On a Treasure Hunt

Back in 2013, an unsuspecting California-based couple took their dog for a walk and noticed a rusted can partially buried in the ground. They were shocked to find that the metal container was filled with $20 gold coins.

Upon further investigation, the couple found several more cans buried on their property. The coins were minted from 1847 to 1894, and much to the couple’s surprise, there were nearly 1,400 $20 pieces in total. Additionally, the duo discovered 50 $10 coins and 4 $5 pieces. The collection of coins was estimated to be worth more than $10 million, with one coin, the 1866-S No Motto Double Eagle to be valued at $ 1 million on its own (Hobbyhelp.com/Reuters.com).

They found buried treasure. There is great thrill and excitement in finding something valuable or digging up treasure. Some come across such loot after diligently searching while others, like in this story, may accidentally stumble across it. There is a great treasure that is much closer to each of us than we may think. Except this treasure isn’t valuable because of its gold, silver, or dollar signs. It is something much more precious. The treasure I am talking about is God’s Word.

We are reminded from Colossians 2:2-3, that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. Whenever we pick up our Bibles and examine the words and life of Christ, we are on a treasure hunt. We are digging up wisdom and knowledge that is inexpressibly valuable. It is a treasure that doesn’t just inform us, it transforms our lives. It’s there for all of us, if we are just willing to do a little digging with our shovels of humility, sincerity, and diligence.

When you search God’s Word you will find treasures both old and new. When you find that treasure, remember it’s meant to be shared (Matthew 13:52). So, pick up your Bible today and get on your treasure hunt. Don’t put it down until you find treasure. I promise you it’s there, you just have to dig a little. And when you dig it up don’t keep it all to yourself. Pass it on.

Created with a Purpose

Do you ever feel that you don’t know what plan God has for you? Remember, God created you. He is alive and nothing is too difficult for Him. His love is bigger than any problem you may face. John 1:3-4 says,

“All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made, that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

One of the two who heard John the Baptist speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He said to His brother Simon, “We have found Jesus.” He then brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus said, “You are Simon, the Son of John, you shall be called Cephas which means Peter.” Was Andrew jealous? Did he wonder why Jesus didn’t give him a new name? What did Peter have that Andrew did not?

Remember, John 1:3 says of Jesus, all things were made through Him including Peter and Andrew. God created each of them for their own unique purpose. Maybe Andrew’s purpose was to bring other people to Jesus just as he brought his brother Peter. The Bible is the living, truthful word of God. So, John 1:3 must apply to us as well. Jesus made each of us. He knows what is inside of us and has a purpose for each of us. We are important to Him.

Do you have a sense of God’s unique purpose for you? In basketball players may try to force making a play when nothing is there instead of letting the game’s opportunities open up naturally. Likewise, instead of forcing your plan, let God open up opportunities to you by listening to Him. Seek God in prayer so He can prepare you to be more effective in following His will. Pray this today…

“God, you lovingly created me for a purpose. I dedicate myself to you and I am excited to see what you have in store for me. Amen.”

Wise as a Serpent, Innocent as a Dove

A Christian ought to be twice the snake as anyone in the world. They should be more intentional, clever, shrewd, canny, and wise. Our Savior has told us to be snakes, but not snakes in the ways of this world. We are to have snake-like skills with dove-like intentions. Reflect on the words of Jesus from Matthew 10:16 (ESV),

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

You see, as Christians, we do not lie in wait to devour our enemies.  We possess no intention to harm. We have emptied ourselves of all venom, and what remains is the love of God. It is a love that manifests in gentleness, kindness, and humility. It is the innocence of a dove.

But we also must be crafty and astute because we are called to carry the light of God to dark and dangerous places. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and true enemies to the purposes and plans of God. Jesus experienced real animosity and persecution, and as His followers, we are not exempt. That is why we must be wise. Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way,

We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and tender heart.

Take heart. The wisdom of God will always thwart the wisdom of this world and the love of God is stronger than the power of hate. Now don’t you forget that you are called to be a snake today. But take note and let all your cunning possess the innocence of a dove as you strive towards these joyous ends:

1. To Glorify God
2. To Love Thy Neighbor
3. To Proclaim Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Loose Cable

A young missionary, Herbert Jackson, was given a car to help him in his work. The car was a major asset, but it had one difficulty—it would not start without a push or a jump-start. Jackson devised a system to cope with the car’s inability to start. When he was ready to leave his home, he went to a nearby school and asked permission to bring some of the children out of class to help him push-start his car.

Throughout the day, he was careful to always park on a hill or to leave his engine running when he stopped for short visits. For two years the young missionary used what he believed was an ingenious method to enable him to use the car.

When poor health forced the Jackson family to leave the field, a new missionary arrived to lead the mission. When Jackson explained to the new missionary his methods for starting the car, the young man opened the hood and began inspecting. “Why, Dr. Jackson,” he interrupted, “I believe the only trouble is the loose cable.” He gave the cable a twist, pushed the switch, and the engine roared to life.

For two years, Dr. Jackson had used his own devices and endured needless trouble. The power to start the car was there all the time—it only needed to be connected.

Are your spiritual connections loose? Are you striving and straining in your own strength? When was the last time you lifted the hood and examined your heart? The power of God is always available to us as Christians. We just need to be connected. Connected to the cross of Christ. Staying in step with the Spirit. Serving and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Soaking in the Word of God. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 (ESV),

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

We shouldn’t just live “for” Jesus we need to live “from” Jesus. Abide with your Lord and Savior today and make sure those connections are strong.