Recognizing the Treasures in Life

My grandson received a metal-detector as a gift when he was at the seashore. He collected all sorts of odds and ends that were hidden from view in the sand. He even found a paperclip that was underwater. When we all set out to learn how to use this peculiar beeping machine, it seemed like it was going to be tough finding things. After reading the instructions carefully and seasoning the hunt with a large teaspoon of patience and diligence, the machine started to beep over certain spots.

The word 'treasure' implies something that is buried and precious. It is easy to find seashells all over the beach, but many of them are broken and chipped because they have been trampled on or tossed around by the rolling tides.  They have been exposed to the elements of the world.

The human heart contains great treasures. Everyone is different and sometimes we don't detect the gems buried deep within the heart of another. Loving another person or even oneself takes patience and diligence to find the treasure within. What is on the surface might be chipped or cracked but not necessarily what is on the inside. In a time where the culture seems to be magnifying 'offense' and accusation, it's time to dig for the buried treasure in relationships not the sand covering it.

The greatest way to live is to live by truth. Emerson said: "Truth is the property of no individual but is the treasure of all men." Shedding light on truth involves the question to what is truth?  God is the heart and designer of all that is created. It just seems that credit should be given where it is due. God has to be the source of truth.

The Word of God is a treasure. It is the property of no individual but is a treasure for all who seek it. It is not something that you get downloaded into your heart in a split second or get the fast food version from someone else. It takes time, patience and an effort to uncover its never ending treasures for yourself.  Jesus Christ showed us the way to live with God as our Father.

God's word teaches us so much about life and living with one another.  As we learn and apply it, experience reaffirms its validity and we become secure in the power that God endows us with. We have this great treasure in a earthen vessel:

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 

We all fail, at times; it is inevitable and we are among others who fail even though they may be trying not to.  Our New Year's resolutions will fade away, sooner probably than later, but the Word of God will endure forever. As I watch the beautiful sunrise this morning, I am reminded of God's faithfulness. When has the sun ever failed to rise?

Happy New Year

Pay It Forward - The Good Pleasure of His Good Will

Recently I saw an article on the "Law of Giving and Receiving". It was a type of 'new age' article that, as I thought over what it was saying, I related it to some religious groups who teach the same things. There is a whole lot more to 'giving' and 'receiving' than a law formula.  Giving is so much more than 'give and get'. Giving is not a legal prerequisite, but is a result of the heart:

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7

What makes a 'cheerful' giver?  The word 'cheerful' in the greek text is the word 'hilarios' from which we get the word 'hilarious'.  It's meaning indicates a response as being 'already inclined to do something' as a non-reluctant giver. Giving is an effusion of the heart. God loves a cheerful giver!

 We don't have to codify giving to make sure we are living up to our Christian beliefs. We give because we want to and we aren't looking for pats on the back. I enjoy seeing the 'pay it forward' ads on TV.  Spontaneous reactions of kindness do much more than we will ever know and that is spectacular!

Perhaps the greatest joys of giving are the freedom of choice and freedom from fear that result.  When it says "every man according as he purposeth in his heart' means to bring forward what is stored in your heart. When God is at the center of our giving there is nothing to fear. When God is at the center of our decisions we are wise.

13 For it is God which worketh (energizes) in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:1 

Sometimes the 'energizings' are little nudges and sometimes they are major nudges. A little nudge can make a huge difference, sometimes more than a giant nudge. That is God's prerogative. Our choice is to listen and act on it. Sometimes life gets so busy we don't listen well especially at this time of the year ironically 'the season of giving'.  When we get busy, we either neglect or go overboard on things rather than just allowing God to work. This is true in so many categories of life: marriage, relationships, work, parenting, learning and loving in general.

God has provided a way to 'pay it forward':

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

God Answers Prayer

When I hear people talk about when and how long it takes for God to answer prayer, it puzzles me.  In Philippians 4:6-7, it says when we pray that the peace of God will keep our hearts and minds. The minute we turn to God and have a conversation about something that is going on, that peace is available. If peace is going to keep our heart and mind it has to arrive pretty quick.

Prayer is not one sided. The listening part is pretty important. Too often, however, we shut off the dialogue too soon. We don't allow God to prepare us for receiving the results of our prayer. People wait forever thinking that is just all you have to do.  Unfortunately, that prayer scenario seems to drift away from them and then they roll back into the 'God is distant' theology.

God answers prayers all the time. His first response gives us peace and then he starts the process of addressing the specifics.  (Actually the peace from God can be more exciting than the actual answer to the prayer.) There will be necessary information concerning the prayer to pay attention to either from the word or through the gift of holy spirit. Our job is to dig in an humbly learn. There could be a series of steps and it may take some time.  God will help us grow to take those steps by providing necessary information, wisdom to take action and things to avoid, including the world wisdom and people who promote it. Honestly, if you have to talk to someone, God is the best listener and the Bible is the best reading.

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established (firm, solid). Proverbs 4:20-26

We should guard our communications either from our own heart or what we receive from others. In this day of FaceBook, Twitter, and messenger we are exposed to a plethora of contacts and viewpoints.  Something may sound so good and yet when you think about it it may resemble 'fast-food' theology rather than a true Biblical nutritious truth. Clever adages and culture proverbs often are short-lived in their effect. Good solid truth is very satisfying and relational with our God.  There is no mistaking the difference and it starts the moment we decide we want to do life his way and recognize that it is the best way.