” in the Bible so as to create a sound Biblical view on this issue. (This post is not a study on the Book of Revelation, the final book in the Bible).

For our first study we will look at the context in Luke 2:25-35 from the life of Simeon.

Who receives Revelations from God?

The Bible says about the character of Simeon “this man was just and devout” (Luke 2:25)

He was not looking for his personal consolation but was “waiting for the Consolation of Israel”. Though here “Consolation” refers to Jesus Christ, Simeon was not selfish in his pursuit and expectation. Being “unselfish” and looking for the profit and growth of others and being concerned about others is a prime requisite.

Thirdly, he was leading a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. “…and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25) “And it had been to revealed to him by the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 2:26) “So he came by the Spirit into the temple…” (Luke 2:27)

What is the nature of Revelations?

Revelations are not to be out of speculation or imagination, but according to God’s word.

“….according to Your word” (Luke 2:29)

All revelations from God should be confined to and based upon God’s written Word, the Bible.

Secondly the source of all revelations is God and to fulfil God’s purpose.

“Your word”; (2:29) “Your salvation” (2:30); “You have prepared” (2:31); “Your people” (2:32).

What do Revelations bring?

Revelation can bring “amazement” but not “amusement”.

“So the Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him.” (Luke 2:33)

Rather it brings serious consideration in the heart of the receiver. God does not give revelation for entertainment, but to encourage and to exhort.

What does the person whom God uses receive for the revelation?

He definitely receives “peace”. (2:29) And he won’t be bothered if he does not receive any “penny” because that is not his expectation from the revelation!

Does revelations from God bring blessing to people?

Yes, definitely. But blessing of a different sorts or rightly put, Biblical blessing. Here the blessing upon Mary is “a sword will pierce through your own soul”. This revelation wouldn’t have been easy for Mary, but Simeon didn’t compromise in the message or used buttery words.

What is the greatest of all Revelations?

“a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel”. (Luke 2:32)

Revealing that Jesus Christ is the Saviour to the world is the greatest of all revelations!

Are you bothered that you have no so called “special” revelations? If you are proclaiming the gospel and turning people from darkness to the light you have the “greatest” revelation of all times – the revelation that which is sufficient for anyone any time! It is a call to repent from sins and to turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.

Revelation of revelations is the revealing of the Redeemer to the world!

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What is PRAYER?

This post on prayer is based on Mark 14:32-42 (NRSV & NKJV). Have a  Bible in hand and read the verses side-by-side, along with the post.

 

 

Prayer is to be with Jesus. (vs. 32, 33)

- Prayer is to follow Jesus and to stay closer with Him. To go where He wants us to go and not to go where He does not want to us to go.

Prayer is to understand His distress, agitation and sorrow. (vs. 33, 34)

- There are so many things that are happening in this world that breaks God’s heart. A prayerful person will cry with God seeing the filthiness, lostness, the world is filled with. Like Jeremiah he will desire to be filled with tears and weep for the people. (Jeremiah 9:1)

Prayer is total surrender. (vs. 35)

- Where there is total surrender, self and pride ceases to exist. It is like to say with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20a)

Prayer is to submit to God’s will. (vs. 36)

- It is not what I desire, but what God desires. Being in the centre of God’s will is the safest and the best place in the world and prayer is the vehicle that takes us there.

Prayer is to safeguard from falling into temptation. (vs. 38)

- ‘He who fails to plan, plans to fail’, they say. He who fails to pray, prepares to fall!

 

Prayer is to increase the strength of the spirit and to decrease and nullify the weakness of the flesh. (vs. 38)

- As Galatians 5:17 says, “or the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Through prayer we need to strengthen the spirit, the inner man so that our desires become divine and holy.

Prayer is to persist. (vs. 39)

- We need to pray until we understand God’s heart, till we totally surrender our ego, submit to God’s will, every time to beat temptation. P.U.S.H – Pray Until Something (Specific) Happens!

Prayer is to understand the times (vs. 41, 42)

- Prayer is a key to unlock the unseen and make it foreseen. Having trouble in knowing what to do at this time, in this situation – PRAY!

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The Great Reversal: First will be last and the last first (Part 1)

On three instances Jesus said,

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Matthew 19:30 (ESV)

“So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:16 (ESV)

“And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:30 (ESV)

When Jesus said this three times, it is very sure that He was emphasizing on very important truths for us to know and live by. In this post we will meditate on the context of the verses in Matthew 19:30 and will find out the reason why anyone who is first would become the last and otherwise.

From being good to becoming perfect

A young ruler comes to Jesus and asks Him, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). In reply Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. These requirement boxes are already ticked in his life.

“The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”” Matthew 19:20 (ESV)

Now Jesus showed him the way to become perfect.

"If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)

We see Jesus talking about “selling” the possessions and give to the poor and not “buying” them! (How contrary to most of today’s sermons!) We also see Paul affirming the same in one of his letters.

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:6-12 (ESV)

What did the young ruler ask Jesus in the first place? “What do I still LACK?” He was asking a question on what he lacked and Jesus tells him to lose some more!!

We are called to HOLD onto eternal life and to LOSE that which is temporal! But many a times we do otherwise!!

Maude Royden said "Learn to hold loosely all that is not eternal."

If I would hold loosely onto anything I will not worry losing it or giving it away. What is it that which I am finding it very difficult to give or lose?

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28 (ESV) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 (ESV)

God wants us to flourish. For what? So that we may use all the flourish-ment to win souls!

Like the young ruler we all start well – yearning to be good. But Jesus wants to show us the way to becoming perfect. And that is to be willing to lose all that we posses!

Peter who was one among those who were on the way to become perfect – having given up what was theirs, asks Jesus, “…we have LEFT all and followed You. Therefore what shall we HAVE?” (Matthew 19:27)

And Jesus answers, “And everyone who has LEFT houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 (ESV)

Mark writing on the same incident writes,

“Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has LEFT house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30 (ESV)

This promise is not for those who HAVE or KEEP, but for those who LEAVE. For what purpose? For Christ’s sake and for the gospel. This leaving is coupled with the promise to receive hundredfold, WITH PERSECUTIONS!

Why the first will be last? Because they are satisfied in being good Christians (obeying the commandments) but do not want to become perfect!

What is the way to perfection? It is to leave all that one possesses for Christ’s sake and the gospel. It is a call to lose everything so that Christ may have all the eminence and that the gospel may be preached!

If I am a Christian I need to leave all for Christ and to use everything for the proclamation of the gospel.  

This verse is so well written in The Message translation: “Jesus replied, "Yes, you have followed me. In the re-creation of the world, when the Son of Man will rule gloriously, you who have followed me will also rule, starting with the twelve tribes of Israel. And not only you, but anyone who sacrifices home, family, fields—whatever—because of me will get it all back a hundred times over, not to mention the considerable bonus of eternal life. This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first." (Matthew 19:28-30)

We understand that the promise of the hundredfold is also only in the Regeneration! 

Here, we revere those with great positions and think great of those who accumulate great wealth. But great will be those who own nothing and those who would have left all for His kingdom! And those who shunned stardom and avoided applauses.

Question to Reflect: What are those ________ (things, relationships, positions, etc.) that which I am holding onto so dearly, which are earthly and carnal and not eternal?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to release my hold from …………………………; help me to hold onto only that are eternal and that leads to eternal life. Let my priority be to please you and to proclaim the gospel.

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