November 8
Scripture of the day: "Jesus ... said to His disciples, 'How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter 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 the kingdom of God.' They ... said to Him, 'Then who can be saved?' Looking at them, Jesus said, 'With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.' Peter began to say to Him, 'Behold, we have left everything and followed You.' 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 farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.'" Mark 10:23-30
Thought of the day: Jesus asked a rich man to choose between his riches and Him ... the man chose his wealth. Then Jesus told His disciples that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples reminded Jesus that they had given up everything to follow Him. Then He promised that those who sacrifice would be rewarded in this life and the next life.
Challenge of the day: Jesus did not promise normal earthly wealth as the reward for sacrificing to follow Him. He said that leaving your earthly family for Him would be rewarded by inclusion in the family of God now and in eternity. Giving up your earthly treasures for Him will be rewarded by a much greater share in His kingdom now and forever. Are you pursuing temporal or eternal rewards?
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