MENS DEVOTIONAL
Subject: Canaan Men's Ministry Scripture of the Week

Mark 8:36 - For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Last week we began a discussion concerning what true success is.  Many have come to the conclusion that a big house, nice clothes, a big bank account and all the comforts this world has to offer is what makes a person successful.  Many have achieved a degree of "worldly" success. 

That may be what makes this particular verse so paralyzing in many respects.  It describes what many of us pursue.  What if you gain the whole world?  What if you arrive at the financial place you desire to be?  Then what?  Well Jesus Christ informs us that there is something more valuable to your success than your luxuries.  Its the success of your soul.  Its the issue of your eternal destination. 

Have you ever considered the fact that success begins with the fact that we possess a relationship with the living God?  Because Jesus Christ went to the cross to die for us we now have an active, vibrant relationship with the living Lord of the universe.  The benefits of this relationship are profound.  He guides us daily as to what His will is.  He is a support to us when we are not strong at all.  His voice speaks to us giving us the comfort and encouragement to continue in the race we are in.  I could go on for days concerning the benefits of this relationship but I will give you one more.  WE GET TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM!!!!  THATS FOREVER FOLKS!!! 

I know for some of us we don't consider a relationship with the Lord as being successful.  But when I think of the alternative of Hell and no relationship with the Lord at all....I think that we are more successful than we really think.  This success extends past when our hearts stop beating.  This success will outlast our present economy.  This success has changed the lives of trillions over the centuries.  If we are saved and in relationship with the Lord we indeed are successful.

I leave you with this...In Luke 16 there is a rich man and a beggar.  The rich man ended up in a place of torment and the beggar in the presence of God.....I ask you....Who do you think of these two was more successful?  Shouldn't true success last longer than my time here on earth.....Just something to think about.........

From one who is eternally successful because of Jesus Christ,
Min. Raymond Cook
P.S. Prayer emphasis...Keep Bro. James Bowman's Granddaughter in your prayers......
Ambassadors for Christ Men's Ministry

Left to right:
Bro. Ben Richardson
Bro. Gary Miller
Min. Raymond Cook