Michael Jackson

Ok, by now the whole world knows that the King of Pop has passed away. Do you know where he passed on to? If we looked at the fruit on the tree, I would have to say not to Heaven.

In the Gospels, Jesus had a rich young man come to him and ask how to have eternal life. Jesus told him to keep this commandments. The man asked which ones.

Jesus replied "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matt 19:21-22) Then Jesus made an interesting statement to his disciples.

Matthew 19: 23-30

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Did Jesus mean that only poor people can be saved? No. Whether He literally wanted the man to sell all his things or not, this was a heart issue. When we have nothing, we feel the need for God just to function and get our daily needs met. When we have almost as much money as God, we think we can get what we want ourselves, and we act as if we don't need God.

God wants all of our lives. He wants us to be willing to surrender everything to Him, to say Lord, here is my life...what should I do with it?

Have you surrendered to God? If not, why? What part of your life are you holding onto? Do you think you know better than God what to do with your life? That's funny when you think about it, but a lot of people are just afraid God wants to send them to a third world country.

God will change your heart to line up with His heart. You will want His will and His purpose to come to pass in your life. I pray none of you are satisfied until you fully surrender.

(I Surrender All by Clay Crosse)

If the source of my ambition is the treasure I obtain

If I measure my successes on a scale of earthly gain

If the focus of my vision is the status I attain

My accomplishments are worthless and my efforts are in vain

So I lay aside these trophies to pursue a higher crown

And should You choose somehow to use the life I willingly laydown

I surrender all the triumph for it's only by Your grace

I relinquish all the glory, I surrender all the praise

I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams

Though the price to follow costs me everything

I surrender all my human soul desires

If sacrifice requiresThat all my kingdoms fall

I surrender all

Now, you think about that.