TREASURE WITHIN

2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

In stories, when we read about a treasure box, everyone wants to open it up to see what’s inside! Will it change the life of the person who found it forever because it’s worth so much?😊

Paul tells us here that when we belong to God He has placed inside each one of us the greatest treasure of all, the Lord Jesus Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit. There is no greater treasure because in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). 

I read this the other day from Joseph Prince,“We are like earthen vessels carrying a treasure, the Lord Himself. And it’s this treasure that keeps us from crumbling under the weight of life’s pressures.” 

When we try to do life in our own strength we soon run out of steam and God never asked us to do that. He gave us Jesus, for us to draw on His grace for each day, to draw on His wisdom to know the things we should do, and those we should say no to. It’s OK to say ‘no’!😊

Some things are good and helpful but they may not be what God has asked us to do and then we go into overload. It’s so important for us to ask the Holy Spirit first what God has asked of us, not what man is wanting, so we don’t run out of strength.

I wonder sometimes if we’re too stubborn, thinking our way is the only way, when Jesus has something different to say that would help us be more balanced.😊

If it feels like we’re crumbling under the pressure of life let’s just take a breath for a minute and be like Mary, and not Martha, always bustling about. Sit at the Lord’s feet for a little while and let Him give us the treasure of His wisdom for our lives, be willing to change our minds, and actually do what He says!😊 Amen.

Photo: Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash

JESUS OUR HEALER

Mark 2: 30-31 NLT Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

When Peter’s mum in law fell sick they all knew what to do. They told Jesus about it immediately! They knew and believed Jesus could and would do something about it and so they had no hesitation in asking for His help. Jesus wants us to go to Him first as well, before we do anything else.😊

I love the confidence the disciples had in Jesus. They knew a big part of His ministry was to heal the sick and we only read of Him not doing miracles when they were so hard hearted that they refused to believe He could or would do it. (Mark 6:5-6) How sad!

The trouble is we can become hard hearted or discouraged as well. We want Jesus to snap His fingers and make things go away immediately, but sometimes we have a faith fight on our hands and have to stand on His word despite what we see or feel, and put our faith into gear when doubts and cynicism are banging on our door.

As she lay there, Peter’s mum in law must have looked up into the loving eyes of Jesus and heard the kindness in His voice as He took hold of her hand and helped her sit up. She would have seen His compassion and known He loved her and felt His power flowing into her body, dispelling the sickness.😊

When we ask for healing, we probably all want a quick fix, but do we take the time to look into Jesus’ eyes to see His love for us, to spend time with him, to know He’s holding our hand and gently picking us up and releasing His power to heal us? 

Galations 5:6 says faith works through love. God has given us His love and His faith, so the next time we don’t feel well or need His healing in some area, let’s do what the disciples did and go to Jesus first. Invite Him into our room, take time to look into His eyes and see the love and compassion He has for us, and allow Him to help us trust Him more and receive the healing we need.😊 In Jesus name. Amen.

Photo by Mockup Free on Unsplash