“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matt. 10:25
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
This verse makes me feel better about not being a millionaire! In all seriousness, after I pondered this verse a bit more, my first inclination was to pray for our celebrities. I know what you must be thinking: “Why should I be praying for them? They have it all!” Despite what the world defines as “having it all”; God has a different opinion. In America we worship people. The beautiful, glamorous, rebellious and controversial modern-day “Queen Antoinette’s” are the ones that we (as a nation), put up on a pedestal. These rebels who “buck the system” and treat life like it is a game of: “who can get the most and expend the least amount of effort” are the ones being envied and emulated. Pop culture elevates the idea of the “elegant entitlement” that most of these icons personify. Because this verse is addressing the afterlife, I think it is crucial to let the importance of that sink in and affect our hearts. Although many rich and famous celebrities (and even our personal friends) may look like they have it all, in the scope of eternal things, they need more prayer than anyone! I challenge you to open your heart and ask the Lord who in the public media and entertainment world needs prayer for their eternal soul. Since celebrities carry such a heavy influence, it only makes sense to pray for those in the public eye. If more influential people were to follow Christ and make a stand for something that the whole world needs, the ones who respect and honor them might start following their lead. This world needs major healing from the pain and consequences of sin. God is always there to help but He will not break down a door He is not invited into.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I never thought of my lack of wealth as an actual blessing. Allow me to stop and take a moment to thank you for this (encouraging) perspective on the true value of real riches. I never thought I would say this, but, thank you that I was not born with a sliver spoon in my mouth. Lord, so many people out there are hurting…the rich, the poor…you name it. We all need you. But, it is apparent from this verse that the wealthy people of this world need more prayer than anyone. So, I ask that you soften the hearts of the people who have all the material trappings that one could need. Allow their hearts to search for the kind of wealth that money cannot buy. This wealth is the peace, happiness and fulfillment that only God can provide. Lord, tear off the blinders on the people that are blessed with the wealth of this world to be lifted in Jesus’ name. Let the binding chains of prosperity be broken by the power of something much greater and much deeper—your love. Show the ones who are depending on their money and prestige that these things will never be enough. That is the very reason that no matter what they get, they are never satisfied. It is God Himself that they are craving, although they do not know it. Show them that this hole in their hearts was only meant to be filled by you and anything else will be an uncomfortable fit. As they come to terms that this emptiness will never go away, let that person be filled with enough humility to turn to you. Allow the truth of your Word to penetrate into their hardened hearts. Show them the value of eternal security in you. In Jesus’ name, bring many lost lonely, empty people into your arms —they are the treasure of the earth to you. Let thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Amen.”
“In the name of Jesus I speak blessings on the lives and in the hearts of: Oprah, Lindsay Lohan, Obama, Selena Gomez, Kathy Griffen, Kate Moss, Britney Spears, George Clooney, Colin Ferrel, Pam Anderson, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Halle’ Berry, Bill Maher, Hugh Hefner, Britney Spears, Whoopie Goldberg, Angelina Jolie, Jay Z, Beyonce’, Tina Fay, Adrianna Lima, Nancy Pelosi, Jeremy Piven, Lady Gaga, John Maher, Jennifer Lopez, Silvia Browne, Simon Cowell, Sandra Bullock, Joy Behar, The Kardashians, Madonna, Megan Fox, Tiger Woods, Ellen, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Mel Gibson, Larry David, Katy Perry. I pray that these beautiful, blessed talented people will not go down the path of destruction that so many people in their industry have gone—I break the curse of pride and vainglory. The plight of Anna Nicole Smith, Dana Plato, Marylin Monroe, James Dean, Michael Jackson and Health Ledger will not be repeated in the lives of the ones we pray for. In Jesus’ name, may each one of them come to know Christ in a personal way, and do whatever it takes to bring them into the glory of God, Amen.”
* The Holy Spirit may lead you to a whole new list of people for yourself. Pray the list He gives you, and even more people will be covered in prayer!