A Stumbling Block Of The Rich

Thursday's Devotion (1-13-05)

"And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:24-25(KJV)

It's going to be very hard for a rich man to enter into God's Kingdom. Why is this? Why is that fair? This is because the rich are not in need of anything and if you're not in need of anything then you won't go to God, to receive anything and you will trust in riches over God. Most people who are saved are living in poverty and the ones who are rich probably got there by trusting God. However, some of you are already rich and this makes it hard for you to trust God, as much as you should. Riches are a stumbling block in our walks with God. So, if we gain riches we need to make sure that we don't lose trust in God. You can only gain salvation through faith in God and nothing else! If you gain riches, then do good stuff with it that will glorify God, instead of just using it for your earthly desires.

Riches are not the only stumbling block, but sometimes it is the things that we can buy with those riches. Some people resort to drugs to relieve inner pain instead of trusting in God. Some people trust in other people to get them through life and not God. The list goes on and on and I'd say riches are the worst stumbling block of them all. Why? It is because it gives you sense of independence and it doesn't make you dependent on God. With riches you will think, "I don't need anyone!". Some people trust riches so much that they believe they can enter God's Kingdom, because they are rich and important on earth. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have on earth if you don't have Christ! Without Christ, you have nothing! So you're rich without Christ and I am poor with Christ? I'd say that I am much more richer than you! Riches can't buy certain things: Salvation and love riches cannot buy!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins and we forgive all those who've wronged us. Please help us to trust in you and nothing else. If we become rich or if we already are may we still live as you would have us to live and may we trust in you over those riches. May we do what you want us to do with those riches. In Jesus, name. A-men!

God bless!

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