Finding A Great Treasure

"I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure." Psalm 119:162

David wrote this psalm.  He was always searching for a way to draw closer to God.  Apparently he felt the need very deeply to get as close to God as possible.  He was constantly being persued by his enemies.  I think David felt keenly the pressure an stress of running, hiding, fighting, defending, and at many times friendless.

Have you ever felt that way?  Like the world is just against you and everything is going wrong.  Depression sets in.  Discouragement is ever present.  Do you long to know what to do to make things better? 

David turned to God and His word. Apparently this is where he drew this strength and gained wisdom to know how to make his next move.  God honored him for it.  God called David a man after His own heart.

Get into His word, my friend. Spend time with Him.  I promise you won't regret it.  He will be there.  How do I know?  Read Isaiah 41:10.  It is an awesom jewel in God's word just for you!

The Bride and Groom

I love weddings.  I love all the decorations, beautiful dresses, smart tuxedos, fancy food.  But most of all I love the happy faces especially on the bride and groom.  The look they give each other on their special day is one that can't be described.  You just have to see it.

A lot of work goes into weddings.  Months of planning, money, time.  But in the end it all seems to be worth it.  Parents are willing to shell out the bucks to make sure their daughter or son have a wonderful day.  They want them to be happy and have a great send off.  Parents also want to show the world how proud they are of their kid. (Well, emerging adult.) So they invite all their friends to come and enjoy the event with them.

May daughters were the most beautiful brides in the world.  I looked at them and thought, WOW!  These are my daughters.  I was thrilled to present them as beautiful, well brought up, loving women.  They are my jewels.  I understand this text in Isaiah 61:10.

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

God wants to gush over me.  To show me off.  To tell all who will listen how beautiful I am.  In turn, I want to gush over Him.  I want to tell all who will listen how wonderful He is.  He saved me and lifted me up from a sinful world and certain death and is preparing a beautiful place for me to live with Him.  He is proud of me.  He loves me.  He cares for me.  That can only make me feel wonderful.

So I look forward with anticipation to that day when the groom, Jesus, comes for His bride, me (and those who love Him).  I can't even imagine the looks on our faces.  I think you will have to be there to see it.

Precious Gems At Adam's State College

Pastor Jim Moon started the "Friday Night Home Cooked Meals" specifically designed for college students (Adam's State College in Alamosa) who would like a warm and inviting place to go and get home cooked food.  Members of our church have students over on Friday evening at 6:30 to enjoy good food and fun times.  Some kids bring their musical instruments, others bring games.  They eat and relax, laugh, and enjoy each others company.  The hosts enjoy being able to shower the young people with love, food, and a cozy home for a few hours.  One student commented that she looks forward to every Friday now.  Others agreed. We are even recognizing some of them around town now. It has been a fun experience getting to know these kids.  Thanks Pastor Moon for the great idea! These people, all of them, are truly precious gems of God!

The Hope Diamond

When I think of a precious "rock" I think of the "Hope Diamond." It was originally owned by Jean Baptiste Tavernier and weighed in at 112 3/16 carats.  He sold it to Louis XIV of France in 1668. It was eventually cut down into a 67 1/8 carat stone.  It had a deep blue color and thus got the name "Blue Diamond of the Crown". The stone was reset and had several owners most being royalty.  The stone has an interesting history of travel throughout time. Eventually in 1901 Lord Francis Hope sold the diamond to pay off debt. This is probably how it got it's name. Harry Winston, who eventually ended up owning the diamond, donated it to the Smithsonian. After being weighed at the Smithsonian it was found to be   45.52 carats.  It is surrounded by 16 white diamonds and hangs from a chain with 45 white diamonds.

I can't even imagine touching such a thing let alone wearing it.  I wonder what the people felt like wearing it - both kings and ladies?  I wonder if it felt heavy?  One thing that made people ooh and aw over it was the deep rich color.  Some described it as having violet hues. But no doubt the deep blue was fascinating to see. For sure, it was considered a "precious stone."

There is a stone that is far greater and more precious that withstands time more pure and perfect than any diamond.  1 Peter 2:6 restates a passage from Isaiah.

"Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious. And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

When I compare both stones in this story I find that Jesus comes out as way more desirable.  No one was able to keep the "Hope Diamond." It changed from owner to owner. But I am able to keep Christ because it is He who keeps me!

A Special Treasure

"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine." Exodus 19:5

Wow!  What an awesome text!  I can be God's special treasure.  I have always wanted to be treasured.  It makes me feel very special.  I enjoy being wanted and needed.  And besides, everyone perks up at the thought of treasure.  It is fun to search for and even more fun to have.  It sparkles and glitters in the light and is beautiful to look at. It is priceless! That why it is a treasure.

When I was in college I dated a guy that was not all that excited about being with me in public.  It might ruin his image I guess.  Needless to say we didn't last that long.  But when I dated my husband, he was proud to be with me.  He liked showing me off to his friends and having me on his arm.  I loved being with him because he made me feel wanted, needed, and loved.

There is a condition to this treasure and that is obeying the voice of God.  If I understand what God's plan is for me and understand that He is the one who has my best interest at heart then why not give Him my all?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.

He isn't out there to take away the fun or to ruin my life.  No!  He has given His life for me so that I might live.  And live life as His special treasure!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whoever chooses to believe in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

He gives us the choice whether we want to accept that gift or not.  Here is the choice laid out:

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." Deut. 30:19."

Choose life. Choose to accept the gifts of God.  Choose to be His special treasure, sparkling, rich in beauty.

PS:  All the pictures are of my precious jewels (grandchildren) that God has placed in my treasury.