A Camel going through the eye of a needle?? Did God really say that?
“Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:25-27
Jesus used this hyperbole(1) to teach us:
1. Wealth is not a sign of righteousness. This refutes the teaching of every prosperity teacher who claims God wants us rich (Philippians 4:11; James 2:5).
2. Wealth is a popular and deadly false god (Matthew 6:24).
3. It’s impossible to get a camel through the eye of a needle, and it’s impossible for a man to save himself (Romans 8:3).
Thank you, Jesus, that you can do what is impossible for us!
--------------
(1) a hyperbole is a statement not meant to be taken literally, but to make a point. Some people have theorized that Jesus was really talking about a camel going through a small city gate, but most Bible scholars refute this suggestion. See 4 Guidelines for Recognizing Figurative Language in Scripture
This unsigned chalk on vellum portrait is called "La Bella Principessa.” Some believe it's a 16th Century work of Leonardo DaVinci.
The owner purchased it as a 19th Century portrait by an unknown artist, but experts believe the artist, like DaVinci, was a left-hander with a meticulous anatomic understanding.
In addition, a fingerprint left when the artist blended the paints resembles a fingerprint from a signed DaVinci painting.
Critics are still divided about its authenticity, and an art forger is trying to claim it as his work.
On the other hand, there is no question about our authenticity. When we belong to Christ, He affirms that we're genuine, signed masterpieces (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The more we allow our Master to leave his fingerprints on us, the more valuable we become!
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
copyright 2012, Gail Burton Purath
Source: A closer look at La Bella Principessa
Some people judge and hate Christians because they claim Christians are judgmental and hateful.
In the name of tolerance, some people insist Christian beliefs shouldn't be tolerated.
Some people claim Christians should be silenced in order to maintain freedom of speech.
Everyday Christians are stereotyped because a few deranged people calling themselves Christians commit hate crimes.
Most genuine believers share God's truth in love.
But people still hate us (John 15:18-19).
Many professing Christians are buckling under the pressure and rejecting God's values. But genuine believers are standing firm (Matthew 24:12-13).
If you are faithfully sharing God's truth with our lost and dying culture, you will identify with Jeremiah 20:8-9:
“The word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, 'I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire… I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”
Stand firm, dear Christians.
----------------
To do a short Bible study on this devotion, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.
For more encouragement, read these 1-minute devotions:
Standing Firm and Reaching Out
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Is Jesus Likable?
Celebrating birthdays is a way of saying, "I'm glad you were born. I'm glad God chose to make you part of my life.”
No matter the circumstances of our birth, God knew us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139). He planned our time in history, our family, and nationality (Acts 17:24-28). He gave us individual purposes (Ephesians 2:10).
Celebrating birthdays affirms God's choices.
This month (July 2017), I’m celebrating two birthdays.
I turned 66, and I’m grateful for the Lord’s love, patience, and discipline. I'm grateful for all the good things I've experienced and all the hardships (Hebrews 12:7-11). All of these have helped me grow (Romans 8:28).
And I'm celebrating another birthday.
Six years ago this month, I started Bible Love Notes because I was struggling through a great sorrow in my life. I knew I wouldn’t survive without daily immersion in God’s Word.
So this month I'm celebrating all of you who read Bible Love Notes. I’m glad God chose you to be part of my life!
I’ve heard folks say abortion isn’t mentioned in Scripture.
True enough.
God doesn’t mention every possible method of murder. But He commands us not to murder (Exodus 20:13; Psalm 106:37-38).
Sadly, abortion has three victims – mother, father, and child.
Moms are especially vulnerable. Abortion kills their child and wounds something in their mother’s heart.
Some try to ignore it, but it eventually catches up with them. The only women who don’t experience grief are those who have seared their consciences.
Normally, the sin of abortion follows the sin of sex outside of marriage. We humans are good at trying to solve one sin by committing another.
No, God doesn’t specifically mention abortion in Scripture, but it’s clear from His design, His purposes, His values, and His character that it’s wrong. It not only kills an innocent child; it's destructive to the parents' souls.
-------------------
See "What Scripture Says About Abortion" for specific Scriptures.
Note: If you’ve had an abortion, I encourage you to seek godly counsel and work through the death of your child and the feeling of death in your soul. God thoroughly forgives and restores, but most women need someone who understands to help them through that process Biblically. These articles might be a good start:
Biblical Encouragement for Women Healing from Abortion
Healing Abortion’s Guilt
Fathers Regret Abortion
