"Give "It" Up Today" Series

The Ultimate Decision

I used to think I lacked a lot of things. It started in Kindergarden when I wanted to go to first grade and be in the big school. Then from there it was just another want after another that NEVER fulfilled. Over the years I have found that there is a supernatural hole in our heart/soul that not only desperately needs God but can only be filled by Him Even as Christians a lot of us still try to fill that void with things. Why do we boast of the new house, nice car and on and on? Because God is still not number one in our lives. Until He is then miracles in your life will be few.

Mark 6:1-6a "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”

What, Jesus COULD NOT do any miracles? In a commentary by MacLaren he says, “Faith opens the door, and unbelief shuts it in His face.” If you do not believe that God still does not do miracles in this day and age then God will prove you right.

So how much faith do I need? Not much and I will tell you why.

Matthew 17:20 "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

If we lack faith what should we do?

Luke 18:22-27 "When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 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.”

2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Someone asked me this weekend about some teaching that is going around that people need to sell all they have and give to the poor. I do not see that anywhere in Scripture as they have taken this verse out of context. God knew this mans heart. It wasn’t money that kept him from God but the “Love” of his possessions. The one thing I will say that no matter what you have if you are not willing to give it up for God then you have a problem. That means that God is not first in your life and that is where He desires to reside since He saved you. This verse does not say you need to get rid of anything UNLESS it is a stumbling block. So what can we take away from these passages that will strengthen out faith. Now remember that even Jesus brothers were doubtful until he rose from the dead. They even wrote some books in the Bible!!

1. We can see that Jesus had at least 6 brothers and sisters. Many did not believe in him UNTIL His resurrection.

2. God will not work in your life when you constantly disown Him.

3. Today there is at least ONE thing that God is asking you to give up for Him. He is not asking you because He desires to see you unhappy. It is just the opposite. God knows how much more joy you could be having in your life if you gave up _________which you think brings you joy. Pray about what that is and then Obey. Then great thing will happen.

"Lord each of us is holding onto some thing that we have made into an idol. It may be a child, grandchild, job, sport, hobby or _________. Please reveal to us today what that is and then help us to cast our obsession aside so there is nothing that is between us Lord. “ Amen