Good morning! With the vast number of things that are available to us each day,  it is difficult to manage our desire for more, more technology, nicer cars, bigger homes, advanced job or political positions, definitely more money because the lotto jackpot doesn’t get larger without people willing to play in hopes of winning. Enjoy today’s reading as we continue in Matthew 16.

“²⁶ And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. ²⁸ And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” – Matthew 16:26-28 NLT

Verse 26 is very dear to my soul. At a time when I was struggling with a sin in my mid-twenties, every everytime the temptation would rise in my heart, I would repeat ‘what does it profit me to gain the world, but in the very end lose my soul’. I don’t know the day or the exact length of time it took for me to be set free from the temptation, but God’s word delivered me. The battle and struggle with the flesh was real, but praise God, His words and power were and are greater than the obstacles I had to face. 

Brothers and sisters, let me ask you the questions again:

• What are you struggling with today?
• What do you stand to gain if you choose the world instead of following God?
•  “Is it/anything worth losing your soul?”
• Do you want to be set-free from the things that are separating you from God? 

Father God, in the name of Jesus we come before you asking for your forgiveness. Lord, forgive us for putting others and other things in our lives before you. Lord, we need your help. Come into our hearts, examine us and remove anything that is not in alignment with you from our hearts and minds. Lord, remove the barriers and temptations that keep us from fully surrendering our lives to you. Lord, you always come through. Lord, amaze us with your power and ability to set us free. And Lord, once we are free remind us of your goodness so that we will praise you for all you’ve done for us. Lord, I know we don’t deserve anything, but your word and promises allow for us as believers to receive so much more because of what you did on the cross for us. So, Lord we believe your truth and we know it will set us free. Lord, you are the greatest judge and when you come back we want to be on the right side of judgment, we want to go with you. Lord, continue to work in us and change us to be more like you.  In Jesus name, amen. 

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