WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE? - Treasure requires some digging - not all of Scripture’s riches are obvious. Some are buried below the surface and can be discovered only through careful study and research. Treasure has lasting value. Conventional treasure is valuable only as currency — or perhaps for display purposes. The wealth of Scripture, by contrast, lasts a lifetime — with no depreciation at all - the bounty of God’s Word will be as valuable to you when you’re 100 as it was when you were 10 - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If something is of genuine value to you, there’s no disguising it. The worth you place on the various things in your life is evident by your priorities. That which means the most to you will get the lion’s share of your time and attention. That which you treasure, you treat like a treasure. When your idea of a treasure aligns with God’s idea, life-changing things happen. And the Bible certainly is his idea of a treasure. Not all of Scripture’s riches are obvious. Some are buried below the surface and can be discovered only through careful study and research. You have a variety of tools at your disposal, from online concordances and dictionaries to websites devoted to specific theological topics. If the lifting gets too heavy for you, ask a trusted Christian friend or church leader to help you. Drawing on the resources of others is a great way to increase your own spiritual wealth.

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Where Is Your “Treasure”?

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Treasure requires some digging - not all of Scripture’s riches are obvious. Some are buried below the surface and can be discovered only through careful study and research. Treasure has lasting value. Conventional treasure is valuable only as currency — or perhaps for display purposes. The wealth of Scripture, by contrast, lasts a lifetime — with no depreciation at all - the bounty of God’s Word will be as valuable to you when you’re 100 as it was when you were 10

thenivbible.com

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

If something is of genuine value to you, there’s no disguising it.

The worth you place on the various things in your life is evident by your priorities.

That which means the most to you will get the lion’s share of your time and attention.

That which you treasure, you treat like a treasure.

When your idea of a treasure aligns with God’s idea, life-changing things happen.

And the Bible certainly is his idea of a treasure. Consider these characteristics of treasure –

Treasure requires some digging.

Not all of Scripture’s riches are obvious. Some are buried below the surface and can be discovered only through careful study and research.

You have a variety of tools at your disposal, from online concordances and dictionaries to websites devoted to specific theological topics.

If the lifting gets too heavy for you, ask a trusted Christian friend or church leader to help you.

Drawing on the resources of others is a great way to increase your own spiritual wealth.

Treasure has lasting value.

Conventional treasure is valuable only as currency — or perhaps for display purposes.

Once it’s been spent or enjoyed, it loses its luster.

The wealth of Scripture, by contrast, lasts a lifetime — with no depreciation at all.

In the Bible’s pages you’ll find everything you need to know about

o  Building a personal relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe

o  Making wise decisions in every area of your life

o  Using your God-given gifts and abilities to their fullest extent

o  Repairing broken relationships

The bounty of God’s Word will be as valuable to you when you’re 100 as it was when you were 10!

For Reflection:
With great wealth comes great responsibility.

Do you know someone facing difficulties?

Perhaps a friend going through a relationship crisis?

Someone facing indecision with a major life decision?

Maybe a relative is struggling with feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness.

You have a wealth of encouragement, inspiration and guidance in your possession.

Find ways to share the treasure you have with others in your life.

Accurate. Readable. Clear.

The New International Version began with one man’s vision for a faithful rendering of the Bible in contemporary English and today is the world’s best selling modern-English translation of the Bible that delivers the best combination of accuracy and readability.

https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/where-is-your-treasure/

FOCUS ON JESUS - Life needs a level of focus: to fix our eyes on a goal and not be dissuaded from it. To run the race of life steadily, let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, throwing off everything that hinders us and fix our eyes on Jesus, whose example of endurance and commitment is worth following. In our race let us consider the suffering, rejection and pain that Christ endured - whatever your priorities are today, focus first on Jesus, and everything else will come into place - In a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, for He’s your salvation – the prize of all prizes. He is the answer. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the very personification of our Father’s grace. And He rightfully belongs in the centre of our lives. Whatever your priorities are today, focus first on Jesus, and everything else will come into place. For only one thing is needful – to rest at Jesus’ feet and enjoy His presence. Trust in His love and grace. Focus on Jesus and His perfect work on the Cross. When you are happy – focus on Jesus and share your joy with Him. When you are facing difficulties – focus on Jesus and draw on His strength. When you are tempted by the evil one – focus on Jesus and His complete victory on the Cross. Whatever you are facing, whatever you are struggling with, whatever you are rejoicing for, lay them all at Jesus’s feet and let His peace that surpasses all understanding fill and saturate your heart.

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Focus On Jesus

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Life needs a level of focus: to fix our eyes on a goal and not be dissuaded from it. To run the race of life steadily, let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, throwing off everything that hinders us and fix our eyes on Jesus, whose example of endurance and commitment is worth following. In our race let us consider the suffering, rejection and pain that Christ endured - whatever your priorities are today, focus first on Jesus, and everything else will come into place

listenandprosper.com

‘Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.’ - (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Beloved, turn your eyes upon Jesus, for He’s your salvation – the prize of all prizes.

He is the answer.

He is the way.

He is the truth.

He is the very personification of our Father’s grace.

And He rightfully belongs in the centre of our lives.

Whatever your priorities are today, focus first on Jesus, and everything else will come into place.

For only one thing is needful – to rest at Jesus’ feet and enjoy His presence.

Trust in His love and grace. Focus on Jesus and His perfect work on the Cross.

When you are happy – focus on Jesus and share your joy with Him.

When you are facing difficulties – focus on Jesus and draw on His strength.

When you are tempted by the evil one – focus on Jesus and His complete victory on the Cross.

Whatever you are facing, whatever you are struggling with, whatever you are rejoicing for, lay them all at Jesus’s feet and let His peace that surpasses all understanding fill and saturate your heart.

Be Greatly Blessed!

Prayer:

Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save us.

We were hopelessly lost, but you never gave up on us.

Through Jesus’ finished work, we are now redeemed and righteous.

Because of Jesus, we can now freely receive your love and blessings.

Help me to focus on Jesus today Lord, that I may run faithfully on the path you have set before me.

Show me where I am losing focus. Help me to remember that you are always by my side, encouraging me and cheering me on.

Thank you Father. I love you and bless your Name.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!

Additional Thoughts:

The gunshot reverberated around the stadium and the competitors were off and running.

Only one would claim the shining cup and each man raced forward hopeful to take hold of the prize himself.

But one stumbled and came crashing to the ground.

Another, hearing his name shouted out from the grandstand, turned aimlessly around and fell behind.

Yet one more slumped over as a sudden gut-wrenching pain overpowered him.

And so, they fell away one by one.

Just one man ran in such a way that he might win. And he did.

Life needs a level of focus: to fix our eyes on a goal and not be dissuaded from it.

To run the race of life steadily, heedless of the distractions that would cause us to run everywhere, rather than straight ahead into the path God calls us on.

Persuaded by the voices of others, we can easily lose focus.

Our energy is dissipated and we became frustrated as we spread ourselves thinly over an ever-growing circle of demands.

Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 12 to run with perseverance the race marked out before us, throwing off everything that hinders us and fix our eyes on Jesus, whose example of endurance and commitment is worth following.

In our race let us consider the suffering, rejection and pain that Christ endured, so that we will not grow weary and lose heart.

To run a race, we must travel lightly.

What burdens or distractions are weighing us down?

Bad habits, regrets, unforgiveness, greed or selfishness are the weights that will cause us to slow down and lose focus on the goal.

Cast them all away, sit at Jesus feet, focus on Him and His finished work.

That is the one thing needful.

https://listenandprosper.com/focus-on-jesus/

                    

PRIORITIES… How often have each of us gotten ourselves tied up in knots over simply being too busy, too preoccupied in mind and heart with trivial endeavours, and in the struggle for keeping up with everyone else, even in the cultures of success many of us live in, we can easily fail to meet the cry of Gods heart for our lives, and we settle again for the praises of man rather than the peace of God. To get truthful with yourself is one the hardest things to do… but the fruit is well worth it… and God rewards fruit, not activity - Our God is so faithful, and is the very best at simply meeting with us wherever we are at. I want to speak to each of you about your priorities, and ask you how you are doing when it comes to keeping the main thing the main thing in your own list of priorities. God Himself keeps the list fairly straightforward for each of us as He reminds us many times throughout the word, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, AND to love our neighbours as ourselves. SEEK FIRST, the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. Sounds easy… but how often have each of us gotten ourselves tied up in knots over simply being too busy, too preoccupied in mind and heart with trivial endeavours, and in the struggle for keeping up with everyone else, even in the cultures of success many of us live in, we can easily fail to meet the cry of Gods heart for our lives, and we settle again for the praises of man rather than the peace of God.

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Priorities…

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How often have each of us gotten ourselves tied up in knots over simply being too busy, too preoccupied in mind and heart with trivial endeavours, and in the struggle for keeping up with everyone else, even in the cultures of success many of us live in, we can easily fail to meet the cry of Gods heart for our lives, and we settle again for the praises of man rather than the peace of God. To get truthful with yourself is one the hardest things to do… but the fruit is well worth it… and God rewards fruit, not activity

Darlene Zschech Devo

Priorities…

Hey lovely people…

Wherever this edition finds you, I pray that you are doing great, whether in the valley or on the mountain top… for our God is so faithful, and is the very best at simply meeting with us wherever we are at.

Today I want to speak to each of you about your priorities, and ask you how you are doing when it comes to keeping the main thing the main thing in your own list of priorities.

God Himself keeps the list fairly straightforward for each of us as He reminds us many times throughout the word, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, AND to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Matthew 6 says to SEEK FIRST, the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.

Sounds easy… but how often have each of us gotten ourselves tied up in knots over simply being too busy, too preoccupied in mind and heart with trivial endeavours, and in the struggle for keeping up with everyone else, even in the cultures of success many of us live in, we can easily fail to meet the cry of Gods heart for our lives, and we settle again for the praises of man rather than the peace of God.

Life in the 21st century, as magnificent and convenient as technology has allowed, there is hardly a space in our every day for meditating on God and waiting for His voice… UNLESS you have made this a priority!

In Revelation 2, the Lord commends the Ephesian leaders for their labour and hard work, but challenges their reasoning by saying that in their eagerness to work FOR God, they had become so distracted, that their hearts were not toward God.

Their hands full, but their hearts empty.

Leaving your first love toward the Father doesn’t normally happen in an instant, it happens gradually as the value of the relationship with God begins to be squeezed out by well-meaning activity.

In Revelation 2:5 it says to the leaders... ‘now remember and repent, OR I will return and remove your light…’

Very sobering, as remember, it is only because of His light and life in us that we have anything to sing OR say, and more than that… a reason for every breath.

IN HIM, we live and move and have our being.

I’ve had to learn to put some boundaries around my life, my resources and my time… to ensure that I have taken responsibility for the season I am in and have been given to serve and love my family, my church family, my neighbour, and my LORD.

And rather than having a list of things that I HAVE to do, and putting READ THE BIBLE and pray on the top of my list… (sounds like religion to me!!)… over time, this relationship with Jesus has become the most critical connection I have as His word has literally become food for my entire being.

Thus, begins the choice to worship becoming a priority in your life, rather than another rule to follow.

A little check up to do to tell what you REALLY value in your world… look at where you spend your time, your energy, your finance… and if the answer shocks you or doesn’t truly represent your heart’s desire… then it’s time to take action and make some changes.

With much love I say, pay attention to the putting things right in your world that are out of balance, or simply wrong… as my husband says, sometimes to get truthful with yourself is one the hardest things to do… but the fruit is well worth it… and God rewards fruit, not activity.

As leaders, pastors, worship pastors… in this incredible season in history, simply remember that as you are shepherding and loving others to Jesus, make sure you have prioritised loving Him and being fueled in His presence yourself… there is no substitute.

Let’s start a revolution of truth, of love, of grace, of family, of forgiveness, of worship that shakes nations and compels us to a closer walk with Jesus…

OK… and as I am female, and a song writer, I will endeavour to write less words next time…

Love you and totally believe in you… Darlene Z.

Hello, friends! Welcome.

I pray that as you find yourself within the pages of this site that you are forever pointed towards our beautiful Saviour, Jesus. I am more committed than ever to declare His goodness and greatness with every breath that I have because there truly is no better place to reside than in His presence.

Be blessed, know that you are loved and together let’s keep loving Him and loving those in our world.

Love Darls x

Visit www.darlenezschech.com

http://www.sloppynoodle.com/wp/darlene-zschech-devo-priorities/

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https://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2018/07/this-is-my-desire-holly-dawson-hillsong.html

REASONS TO PICK UP YOUR BIBLE TODAY - The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word. If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival. The Bible is a priceless treasure. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth. The Bible is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator. God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live. God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children. God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer. The Word of God is powerful. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ. Every person has a desire to know about the future. It is amazing to what You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible.

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10 Reasons To Pick Up Your Bible Today.

The Bible is a “contract” in force between God and man - every word is true and unchanging. You hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation. The Bible is your manual for living - its Author is your Creator. God is the ultimate expert - He loves you and wants you to succeed. He cares about your eternal destiny. The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee

by CHARLES T. CRABTREE

An open letter to those who need to reconnect with God’s Word

Dear Friend:

It has come to my attention you are not as diligent in reading, internalizing and applying the Word of God as you were in the past.

I cannot overstate how critical it is for you to re-establish Bible reading and study as a high priority in your daily schedule.

Please prayerfully consider these reasons why it is absolutely necessary for you to become a person of the Word.

Reason 1. The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word.

   Since our first parents in Eden, Satan has sought to destroy God’s children by questioning God’s Word. He was bold enough to tempt Jesus by misapplying the Scriptures.

   If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival.

Reason 2. The Bible is a priceless treasure. For thousands of years, God has protected this precious Book from extinction.

   Believers have died to protect it. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God.

   Millions of your brothers and sisters in Christ would give their last dime to have a Bible, let alone the three or four copies that many American Christians possess.

Reason 3. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth.

   In a day of spiritual confusion, moral relativism, and intellectual hypocrisy, you hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation.

   The Bible consists of more than little black letters on a page. It is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging.

Reason 4. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator.

   God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live.

   No matter how much money and time you spend on “self-help” books, you’re far better off getting back to your “God-help” book.

   God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny.

Reason 5. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children.

   God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer.

   Most Christians do not have any idea how “rich” they are in Christ.

   By some counts, 7,000 promises are yours. Others have found many more. Find them and claim them.

   The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee, and is not running for political office.

Reason 6. The Word of God is powerful. It is powerful for many reasons. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. Every word of man is conditional and temporal, but God has the final word. The Bible is our powerful defensive and offensive spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).

   It is a word of healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20).

   People who curse God or refuse to admit He created the world would be shocked to know He sustains the universe by His word of power (Hebrews 1:3).

Reason 7. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought.” 

  The thought processes of the world have become so evil and depraved you must overcome the ideas and philosophies from darkened minds by daily planting the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in your heart (Romans 8:5-8).

   Everyone knows that positive thinking is better than negative thinking. Imagine how your day would brighten if you met every challenge with a divine promise and every situation with a divine truth.

Reason 8. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ.

   The spirit of Antichrist is certainly evident and prevalent in our culture, but truth about Jesus’ past and present and future is clearly revealed in the Scriptures.

   Remember, we are saved through faith in Jesus and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).

   When Peter stepped out of a fishing boat in a storm and walked on water, he didn’t begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31).

   Believers are in serious trouble when they do not constantly read the Word, which reveals Jesus.

   Like Peter, those who do not keep Christ in plain view will be dragged down by the storms of life.

Reason 9. Every person has a desire to know about the future.

   It is amazing to what lengths people will go to see beyond the present. This innate interest feeds fortunetellers, astrologers, palm readers, clairvoyants and other charlatans.

   Their lack of accuracy is pathetic, yet millions continue to seek their counsel.

   You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19).

   When people speak of the future with fear and panic, they have taken their future out of the hands of God. They have neglected the words of Jesus: “Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going there on purpose to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2, NEB).

Reason 10. How would you like to hear God speak to you? How would you like to sit down and listen to the teaching of Jesus, the greatest Teacher who ever lived?

   You can every day by opening the pages of the Word of God. It really is a letter to you. As you read it, the Spirit of God will quicken and reveal life-giving truth to you.

Reading God’s Word should never be viewed as a laborious task or even a duty.

It is a wonderful privilege to open the Book every day and receive divine insights into the nature of God, the purpose of man, and the truth about time and eternity.

The Word of God is vital if you are going to live a victorious life.

I pray this letter stirs a fresh desire in your heart to know divine truth.

Remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [emphasis mine] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, KJV).

CHARLES T. CRABTREE. Former Assemblies of God Assistant General Superintendent.

https://news.ag.org/features/10-reasons-to-pick-up-your-bible-today

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