Pastor Craig has upped the bar in his messages and is really challenging us to be the people we were meant to be.  A re-occuring point that he has been driving home over and over again is "do you really believe?" If we do then why are we not wholeheartedly living the lives were are suppose to live?

 

In Luke chapter 19, is the story of the Rich Ruler.  This man had the priviledge of talking to Jesus face to face and he had a question; "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus gave him the easy part of the answer first, saying to follow the 10 commandments. The Rich Ruler replied, "All these I have kept since I was a boy."

 

Jesus, knowing the man's heart, then got to the "heart" of the matter. Jesus told the rich ruler to sell everything he had and give to the poor and to "follow me." Needless to say, the rich ruler was very sad when he heard these words.

 

Does this mean that Jesus expects all of us to sell everything we have and give it away?

 

I don't think so. I think what Jesus wants you to get rid of, is anything that you value more than Him. It's a matter of your priorities or better yet, it's a matter of where your heart lies.

 

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

 

Are you struggling with God's will for your life? Are you struggling with giving your first and your best to God? Do you really believe God when He says, "I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you...plans to give you hope and a future?" Jeremiah 29:11

 

Believe it with all your heart and you will receive it.