Treasure Hunt

Oftentimes I am underwhelmed by the doings of my own self, but constantly I am overwhelmed by the doings of my Father God. During the course of my Walk with the Lord, He has been more than merciful in connecting me to others who have encouraged me, taught me of humility and re-birthed me in His Truth. When I was seeking someone to side with me and pity me, I found none. What I found instead where people who gently peeled the layers back and at each removal of decay, they showed me where to find the balm. Sometimes it burned a little. And yes, sometimes it burned a lot. But His healing salve cannot work unless it is placed upon the wound. Nor can it work unless the wound is scrubbed clean...

1. Encourage One Another

"that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love,

and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding,

to the knowledge of the mystery of God,

both of the Father and of Christ,

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3

"but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,”

lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

Hebrews 3:13

Treasures are hidden. For the riches of the Lord to be draped upon you, first you must search. His enduring love, grace, mercy and freedom are not carelessly set adrift on the sea, rather they are bound in His Word and found among His people.

When I realized I couldn't find the treasure chest alone, I sought others. Their encouragement propelled me along His path.

2. Humble Your Very Own Self

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He will lift you up."

James 4:10

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,

and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,

who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge

of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Sometimes it takes a treasure map to the bottom of the sea, but for me, it took a trip to the bottom of me. I was stuck in that place of mire and it seemed that each time I opened my mouth, I swallowed more gunk. More of my dredged-up sludge. It wasn't my mouth that needed opening, it was my heart.

When I realized I wasn't even holding the map, I dropped my pack crammed full of survival gear. And fell on my face in humility.

3. Seek the Truth

"Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,

And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."

Psalm 51:6

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:32

Once I realized that fear was my compass and the plotting of my own route was futile, I began to set aside my useless tools (my own efforts, independence, and pride). My encouragers were with me, pointing the way. No longer did I flail wildly along a dangerously misguided route, instead I was guided by the shining light of Truth. His Truth.

When hands are empty, your hearts are ready, and minds are willing--that is when the real treasure of His Truth can be fully grasped.

Let us humbly pray:

Father God, we come to You this day, propelled by encouragement, humbled by Your Love, and desperately seeking the treasure of Your Truth. Please speak to each treasure-seeker today with a voice so loud that it cannot be ignored. Please fill each with Your Truth. Become not only the treasure map, but The Treasure for each of us this day. Reveal Your shining and glorious map of Truth. Fill our minds, hearts, and souls today with revelations of Your love. Remind us constantly what sort of treasures we are to You. Lord, let us each set aside our own self and our own ways. Let us drop our packs of useless tools. And lead us this day right into Your gracious grasp of tenderness, forgiveness, mercy and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

* Thank you all for such an encouraging and praise-worthy welcome as a post-abortive ministry out here in Blogland. Your comments reaffirm God's whispers to me. Come, let us lace up our boots and walk together as we discover His treasures in each of us this day! Friends, may God richly bless you with all that you need today as you seek the treasure He sees in you. Spend some time alone with the Lord as He reveals what He really thinks of you...