Treasure

January 13th – Colossians 3:2

Colossians 3:2

Colossians 3:2 speaks powerfully to our hearts in a world shaped by comparison. Now more than ever, social media constantly pressures us to not just keep up with the Joneses, but to be better. To be smarter, more talented, prettier, richer, and more admired. And Influencers promise that fulfillment is only a follow, a purchase, or the next post away. They urge us to keep our eyes fixed on them and their carefully curated lives. Yet God lovingly calls us to lift our gaze higher. To set our minds not on earthly things, but on heavenly ones. Earthly success fades, and the exhausting pursuit of it has left many hearts empty and lives broken. But when we anchor our thoughts in God and His Word we find everything we need. We find peace, purpose, and contentment. And best of all, we receive a treasure in heaven that no trend, failure, or opinion can ever take away.

Reflection Question:
What earthly comparisons or pressures have been stealing your focus from God, and how can you intentionally set your mind on heavenly things instead?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me release the need to measure my worth by the standards of this world. Turn my eyes away from comparison and toward You. Teach me to fix my thoughts on what is eternal, trusting that in You I already have everything I need. Amen.

January 13th – Colossians 3:2 Read More »

August 19th – Titus 3:5

Week 3 – Embracing Renewal (Titus 3:5)

There’s no truer saying than, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Some make a living sorting through other peoples’s “junk.” And for those dedicated and lucky few, beautiful and priceless pieces are discovered. Whether it be in second-hand shops, garage sales, or people’s attics, there is always a hidden gem or two to find. And what some see as worthless dust collectors, with a little cleaning, polishing, and shining, is transformed into a valued treasure. This is a perfect picture of how God works in our lives. Once we were eternally separated from our Father in heaven. But through His great mercy, God took us in our broken, tarnished state and washed us clean. He polished us with the blood of Jesus, and removed the grime of sin. By the work of the Holy Spirit, we are made new. No longer discarded, we are cherished and treasured in His eyes. Just as a forgotten item can be restored to beauty, so too does God see our potential and lovingly transforms us into something priceless, reflecting His glory.

Questions For Reflection

  1. How can we embrace God’s transforming work in our lives, allowing Him to cleanse and renew us through His mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit, as described in Titus 3:5?
  1. In what ways can we view ourselves and others through the lens of God’s grace, recognizing the potential for restoration and renewal even when we feel broken or unworthy?

God takes what’s worn and weary, and through His grace, makes us shine like new. 🙏🏻❤️

August 19th – Titus 3:5 Read More »

November 13th – Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:1

Solomon, the wisest of all kings, tells us a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccles. 4:12) That’s how it is with faith, hope, and endurance. Together they form an unbreakable chain that allow us to have unwavering trust in God and His promises. Even without physical proof or evidence. Having a confident faith in the Lord strengthens us. Providing a firm foundation which guides our thoughts, choices, and actions. Making sure all align with God’s will. And that faith leads to hope, the driving force behind endurance. This empowers us to keep going through the challenges and uncertainties of life. All with the confidence that what we believe in, though unseen, is certain and trustworthy. And God promises to reward such faith. Including the treasures of eternal life, peace that transcends understanding, and a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Although unseen, we can be assured of God’s love, protection, and a future beyond this life. One filled with joy, restoration, and an eternity spent as His side.

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November 10th – Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18

Jesus warned that while on this earth, His followers would experience rocky times. (2 Tim. 3:12) And there’s not a single one of us who hasn’t been touched by suffering or faced trials. But the apostle Paul also tells us that nothing, absolutely nothing we go through on earth can compare to what awaits us in heaven. The glorious treasures we will receive, including spending eternity with the Lord, encourages to endure the trials of today with the hope of a glorious tomorrow. And that hope becomes the fuel sustaining our endurance. For it reminds us that our current struggles are only a chapter in the larger story of redemption. Yet while it hurts to go through the storms of life, they are only temporary. God is in complete control, guiding and loving us along the way. And He promises that the trial will last only as long as He allows. In the meantime we will continue loving, obeying, and praising Him in good times and bad. Finding joy and confidence that a brighter, more glorious future is on the horizon.

 

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August 24th – Colossians 3:3

Colossians  3:3

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

I am always blown away by God’s amazing grace. Even though I fail Him daily, He still loves me, wants me, and calls me His own. And when the world tells me otherwise, God tells me I am His valued treasure. For every one of His children are the jewels in God’s treasure chest. Each one uniquely precious, carefully crafted, and irreplaceably valued in His eyes. And just as a precious treasure is securely tucked away for safekeeping, our identities, hopes, and destinies are safeguarded within the embrace of Christ. What a beautiful picture of the close relationship we have with the Lord. This hiddenness in Christ offers a profound sense of security, as we find refuge from the storms of life in Jesus. And as we navigate through life, we can draw strength from the assurance that our true selves are known and cherished by our Savior. Our lives, enveloped in the mystery of Christ, are infused with purpose and hope, reminding us that our ultimate fulfillment is found in Him alone.

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July 31st – Proverbs 25:4

Proverbs 25:4

Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel,”

During the process of refining and purifying precious metals, the waste materials that are separated through smelting are called dross. Intense heat causes the dross to separate from the ore and rise to the top. There it forms a froth and can be eliminated, leaving a pure metal base. That’s how it should be with our inner circle of friends. Friendship is a treasure given by God, and we should surround ourselves with only the cream of the crop. Those who have stood the test of time and proven themselves to be trustworthy, honest and loyal. Both to us and to God. Because such relationships are vital in a world of fake followers and friends. Like beacons of light, they guide us along the path of faith and righteousness. And in the company of such friends, we find solace, encouragement, and accountability rooted in the teachings of Christ. These precious, treasured, friendships inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. And they challenge us to grow in love, compassion, and forgiveness.

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July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31:10

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

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July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4

Proverbs 11:4

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

The one thing this world loves is wealth. And the more you have, the more you’re admired. But as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Jesus is returning soon. And on that glorious day, no amount of wealth can buy a place in the kingdom of heaven. For the admission was paid for by Jesus Christ, and only by accepting His free gift of salvation can we have eternal life. Our time on earth is running short. And the true measure of our worth lies not in what we possess, but what we leave behind. As Christians our legacy should one of love, kindness, and compassion towards others. The only true treasures worth having are those we store up in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-20) Treasures including loving others, sharing the gospel, good fruit, endurance, and faith. Better than gold, these treasures are imperishable and everlasting. And the greatest of them all, is the living hope we receive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

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July 8th – Proverbs 15:6

Proverbs 15:6

In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.”

As a teenager I remember watching the television program, “Lifestyles of the Rich and a famous.” Oh how I longed for such a life filled with glitz and glamour. Greed is a powerful desire. And if we aren’t careful, that desire can be the downfall of even the strongest Christian. Because the pull of wanting more can lead us to do things that we may end up regretting for a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to lead a life of righteousness and integrity. Important to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with God.  And that the most precious treasures are the spiritual ones that come from living a Christ-centered life. Anything we get apart from God and through ill gotten gains maybe give us a moment of pleasure, but will always lead to destruction. But unlike worldly treasures that fade or can be lost, the treasures given to us by God are eternal and unchanging. They remind us of His unwavering faithfulness, abundant provision, and unconditional love for us. And more far more precious than any amount of gold.

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July 3rd – Proverbs 23:17

Proverbs 23:17

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future.”

In the world we live wealth, fame, and power are celebrated above all else. Our televisions, magazines, and Internet are all inundated with images and stories of the rich and famous. We see their seemingly perfect lives and think they have it all. And we’re filled with envy. We wonder why that can’t be us. Easily we buy into Satan’s lie that God is holding out on us. Keeping us from all the wonderful things the world offers. And we think that if we only had what they had our lives would be easier and we’d be happier. But Satan is the father of lies. Material things may fill our lives but can never fill our hearts, nor provide the comfort of resting in the eternal promises of Jesus. That’s why we can trust God. He sees from beginning to end. And He knows that although things may look and feel good to us, in actuality they lead us to perish. God is the One who truly loves us, and so He calls us away things He knows aren’t good for us. For only in Him alone can all worthy things be found, and abiding in Him is where the true treasure lies.

 

July 3rd – Proverbs 23:17 Read More »