If we surrender the things we hold onto, we can trust that Jesus will give us something better.   #theloriclineshow   Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!   ~~~ When do you know if it’s a good time to sell?  No matter what you may be considering selling, the BEST time to sell is when something is at its PEAK value. You want to make the most money, so you SELL when you know you can cash in! Any collector knows this to be true because they hold on to antiques or highly collectible toys that are still brand new, in unopened boxes for the very purpose of selling at the highest price. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Vintage items, if sold at the right time, to the right buyer, can make someone a lot of money.  In the world of buying and selling we look to professionals to help us navigate the market and guide us in when it’s the right time to buy or sell anything. And that’s wisdom. You don’t go investing or selling without researching growth trends and markets. You want to make a sound decision that makes good sense.  When Jesus walked this earth he had a way of turning things that seemed to make good sense upside down, often leaving people scratching their heads or very angry. His sermon on the mount in Matthew chapter five is a perfect example. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the persecuted, THEY are the ones who are blessed. What? This teaching was a hard pill to swallow for some. One person who just couldn’t buy it was the rich, young ruler. He asked Jesus what ‘good thing’ he must DO, to have eternal life. Jesus, seeing much deeper behind the question, told him to keep the commandments. He was quick to respond, ‘hey I’ve done that, but what else do I lack?’ This is what happened next.  Matthew 19:21-24 ​​Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus was giving this man the best advice he would ever hear! It’s a good time to sell! Today’s the day. Give it all away right now and follow me! Don’t miss this opportunity!  Sadly, it proved to be MUCH too high a price for the rich young ruler.  He couldn’t see the gain was so much more than riches.  What about you? Jesus has the same message for us today. It’s a good time to sell. TODAY is the day of salvation! What are the barriers that are keeping you from saying YES to Jesus. What do you hold so dear. That’s the very thing He wants you to let go of. Surrender it. Lay it down and trust Jesus with it.  I remember seeing a cartoon once of a little girl looking up to Jesus. She’s holding a teddy bear that she loves SO much. Jesus is leaning down wanting her to trust Him with it. What she doesn’t see is He holds a MUCH bigger bear to give her as soon as she lets go.  That’s God’s economy. It’s not about the stuff, it’s about where our heart is.  That’s the truth.  Give your heart to Jesus. You’ll quickly discover the things you held so dear, pale in comparison to knowing Him.  I’m Lori Cline.