“Now as He was going on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ So, Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Mark 10:17-22 (NKJV)
This rich young ruler did not know that he would face a defining moment in his life when he encountered Jesus. According to his own pre-established standard, he was a cut above everyone else. He was knowledgeable about the scriptures and had been raised up in the law of the commandments. On the outside he was filled with zeal and passion and seemed to be a prime candidate to be a disciple of Christ. But when he was confronted about root issues in his life, he was unwilling to change. In his eyes he was on the losing end of the stick with what Jesus had offered him. Jesus promised him that he would have treasure in heaven in exchange for what he was being asked to surrender. Most importantly, the rich young ruler had an opportunity to be directly discipled by the Son of God. The only hindrance was that this young man valued his possessions more than his personal relationship with the Lord.
Fulfilling your God Purpose begins with total surrender. There is only one thing that God will require from each and every one of you if you desire to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. A life of TOTAL SURRENDER… For this young man, there were somethings that he was unwilling to give up. I can only imagine how he could have unlocked his God given potential had he learned to fully trust in Jesus. God has commanded us all to live by faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. As you pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord, you will no doubt face defining moments in your life. Always keep in mind that we can’t possibly out give God. He has already given us His very best… His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Through our faith in Him, we have received the gift of salvation. We have the promise of divine health and prosperity. It is our inheritance to walk in peace and joy. God has given us the ability to change our natural circumstances through our faith in His promises.
When you encounter a defining moment in life, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. There are uncharted territories that God still has yet to reveal to all His children; but so, few dare to step out and believe. Know that we serve a good God who will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always for us and never against us. If man has failed us in the past, know that God will never fail you. One of the most rewarding things in life to pursue, is to be a true follower of Jesus. To obey the Lord is to live the abundant life! It’s been said that the best is not behind you, but it’s right ahead of you. Continue to look unto Jesus, He is the Author and Finisher of your faith! The future looks bright and filled with joy for you and your family.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
What is the Lord asking you to surrender at the foot of the cross? What has been holding you back from your potential? Can you identify hindrances that the enemy has placed in your life in an attempt to sabotage your God given destiny? It’s time to embrace change and dare to believe God! Cling to God’s promises and take a step of faith! God’s word will never return void. Place your absolute trust and confidence in God and watch what He will do on your behalf. (Pastor Wally Matanza)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“Search my heart Lord and reveal what I need to surrender at the foot of the Cross. I desire to do your will and follow You wholeheartedly. I cling to your promises and choose not to waver in doubt or unbelief. I expect breakthrough in my family! I expect increase in my finances! I expect a turnaround in my health! It is my inheritance as a child of God to walk in total life prosperity all the days of my life. All you require of me is total surrender. My life belongs to you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: 2 Kings 14-15; Psalms 119:153-160
- New Testament: Luke 6:1-16; Philippians 3:1-9
