For some reason this blog did not go out at the right time. Several of you asked, so I decided to repeat it for today.

One Thing Lacking Part Two

 “And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed You.” And He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:28-30 (ESV)

This morning I would like to continue with my parallel Freedom Fighter with Pastor Van. But before I do that I would like to share how it was that Pastor Van shared his writings with me. First was with a way we have become familiar with. They were all word documents on a CD that he handed to me. In it he gives you his okay to re-work his work. The second was in its original copy in that of a book that came out of the blue to me via USPS. It was dated April 4^th, 2011. His letter to me thanks me for some stuff I did and then he said, “I will never be accepted as a poet because I am a rhymer.” Pastor Van, I know Jesus accepted you as a poetic, rhymin’ son of His. Gonna miss you Brother…

P.V. “Sadly he left the Master so suddenly defeated

How Christ’s words resounded

As in his head they repeated.

It was not so much doing for others he could gladly help the lost.

But to freely weigh each decision

To measure what it cost.”

So in his heart of hearts our rich young friend wanted to follow Jesus and keep his worldly stuff. He wanted to have eternal life in the heavenlies and still go to the grave with his worldly substance. I am quite sure our friend struggled between his convictions and his corruptions. But a heart for the Master shouldn’t allow corruption to win the day. Yes there is much convicting truth to what Jesus say’s about “serving God and mammon” but as some of us may already know it has become better to serve and give up worldly gain.

P.V. “He did not value His position nor His vast possession.

He paid the price for all our sin.

Would you join the procession?

For since He died and rose again He seeks all those who are lost.

His precious blood has purchased.

He has paid the utmost cost!”

Our own riches (if we have them at all) are a great hindrance on the roadway to heaven. If our rich young friend had had but as little of the world as Peter, and James, and John had, in all probability he would have left it, to follow Christ just as they did. And it wasn’t that Jesus wore a really nice robe to show those around Him that He is the Son of God. It was the display of humility that got people’s attention. Jesus didn’t need to display His awesome power as a showman would, quite the opposite. He would humbly forgive, restore and heal the broken and lost. Then He showed all of us what it does take to get through the gates of heaven…the sacrifice of self.

P.V. “He does not ask of anyone of us something He did not do.

For even His robe they divided

Before the soldiers were through.

The world doesn’t understand this kind of humility, that is the sacrifice of self, but that doesn’t mean we should be discouraged to display and act or two when they don’t expect it. Just give it when you can, what more can you do? Thank you Pastor Van for your poetic-n-rhymin’ reminder of this simple principle. – Chris Hughes is a weekly Freedom Fighter blogger

Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-9;  Revelation 12

Quote of the day: “Give what you can to Jesus and give it while you can. For none can out give our Savior. That was His heavenly plan.”—Pastor George H. Van Sandt

Bible Memory: “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:75-76 ESV