Reaching for it ALL

Have you found that it’s so easy to give up on challenges and yet so hard to hang on as if your very life depended on it?  And you know, it does.  But challenges cannot be handled well until we know the One who brings all of life together with clarity and meaning.  This insight comes through Jesus’ brand new value system guiding us in every circumstance that comes our way.  The foundation of this system is faith, belief in a power that can never come to an end.  With faith we can see beyond the world’s way of looking at things to discern the eternal values of God’s kingdom.  “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure a man discovered in a field.  In his excitement, he sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field- and get the treasure too!”  Matthew 13:44 LB

Have you discovered that we can be deceived by the temporary benefits of wealth, popularity, and achievement and unable to see the long-range benefits of living in God’s kingdom?  For example, isn’t true wealth found in Gods exorbitant grace?  With it we have the ability to cope no matter what happens.  If this is being rich by God’s standard count me in as a faith mogul.  The man in this parable is wise enough to understand that there is a price to be paid for the precious treasure of new life, starting with full forgiveness and living love.

What would you give in exchange for faith?  “But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile- now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone.”  Philippians 3:7 LB  This incomparable treasure cost the man everything.  Where did we get the idea that the greatest treasure would not require the greatest sacrifice?  For every person who turns from this world’s values and seeks God’s kingdom there is a profound increase in the ability to see the real world through the wisdom of God’s Word.  It’s understanding that all we receive by faith we never lose.  Jesus said, “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 LB

The more we live in dependence on Jesus the more life makes sense because someone else carries the worries, fears, and burdens.  “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 KJV  Today the search has ended.  The journey for truth is over when we acknowledge the greatest treasure, none other than Jesus, the One who can give it all.