Who doesn't LOVE a treasure hunt?  Well, to be perfectly honest with you...I don't think I do.  The whole Indiana Jones thing is not so appealling to me.  However, I do love the idea of having the treasure!  I know...it's bad, I want the reward without the work.  Sadly, that is not how it works...especially with spiritual growth.  You see, God has called His people His "special treasure".  But this title is reserved for those who are willing to pursue Holiness (yes, that means there is some work involved). 

Salvation IS totally a FREE gift from God to us, we cannot work to earn that.  But Holiness... 
Well, let's just say I was given a free car (that would be great).  But, what if I just let it sit in my garage and rust? What is the benefit of having the car?  I haven't used it for it's purpose and to it's potential, even though it was mine!

Now this works two ways...1. Salvation is free, but many people don't know what to do with this new relationship or the power that comes with it.  2.  We often don't allow Him to shape us and use us to our full potential either.

You see God has saved us who have believed in and received Jesus.  We are His disciples, but there is more... 
God has now called YOU to be Holy.  He has called ME to be Holy, US to be Holy.  What does that mean?  How can we possibly be Holy?

God says we should be Holy, set apart for Him and for His purpose.  This simply means that He wants us to be distinguished, different in our nature and in our character from the rest of the world.  That means there should be a difference in the way we think, act, react (or respond), and live.  There must be a visible difference in our life that brings glory and honor to God!

Exodus 19:5 says, "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 the earth in Mine."  We are His and He was to "drive us" to our full potential.  He doesn't want us to sit in the garage in rust.  He wants us to go out into this world and be set apart, be different and shine with His glory.  So get out there and "let your light shine before others so they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16. 

The Holy Spirit is on a treasure hunt today and you are the treasure.  Allow Him to search your heart for areas that need to be polished so you can shine for Him...and that is Holiness.

Are you like me and ever wonder, "when is it gonna get a little easier?".  I can remember being in high school and thinking that exact thing.  Then college came around...and wow, work, school, volunteering at church.  Again I said to myself , "I can't wait until it gets a little easier".  Then marriage, kids, work, ministry, bills, maintaining a home...and still I often think, "any time now it will get easier."  And honestly, I have a very good life.  There are seasons though where I get weary.  Tired, not so much from the everyday responsibilities of life, but from the spiritual fight to live righteously, honoring the Lord in that everyday life.

The temptation to let fear, worry, doubt or anxiety creep in and have a field day in my mind.  If I allow it, those negative feelings will take over and directly effect the things I say and do.  I get tired of fighting the enemy too.  We all do.  We all fight different battles...and yes, we all get tired.  However, the most important question we can ask ourself during these times is, "how should I fight" and not, "when will it get easier".  According to the Word of God, "the theif comes only to steal, kill and destroy..." (John 10:10 amp). Notice there is NO time frame or season specified.  The enemy, from the day we were conceived has been plotting our destruction and has NO plans to quit.  However, the good news comes in the same verse"...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). "

The other day I read another verse that I have read hundreds of times in my life.  But, this time it jumped out at me a little differently (that's the Living Word for you).   Many of us could probably quote Psalm 23.  Listen to how it reads in the amplified:

Verse 1 "The Lord is my Sheppherd (to feed, guide, and sheild me), I shall not lack ...verse 3, "He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but) for His name's sake.  Now those are awesome promises, but here is were I stopped and meditated...verse 5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies".  Really?!  Right in the midst of my enemies, my Savior invites me to sit, dine and be realtional with Him.  (italics added)

What a picture!  I don't have to wait for "it to get a little easier, better, or less hectic".  All I need to do is sit with the Master - He has done all of the work.  As one who has prepared many dinners and set many tables, I really appreciate that He prepares the table before me.  All I need to do is sit and partake.  Yes, the scripture does tell us to put on the whole armour of God, and we should daily. But, if you are going through a battle and you feel the enemy pressing in... don't forget that He (The Lord) is your Sheppard (your Sheild), and He is inviting you to sit at His table.  There you will be srengthened, refreshed and renewed - and the fight will go on.

Nichole

Are you one of those people who always like to speak your mind? Are you one, that when you are angry you feel the need to discuss it with five other people? Do you have difficulty being gracious to those who hurt you? Let me encourage you…You are not alone!

If this were not a problem for humankind, I am quite certain the scriptures would not be woven together with themes of loving your neighbor, forgiveness and controlling the tongue. Our Savior came to set an example, teach and instruct us on how to forgive so that we too might be forgiven. Then, He returned to the Father so that He could send us a Helper (The Holy Spirit) to empower us to live the way He instructed (John 16:17).

Proverb 29:11 says, “A (self-confident) fool utters all anger, but a wise man holds back his tongue.” Take a minute to read what James 3:3-12 says about the tongue.

Now, ask the Holy Spirit, your helper, to help you control your tongue today. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue”, Proverbs 18:21. Use your tongue today to speak life to yourself and to others. Encourage and exhort one another to good works. Be wise in His eyes and hold your tongue.

Have you ever wanted, prayed for, or wished that you could just "see things clearly"? I am not talking about 20/20 here. I mean, have you ever desired the ability to understand  situations, people, or relationships? Well, I sure have.  There have been many times that I just wished I could figure out why something was happening, or why someone was acting a certain way.  This however, is not new. Man has always been, and always will be on a pursuit for knowledge and understanding.

What if I told you there were words that had been "written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it is going; A manual for living, for learning what's right and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality."  WOW! Yeah, you can bet that I would be diving deep into that book.  Well, those are the words penned by Solomon (King David's son) in the opening remarks of Proverbs (Proverbs 1: 1-6 in the Message Bible).

You see, the Bible is practical, purposeful and powerful.  Most importantly it is 100% truth.  Pick it up, read it, allow yourself to see and be changed.  This particular scripture speaks about giving the "young people a grasp on reality".  I prefer the Amplified Version here, "...knowledge, discernment and discretion to the youth".  Yes - I want it, but more importantly, I NEED IT! Knowledge, discernment and discretion. How we desperatetly we need these three treasures in a world as hectic, overbearing and Godless as the one we face today.

Be encouraged and empowered as you find strength and direction in God's Word.  It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  He lights the very same path that He is making straight for you to walk down.  Verse 23 in Proverbs 1 says, "Look, I'm ready to pour out my Spirit on you, I am ready to tell you all I know.  As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear; I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me."

He is looking to speak to you and lead you.  Would you take the time to pick up His Word and find out what he is saying?  You will see more clearly!