NOTHING
Here is riddle for you to solve:
"What is:
…..Greater than God?
…..More evil than the devil?
……The poor have it,
……The rich need it,
……and if you eat it-- you will die,
Think about it for a minute before you answer. Only 17% of Stanford University Seniors got it. But 80% of elementary schoolers got it!!
THE ANSWER IS: NOTHING!!
God took nothing and created everything in creation.
WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY defines "nothing" as: "no thing, or not anything; or something of no value or importance.
Let's explore both the positive and negative implications of the word "nothing."
We have all been asked, "Hey, what are you doing?" And we have all answered at some time or another, "Nothing."
A young child (some time older too) get caught doing something they are not supposed to, like getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar. "What are you doing?" "Nothing."
How about the teenager who gets a call from a friend and when they ask, "What are you doing Saturday night?" The answer comes back as "Nothing!"
There are many other times when the answer to a question is "NOTHING" Let that never be our answer in God's house. What are you doing? There is always something.
The word "nothing" is used 224 times in the Old and New Testaments combined.
Look at Matthew 17:20 -- (insert everything for nothing)
The devil also likes the word "nothing."
He is the accuser of the brethren and he is a liar and the father of lies.
· "Look at the poor little Christians. They aren’t praying -- they are doing NOTHING!
· "Look at those insignificant and pathetic saints. They won't ever fast. It’s the farthest thing from their minds -- they are doing NOTHING!
· "Look at those believers. Watch their feeble attempts at trying to reach others with the gospel message. They are doing NOTHING!
· "Look at those children of God. They are not reading the word that increases their faith and directs their lives. They are doing NOTHING!
There are really only two reasons you do NOTHING as a Christian. Your flesh or the devil.
As a matter of fact: the flesh can't wait to do nothing. As a matter of fact the more of nothing it can do the more it begins to like it.
3. Let's examine the positive side of the word called nothing
Read Matthew 17:20 with "nothing" emphasized. JESUS stands on the positive side of the word "nothing."
For example-- NOTHING could stop the birth of Jesus Christ. Not a murderous king, nor any room in the inn, NOTHING.
NOTHING could prevent him from teaching at 12 years old, not even being left by his earthly parents
NOTHING could prevent him from being baptized by John.
NOTHING could prevent him from fasting and being driven and tempted in the wilderness.
NOTHING could stop him from praying even agony and pain so great that it was as if great drops of blood fell from his face to the ground.
NOTHING could stop him from the crucifixion, not even a merciful judge and ruler- Pilate.
NOTHING could stop him from going to the cross. Not scourging, or mocking, or betrayal.
NOTHING could stop him from showing forgiveness to a convicted thief while dying on a cross.
And finally, NOTHING could stop him from being resurrected and taking the keys to death, hell, and the grave away from satan. NOTHING, NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING!!
And now NOTHING shall be impossible.
Here are some simple questions:
You can answer with one of two words: EVERYTHING or NOTHING
1. When I go to pray every day, what will get in my way???????????????
2. When I go to read and study the Word of God, what will get in my way?????????
3. When I go to fast at the direction of the Spirit of God, what will get in my way??
4. When I go to witness to somebody, what will get in my way???????????????
5. When I am getting ready to go to church, what will get in my way?????????????
6. When I sin, what will stop me from asking forgiveness??????????????????
7. If I am not saved, what will stop me from being saved?????????????????
8. What will stop me from having the peace and joy that the Bible says I can have??
9. What will stop me from receiving my blessing and healing from God????????????
10. What will stop me from making heaven my home????????????????
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