What Do You Treasure Most?

'Where your treasure is...there your heart will be also.' Matthew 6:21 NIV

 Let me ask you a question? If your house was burning down and you could only save one thing, what would it be? It’s a decision people make every day, and it’s never easy. There’ll always be things we grieve about giving up because of their intrinsic value in our lives. If you want to know what yours are, look at how you spend your time and money. It’s a dead giveaway. Jesus said, ‘Where your treasure is…there your heart will be also.’ Your ‘treasure’ can be relationships you’d do anything to keep, a career that’s central to your identity, or your investments for the future. These things are ok. Indeed, the Bible says that wise people look ahead and plan (Proverbs 21:20). But it’s where you’re investing for eternity that really matters. ‘The rich young ruler asked Jesus: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”…Jesus said…“Sell all…you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.’ (Luke 18:18–23 NKJV) In essence, Jesus was asking this man who was rich and successful, ‘Would you give it all up to follow Me? Would you forfeit it for a few years in order to have much more for eternity? Instead of building a career, would you spend your life building My kingdom?’ Jesus wants to be ‘front and center’ in your life. And when you put Him there, He promises, ‘All your other needs will be met as well.’ (Matthew 6:33 NCV) Are you willing to put Him to the test?

You are Loved!

Go in His Strength

'Go in the strength you have...Am I not sending you?' Judges 6:14 NIV

It's one of those days...give me coffee, I need coffee...lol I really don't need the coffee as much as I need Jesus. It's really His strength you and I need. It’s said, ‘There’s nothing stranger than people, but there’s nothing more important!’ Jesus understood that principle. He spent His life as ‘one who serves.’ (Luke 22:27 NIV)

 

He ministered to society’s outcasts. He sought out the one sheep that was lost while the other ninety–nine waited (Luke 15:4–6). Even on the cross Jesus wasn’t just thinking about the impact of His earthly ministry, or tying up loose ends. He was busy forgiving the thief on an adjacent cross, asking His Father to forgive the men who crucified Him, and making sure His mother was taken care of after He went back to Heaven.

 

So, was Jesus’ schedule less pressing than ours? Or did He know something we don’t? For example, instead of filling our diaries, we should be more concerned with building relationships and pouring ourselves into the lives of those around us? Think what could happen if, like Jesus, we made a conscious decision to invest our time and talent into the lives of twelve people. The possibilities are mind–boggling! Perhaps you feel intimidated by the concept of making a difference in the world. Don’t let your vision of what’s possible be limited by what you perceive as your own strengths and weaknesses. ‘With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.’ (Ephesians 3:20 NCV) Only one opinion matters—God’s. And He told Gideon, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel…Am I not sending you?’ The strength of the Sender, not the weaknesses of the one being sent, is what changes the odds and wins the day.

 

You are Loved!

Second-Guessing God

'Nor are your ways My ways.' Isaiah 55:8 NKJV

Are you doing what you believe to be God’s will, yet things aren’t working out like you expected? God has a different perspective—a better one. It’s ok to question Him, but not to doubt and second–guess Him. In His Word He says, ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.’ When God told Moses he was going to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, Moses was all for it. But things didn’t go the way he anticipated because Pharaoh made their lives harder for a while. So instead of becoming a hero, Moses lived through a season of being criticised and misunderstood. Later, when some other things didn’t turn out as Moses expected, he got discouraged and complained along these lines: ‘Lord, I did what You told me to do. How come I’m not getting the results I prayed for?’ (Exodus 5:22) Moses didn’t understand the results of his obedience, because God didn’t tell him exactly how things would turn out.

 

Usually our frustrations have little to do with what God does or doesn’t do, and everything to do with our mistaken ideas about what we think He should do. When you assume, or try to analyse God, you always end up frustrated. Jesus told His disciples, ‘You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ (John 13:7 CEV) It’s only in looking back that you see how the Lord has led you. He is the best at what He does and His track record proves it. So trust God and stop trying to second–guess Him.

 

You are Loved!

Choose the Right Friends (2)

'Two people are better off than one.' Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT

One of the things we are doing as a church is encouraging each other to go beyond our comfort zones in taking the initiative. The phrase 'How can I make your day better' gives you the opportunity to speak to someone you may never have had the opportunity to speak to. Don’t wait to be introduced. Say ‘hello’ and get the other person’s name. If you’re naturally shy, it can be hard taking the first step. But the chances are that the other person feels the same, and when you start talking you’ll find things in common.

Take a risk. If you like somebody, go a little deeper and mention a small struggle, fear or disappointment you’ve experienced. It’s called ‘manageable risk’ and it lets you gauge how the other person responds. If they’re caring and identify with what you’re saying, that’s a good sign. If they shut down, try to fix you or respond critically, it may be time to move on. But if everything else works out, exchange phone numbers and invite the other person for coffee or lunch or to church.

Then go for a second meeting and give it a little time; that way you’ll know if it’s a friendship worth developing. Find out where people go to spend time. There are lots of places to get to know new people—like church, the gym, school, a play group or volunteer service. Be willing to leave your comfort zone and try new situations. Remember that God uses all kinds of friendships to fulfil His purpose. Jesus chose Judas as a friend and that relationship accomplished the purposes of God. Even the least affirming of your friends, the people who hurt and betray you, play their part in bringing God’s ultimate blessing into your life. Ask God for a friend, then go out and make one!

You are Loved!

Choose the Right Friends (1)

'Friends sharpen the minds of each other.' Proverbs 27:17 CEV

Think about this...‘You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years…except for the people with whom you associate and the books you read.’ When it comes to choosing friends, find those who will lift instead of deflate you.

 

Look for:

(1) People who influence you to be the person God intended. ‘As iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.’ (Proverbs 27:17 CEV) Relationships are the tools God uses to do this. When you’re with somebody, ask yourself, ‘Do I like who I am when I’m around this person? Am I more open, loving and honest? Or do I not like what I see in myself?’ Choose people who make you a better person.

 

(2) People who provide grace for the energy drain.When you’re empty you need to be refuelled physically, spiritually and relationally. So surround yourself with friends who will listen, encourage and be there for you.

 

(3) People who let you be real. ‘A friend loves at all times.’ (Proverbs 17:17 NKJV) The best relationships are those where you know you’re loved, you’re free to be yourself, you don’t have to put on an act and you can be honest about the difficult aspects of life. There’s comfort and normality in friendships where you can be authentic.

 

(4) People who help you grow in faith.You need friends who encourage you to pray, read the Bible and help you to see the ‘big picture’ concerning what’s important in your life. Ephesians 4:16 NCV talks about operating as a body: ‘All the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to help the whole body grow and be strong with love.’ Don’t try to do it alone. Reach out to friends who’ll reach back.

 

You are Loved!

Biblical Inner Beauty

'He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit.' Ephesians 3:16 TLB

"A lady flew across the country to tell a talk show host how her husband had left her for another woman. The lady, who was young, vibrant and beautiful, pulled out a photograph and said, ‘Just look at her. He left me for that!’

Sadly, we’ve been conditioned to think that “looks” are all–important, when, in fact, they’re not. Nevertheless we keep measuring, comparing, and beating ourselves up because we fall short. If you can’t enjoy who you are because of what you’re not, you’ll never be happy.

Advertisers spend billions getting us to decorate a shell that’s in a losing battle with Mother Nature and Father Time—all in an effort to create what we think will attract others. And when it doesn’t work, we get depressed and wonder what went wrong. Of course, it’s important to look your best but, when you’re obsessed with your appearance, you become superficial.

If you want to know what ultimately wins hearts and attracts the right people, read these words: ‘I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love…And may you have the power to understand…how long, how high, and how deep His love [for you] is…Then you will be made complete.’ (Ephesians 3:16–19 NLT) That’s the secret to inner beauty!

You are Loved!

When God Feels Distant

'The Lord has hidden Himself...but I trust Him.' Isaiah 8:17 GNT

Does God feel distant? ‘You wake up one morning and all your “spiritual feelings” are gone. You pray, but nothing happens. You resist the devil, but it doesn’t change anything. You go through spiritual exercises, have your friends pray for you, confess every sin you can imagine, then go around asking forgiveness of everyone you know. You fast; still nothing. You begin to wonder how long this spiritual gloom will last. It feels like your prayers bounce off the ceiling. In utter frustration you cry out:  “What’s the matter with me?”

 

This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God. We all go through it. It’s painful, but it’s absolutely vital to developing your faith. You see, God is always present, even when you are unaware of Him. His presence is too profound to be measured by intellect or emotion. He’s more concerned that you trust Him than that you feel Him.  Faith, not feelings, is what pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). You ask, “So what can I do?” Isaiah answers, “The Lord has hidden Himself…but I trust Him.” Focus on God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. Cling to His promises. During times of spiritual dryness, rest on His Word, not your feelings. Realise that He’s taking you to a deeper level of maturity. Any friendship based strictly on emotion is shallow indeed. So don’t be troubled by trouble—God’s grace is still in full force! He’s with you even when you don’t feel Him.’ His word to you today is, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)

 

You are Loved!