Pastor Rich's Blog

Encounter #40: “ Godly Contentment” Read: Mark 10:17-31 A rich, young ruler came running to Jesus. He called Jesus “Good Master.” He wanted to know what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said only God is good. Meaning He was God. Did the young man know the 10 commandments? Yes, he did. Did he obey them? Yes, he did. But something was missing in his life. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and follow Him. The man left sorrowful. He was not content. Jesus was testing the man's priorities. Did he really want to follow Jesus? Was he willing to give up everything and follow Jesus? No. He had great possessions. And the possessions had him. Jesus responded by stating that it is very hard for a rich person to enter heaven. The disciples were astonished. But Jesus was saying that those who put their trust in riches, and not in Him, will not inherit eternal life. There was a gate in Jerusalem called the “eye of the needle.” It was a narrow door that a c

Encounter #39: “ Blessings” Read: Mark 19:13-16 Families brought young children and infants to Jesus so He can bless them. As soon as a child knows right from wrong and that Jesus loves them, they need to give their hearts to Him. A three-fold blessing is bestowed upon Jewish children by their father: 1) gain favor in God's Law; 2) be faithful in marriage; 3)be abundant in good works. So too, pray a blessing on your children. The disciples had a problem with parents bringing children to Jesus. They even rebuked the parents. But Jesus was very annoyed and indignant about their foolish behavior. He wanted the children to come to Him so He may touch them and bless them. The same is true today. Jesus loves the little children... The Kingdom of God is achieved by having the faith of a child. Children are teachable, loving, innocent, simple, trusting and faithful. We are to receive Jesus and His Kingdom the same way. If not, we cannot enter into it. We receive Jesus by fai