• 
  Read Matthew 25:41-46.
  
  “Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me" (v. 45).
     It was in the 1800s when Charles Dickens faced a difficult situation. His father had mismanaged the finances of the household and, in accordance with English law, was sitting in a debtor's prison. Charles was only ten years old but had no alternative. He had to go to work to support the family. At this young age, he saw much poverty and injustice. The powerful, famous, and rich exploited the powerless with impunity. From these painful experiences, Dickens found the basis for many of his novels. He spoke to the issues of the day. Living in the British Empire during the industrial revolution, he knew from first-hand experience the ugliness of that age.
     Possibly his story, which has been most read, is "A Christmas Carol." In this account, the infamously stingy Ebenezer Scrooge in his own greedy, selfish, and calloused manner runs roughshod over the lives of others. Scrooge sees no need to feel any moral responsibility for the welfare of his fellowman. Through this account, Scrooge tries to convince his readers that love and benevolence can change lives. The ghost of Jacob Marley conveys the understanding that eternal punishment awaits people like Ebenezer Scrooge.
     Jesus pushed this message to a greater extent. The church has a moral obligation to minister to those in need. By our demonstration of love, compassion, and generous assistance in Jesus' name, we, in some spiritual way, are not only ministering to those in need but also to our Lord. The good works that are an expression of our relationship with Jesus Christ bring glory to God. (L.Gayle Woods)
  
  The good works of a Christian are to be an expression
  of our relationship with Jesus Christ
  designed to bring glory to God.

Wednesday, February 17

Read Luke 13:23-30.

"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (v. 24).

Perhaps the person who asked Jesus, "Are there few that be saved?" had heard Jesus' teaching that the Kingdom of Heaven was found in small things. Maybe he was present when Jesus rebuked the leaders of the synagogue for trying to keep him from healing on the Sabbath. He probably had accepted the idea that the Pharisees, with their outward displays of holiness, were the ones who had the way to Heaven figured out, but Jesus showed this view to be false.

Jesus isn't warning people who were considered to be sinners.  To them, he regularly offered mercy and forgiveness. However, He was talking to the religious leaders of His day when He said that many will not be able to enter through the door and gain salvation.  He is also talking to us, the ones who read and write devotionals. We are standing squarely in the  path of his words.

The question for all of is this: have we begun to become like the Pharisees? Are we looking down on sinners? Are we proud of our own righteousness? The Prophet Isaiah reminds us that God doesn't break a bruised reed. Instead, throughout the Bible, we see that God is against those who are proud.  We should examine our hearts to see if pride has taken root and do whatever it takes to dig it out. (Randy Joe Bland)

Has pride taken root in your heart?