What's Stopping You?

Friday's Devotion (5-9-03)

"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29 (KJV)

If something is getting in the way of our relationship with Jesus Christ, we must leave that thing or person. If we leave that person or thing for Jesus, we will get much more back. We will inherit everlasting life. If you have parents that are getting in the way of your relationship with the Lord, you need to get a way. Also, if you're parents are anything like mine they'll use the scripture that says, "Honor thy Mother and thy Father." But we need to realize we must first honor the Lord. This scripture doesn't condemn us, for leaving our parents or family for Christ's sake. Leaving your parents is not dishonoring them. If you have nothing to do with someone, how can you dishonor them? Also, it could be a material possession that's getting in the way of you and Christ. If that's the case get rid of it. If there's anything or anyone that is getting in the way of you and Jesus, get away from them. Do it and know that you're going to be much happier. You'll gain everlasting life with the Lord, himself. This scripture isn't meaning we should just up and leave our families. I believe it means we should leave them if they're getting in the way of you and the Lord. My mother discouraged me so bad and one time I almost quit reading my Bible, when I lived with her. I think this is the kind of situations we must get out of. But whatever the situation, if it's coming inbetween you and the Lord, get out of it! What's more important to you, everlasting life with the Lord or temporary life with someone you're miserable with? I'm sure in some situations when you leave someone for Christ's sake, the person will see they were wrong. It could even make that person want to change. Don't just up and leave without praying about it first. See what the Lord, wants you to do in your situation. Don't let anyone or anything get in the middle of you and the Lord! Someone might say, "How can a house or land get in between me and the Lord?" My opinion is it could make you too proud and you may need humbling. Also, maybe you acquired your property in a dishonest way. Material things kept me from growing as much as I could. I played violent video games and I watched wrestling. Those two things kept me from growing in my relationship with God. You may think I'm a nut, but it's true. I gave up those things and now I'm doing much better. Since I left home, things with my Mother only got better. I think she's glad that I stayed in the word. She goes to work and brags about me now. I think she's proud of me, even though she's not a follower. What's stopping you, from growing in the Lord?

God bless!

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