JOHN MANIATTY
And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property. Mark 10:21-22 The rich man’s sadness at Jesus’ instructions to him reveal that he was unwilling to listen not only to God, but even to someone he considered to be a good teacher. What were his motives for asking the question in the first place? Was he trying to receive approval and confirmation that his religion could or would save him, assure him his place in heaven, and thereby ease his conscience? Or worse, was he looking for a way to trumpet his self-righteousness before others and “out-righteous” even a “good” teacher? What is my true motive in asking questions of teachers, or even God? Is it to justify living in my own religion or system of righteousness? Or is it to empty myself of all I think will earn me heaven or God’s or man’s approval, being willing to face my own spiritual poverty, nakedness, and blindness and be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus alone? Is it to enter into true spiritual intimacy and communion with Him, dying to myself and my own way, and living for Him? Yet God’s unconditional love is extended to me even in my self-righteousness that I might go (repent); sell ( divest myself of all I cling to for security); give (love); come (enter into relationship with Jesus); and follow (humble myself and obey God). agape, ---john Comments are closed.
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September 2018
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Defender I'm Listening Awe All for Jesus Shout Unto God You Redeem Only Jesus Breakthrough I Surrender Stand in Your Love Confidence Christ is Risen Multiplied Won't Stop Now Ain't No Grave The Great Awaken... The Way Greater Oh Lord We Seek... Zion Thank You Song of Heaven Baptisms! Fullness God of the Imposs... Heaven on Earth Speak You Never Let Go Belong to You Great Things Surrounded Rise Up Joy of the Lord Lift My Life Up Look How He Lifted... Nailed to the Cross Call Upon the Lord Strength of My Life Good Good Father No Other God is on the Move There is Power What a Friend Boldly I Approach Because He Lives Overwhelmed How Can I Keep... Everything Comes... At Your Name God of All My Days Holy Spirit Living Hope Define Me You Alone The Answer Freedom Hymn Boldly I Approach Word of Life Death Was Arrested Broken Vessels Revelation Song Start a Fire So Will I Reckless Love More of You Endless Gracefully Broken Your Love Defends... Drops in the Ocean Get Down When I'm With You Glorious Day Jesus, I Believe Desert Dance Even So Come Here As In Heaven Gracefully Broken Made for Worship Do It Again Just Say Jesus God Is On The Move Old Church Choir Endless Praise No Longer Slaves This Is Amazing... We Believe Come To The Altar Just Keep It Open The Eyes Of... Joy In The Journey Priceless The Great Awak... Give Them Up My Redeemer He's Alive Find Us Faithful Rescuer Show Me Your Face Joy To The World Jesus Is More Hark! The Herald... O Come All Ye Faith... I Exalt Thee Open Our Eyes Two Hands |