You Are Blessed to be a Blessing

I was watching a DVD the other week and something that was said continues to drift in and out of my thoughts. The reference was made to this scripture.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

 ⁴⁴“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

 ⁴⁵“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46

The question was asked: “Why would you sell everything you worked so hard for to obtain one thing and to do it with joy?” The only reason is that you would obtain something of greater value than all of what you had. Then these questions were asked: Are you a joyful Christian? Does your greatest joy come from the relationship you have with Jesus? Could it be that we lack joy because we do not really treasure God? Have we learned to treasure the blessings of God but not God Himself?

These questions have continued to repeat themselves in my mind for these past few weeks. In both cases we are told the kingdom of heaven is like equating it to something of great value. So Jesus was telling us that it is of greater value than anything we have. The saying goes one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This saying points out the fact that we affix value to things. We decide what is valuable to us. I may be quick to say that the kingdom of heaven is valuable but, do I live as though nothing has greater value in my life than knowing God? After a couple weeks of asking the question I must admit that I have not affixed God as my greatest joy. I long for God to be my greatest joy. I want to make more intentional decisions that affirm that God is my greatest joy.

These three web sites are related to the DVD Cat and Dog Theology I was watching.

 http://www.ourjourneywithhim.com/video       http://www.unveilinglory.com/         http://www.catndogtheology.com/

Mike

I was going through a time of discouragement recently. We did not have much to show for all of our efforts to find partners in our work.  People were conveying no to us. “No” we could not expect financial support. “No” we could not come present our work. “No” there were no questions. Then the doubts started. Can God really supply our great need? Who do I think I am to serve overseas? Was I really called to be a missionary?

I thought of John the Baptist. Even he got discouraged!  Remember the story? It was towards the end of his life. He was in prison for speaking out against the adulterous relationship between Herod and his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evil that Herod had done. John sent his disciples to ask Jesus “are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Matthew 11:3

John was actually related to Jesus. John’s birth was also a fulfillment of prophecy. John baptized Jesus. John saw the dove descend. John heard the voice from heaven saying about Jesus “you are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11 Now John  faced disappointment. John began to question what he thought he believed.

Jesus response to him was simple. “Go and tell John what you hear and see. The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” Matthew 11:4-5 Look all around you. God is at work! I needed to be reminded. Joann