Treasured Possession

We all have something we treasure. What is the thing you treasure most?


When I was a young adult, I would have to say, I treasured "possessions" most. The constant thought that kept running through my mind, was "if only I had . . . . if only I had." A nicer car, a better house, new clothes, etc. My identity was wrapped up in what I had or thought I had to have, not in the One who had given His life for me and promised to supply all my needs. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life (food, clothing, place to live, transportation) and godliness (His Word that shows us how to live in a way that brings Him glory) through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3 (see also Matthew 6:25-34)


God was very patient with me as He began to show me my heart and teach me that all those "possessions" I thought I wanted could NEVER bring me true happiness and that my identity is found in Him alone. Although there is nothing wrong with having external "things", it does become wrong, when having to have those "things" consumes you and becomes your most treasured possession. Matthew 6:21 says, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." What consumes your thoughts?

Today, the thing I treasure most is His Word. His Word that is "sweeter than honey", "more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold", "preserves my life", "comforts", "is my counselor", "is eternal", "gives me peace", and the list goes one. Check out Psalm 119 and find more promises of what the Word is or does. Let me know what you find.

"When Your Words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY." Jeremiah 15:16 Warren Wiersbe says, "Meditation is to your inner person what digestion is to your body; you make the Word a part of your life and you grow." "Follow my advice, my son (daughter); always treasure my commands. Obey them and live! Guard my teaching as your most precious possession." Proverbs 7:1-2 Is God's Word your most treasured possession? If not, ask Him to put that desire in your heart.

"Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

May they who fear (reverence) You rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in Your Word."

Psalm 119:73-74

Reflected Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." John 14:27

"Reflected peace is the proof that you are right with God because you are at liberty to turn your mind to Him. If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself." Oswald Chambers

He has promised to keep us in perfect peace when our mind is stayed on Him.

What is keeping you from experiencing God's peace today? Is it a spouse or friend that continually lets you down? A child who is out of control? A dream never realized? The job that went to someone else? Your own shortcomings?

As Chuck Swindoll says, "God wants our total trust. Nothing held back. No games. No empty, pious-sounding words. No, He commands our absolute confidence. There is no area that He is unable to handle. God is a specialist in every circumstance - including yours. Today."

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Lord, turn my heart and mind toward You today so that I can enjoy the freedom that is mine in You. "Direct my footsteps according to Your Word, let no sin rule over me." Psalm 199:33 I give You everything that causes me anxiety and keeps me from experiencing Your perfect peace. Take control of my thoughts and desires. Flood my heart with Your peace that transcends all understanding and guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-8)

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in You.

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD,

the LORD is the Rock eternal."
Isaiah 26:3-4

Deeper Still . . .

Last weekend I had the honor and privilege of attending the Deeper Still Conference sponsored by LifeWay with our Women's Ministry Team. Over 18,000 women converged upon the Atlanta area to hear conference speakers Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. Worship was led by Travis Cottrell and his team. Just imagine hearing all those women singing "In Christ Alone" ~ it gives me chills just to think about it. We laughed, and cried, as we heard incredible messages from the Word that challenged and encouraged us to, first, have a personal relationship with our creator God through His Son Jesus and, second, to grow in a more intimate relationship with Him.

I want to share just a few thoughts on what we heard from these precious sisters in Christ . . .

On Friday evening, Priscilla Shirer spoke from Exodus about the wilderness experience that God led His people through. She shared how God chose the wilderness because it would best meet the needs of His people. He used the experience to show them . . .

• His Sovereignty
• Their spiritual identity in Him
• His call upon their lives that led them to new levels of surrender and practical obedience.

Something to Think About . . .
Are you currently going through a wilderness experience? What is God showing you about Himself through these difficult days? How have you recognized a new level of surrender and obedience to Him? In the center of the word obedience is the word die. Remember that in order to be fully obedient to God, we need to die to self daily. It's our choice. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

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On Saturday morning we heard a message from Kay Arthur about restoring our nation. She encouraged us through many verses from Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Isaiah to remember the holiness of our God and the judgement that will be brought upon our nation if we don't repent. It wasn't an easy or popular message to share, but I praise the Lord for her boldness because it was something we all needed to hear. As she concluded she gave us seven things to do in light of where we are in America:

1. Repent ~ Return to Me -- ask God to break our heart for what breaks His.
2. Time to mourn
3. Pray
4. Love God's Word
5. Love others as Jesus loved them
6. Introduce people to Jesus
7. REST in our faith -- being confident that our Sovereign God is in control and will accomplish His purpose and plan.

Action to take . . .
Pray daily that we, His children, who are called by His name, will humble ourselves and pray, seek His face, turn from our wicked ways and He will forgive our sins and heal our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

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Beth Moore concluded the conference with a message from John 1, emphasizing verse 14. "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." God used her to effectively teach this verse and help all 18,000 plus women put it to memory that day.

Have you . . .
received God's Son and know with full assurance that He lives in your heart? If not, receive Him now by simply asking Him to forgive you of your sins that separate you from a Holy God. In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acts 16:31 says, "Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."

Are you . . .
living in a way that others see Jesus in you? Are they drawn to Him by your attitude, your actions, your words? If not, ask Him to search your heart. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

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If you have the opportunity to attend a Deeper Still Conference or to hear any of these teachers in your area, I would encourage you to go. You will be richly blessed.

"How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those
who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion 'Your God reigns.' "
Isaiah 52:7