Mark 12:
41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.


For myself, this is a most challenging passage. On one hand we are supposed to plan for our retirement (responsible people -Christians- don't let themselves become financially dependent on othrs !!!) we are supposed to be fiscally responsible, be able to pay our debts etc.

but from what i get out of this passage, we are also expected to trust God for our future wellbeing. giving away all that we own for a good cause should be a possibility. but that old word "practical" jumps right in there. it doesn't seem practical because by giving away everything would make a person dependent upon others for food and shelter.

i know that there are people around the world who live good lives on less than $1,000 per year. and the happiest people i have ever met had next to nothing.

is there a verse that most challenges YOU??

bub

Hi Bubba,

I hear some people have trouble with this one.

In the beginning God created...


;-) (couldn't resist.)

In all seriousness, you ask a great question. I would have to say a good place to start is

Matthew 5:44 - "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

This verse often becomes a thermostat taking my heart temperature. Is the flame of God's love still burning inside me or have I let the light go out?

Blessings,

MC

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Mike Compton

[u][b]Romans 9:1-5 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

"I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. [b]For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren,[/b] my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen."


This to my is one of the most challanging and personally scariest verse in the bible to me. Paul would be willing to forsake his salvation in order that his brethren be saved.

Think about this for a minute. He would choose eternal damnation if that is what it would be needed in order to obtain salvation for his brethren.

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Christiaan

Yes, really good question, Bub.

There are probably many, but this is one that comes to mind:

Nu 14:24 [color=990000][i]"But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land..."[/i][/color]

Will I be willing to follow fully?

The seventy elders who received the same Spirit as Moses, so they prophesied, didn't make it! Only two did out of all that multitude that left Egypt.

I know I'm the Lord's and that He will keep me from falling, but its still a terrific challenge!

Another is Jeremiah 12:5
[color=990000][i]you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you,
how will you compete with horses?
And if in a safe land you fall down,
how will you do in the jungle of the Jordan?[/i][/color]

Compared to many I've had a pretty easy life so far, never wanted for food or clothing, or little luxuries.

Will my faith hold when things get really tough?...

Jeannette

God desires that we invest in His kingdom and
His work. This illustration asks us what are
willing to give and sacrifice to Him who
generously gives us all things, every thing
good that we have is from Him.

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Martin G. Smith

Hello everybody,

Thank you Dear brother bubbguy for this great thread.

To me the most challenging verse is this:



Acts 13:22 He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse,

A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, WHO WILL DO ALL MY WILL.


To me David achieved what we all should pursue in our lives.

To be a people after God's Own Heart, Ready to do His Will.

How a desire to be called a man after God's Own Heart.

God bless us all......