Monday, February 28, 2011

Where is your Treasure?

Where is your treasure? Or maybe a better question is what is your treasure? It is so very easy to have the things in this world block our vision of those things that have eternal value. For me the things that tend to block my vision are my bank account, the rising prices of everything,  two very old cars, those that are blessed with much, health, whether or not my hair behaves that day.  Yes, even the very small and insignificant can cause us to lose our eternal vision!

Jesus shares in Matthew 6:19-24.....

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

I am challenged everyday to keep my focus on the things that will last. My time in the word of God and Prayer needs to be my very first priority and treated like a treasure that I guard at all costs.  My relationship with my husband needs to be more important than facebook time. My focus on my children and their growth to becoming Godly young men not stressing about having a picture perfect home. My focus needs to be on being the hands and feet of God in serving others instead of always worrying about my own needs.

My needs are not really needs.....they are WANTS! Wants for my own ease of life and convenience. I have been given much, much more than I need. Our pantry and freezer are full, we have more clothes and shoes than we need, we have a home that is comfortable and safe, we have each other.

Thank you Lord for reminding me that you are my provider and all I need to worry about is treasuring that which has eternal value!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Prayer - Treasure the Transformation

Ray and I have been blessed by God with an amazing new church family. Since our first Sunday in Ohio we have attended Providence Bible Fellowship in West Chester OH. It is every bit a gift from God. The preaching is solid, biblical and expository. The people are loving, welcoming and ministry minded. But one of the biggest blessings has been the Women's Bible Study that I am priviledged to be a part of on Wednesday mornings. They are transparent, Godly women who seek truth and to grow in God's grace and love. We have been studying prayer and I wanted to share the study we are working through. It is probably THE most life transforming study on prayer that I have seen in my many years as a believer. I have been a person of prayer but this study will challenge your concepts, foundations, and desires for prayer in your life. It has humbled me before the Lord and refocused my walk with the Lord! It is sooooo worth the time and I hope you take the time to explore Before the Throne of God by Carol J. Ruvolo!

Here it is!

Be transformed!

Marcia