Treasures are great. What treasure do you seek? There is so much excitement when we find a treasure. But there is no treasure on this earth that can compare to that which will be waiting in heaven for those of us who trust in Jesus. Even now, here on this earth, we will receive some reward. Following Jesus does not guarantee an easy life, or riches, or good health, but we will have joy even through hard times. We will have confidence knowing that Christ is always by our side and the glory that awaits us in heaven. Jesus gives a few parables about treasures that we ought to seek.
Continue reading “What Treasure Do You Seek?”It’s Harvest Time
Jesus often used farming analogies to relate to the people around Him. The harvest is an important time. As He talks to the disciples about being fishers of men and sowing and reaping, they didn’t always understand but the message sunk in eventually. Sometimes he clearly explained his parables as he did to the apostles about the parable of the good soil. In this post we discuss what Jesus said after His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. It’s time for the harvest.
Continue reading “It’s Harvest Time”With God All Things are Possible
Jesus had a few encounters with rich people. In this example, He puts the rich man to the test to reveal where his priorities lie. Our priority should be with God and His will, not our own. Is it a sin to be rich? I don’t think that is what Jesus is saying. But what we do with them may be. Who or what do you put your trust in? It is hard to let go. It is hard to live for Christ. But with God, all things are possible. No matter what we have done, no matter who we think we are, we can be saved because of what Christ has done. God can use us to do great things. There is nothing God can’t do and there is nobody He can’t save.
Continue reading “With God All Things are Possible”From the Heart
God always looks at the heart. Many people look at outward appearance and actions. While we show love to God by obeying Him, many put rules and commandments first. In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders did this so much that they created their own rules and laws and added them to God’s Laws, putting more of a burden on the people and used it for their own gain. It became more about rules and regulations instead of the goodness of one’s heart. Many religions, churches, and even families today seem to make things more about traditions and following rules than about character, relationships, and love.
Continue reading “From the Heart”Divisions and Hypocrisies
This parable talks to me about divisions in the church and in the country. It also talks about hypocrisy and the “unpardonable sin.” While Jesus was removing a demon from someone, the church leaders were quick to judge and criticize (as always) and did not discern the truth. By accrediting the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil, they committed the sin that Jesus said cannot be forgiven. Again, it just wasn’t the act, it was their evil hearts. In Jesus’ answer to the church leaders’ charge, He shows that a divided house cannot stand. I believe that is true in our church, in our families, and in our country. And if we are not careful, we are heading there fast.
Continue reading “Divisions and Hypocrisies”