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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 743 February 27, 2003 - Treasure Hunting I'm a romantic at heart and always have been. I'm a treasure hunter. I've always had this thing for lost causes, great adventures, exotic sounding places and treasure. Even as a child I was bringing home shiny bits of this and that, wonderful new things I had found or tidbits of knowledge that I had gleaned and just had to share with others. Pirate stories, adventure tales, and heroes have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I've had a touch of gold fever and panned for gold. I learned quickly that when other people see you panning they have an insatiable curiosity for treasure as well. I enjoy haunting garage sales and flea markets in search of little treasures. I have hunted through old farmyards and ghost towns in search of old bottles and other collectables. Museums have a fascination for me. Old bookstores are a passion. Nuggets of knowledge, strange words or delightful new insights can be gleaned from old books. My treasures don't need to have monetary value, things that make you think, or grow, or simply look at the world through another set of eyes for a moment are worth far more than money. The thrill of the initial find and the joy of sharing it with others is what makes it exciting. In school I was one of those annoying classmates who always had his hand up saying, "Ask me. I know." I wasn't showing off, I was just excited about being able to share what I had learned. Those who have attended Bible study with me, or the members of the Sunday school classes I've taught have learned that at some point I'm going to have to share some trivial thing that I think adds great value to the topic under discussion. My wife and sons have learned to "ooh" and "ahh" over my latest "find", my latest gem of knowledge, my strange new word because the sooner they do that, the quicker I shut up about it. I believe that my desire to find "little treasures" is a gift from God. It sends me deep into His Word to find out more. I read commentaries, word studies, lexicons, dictionaries and more to deepen my understanding of what I'm reading. My sons would say I'm a keener, a geek, a nerd, I prefer to thing that I'm hunting treasure to share. Coming to know Jesus was a jewel beyond value. I understand the way the Scriptures describe the kingdom of God as treasure. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 NIV The treasure of knowing God is worth all that you have and more. It's worth more than all the other treasures you can imagine gathered together and multiplied and more. To make it even more valuable, we have the joy of sharing what we have found and learned. We're called to tell others about our find and about the wonderful ways Jesus has changed (and is changing) our lives. We can share His peace, His joy, His love and His forgiveness. In fact the sharing is the most delightful part of having the treasure. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 NIV Sharing Jesus is not only a command it’s a blessing. Until next time, may you be blessed as you share the priceless gift of Jesus with others. Let them see the delight you have in this precious treasure. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are valued by God. Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:22-24 NIV Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. The most valuable treasure in the world, the love of God is available just for the asking. It’s ready and waiting for anyone who asks for it. If you want to know how that's possible simply email us and we'll send you some Bible verses that will explain it to you You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart, admitting you need God's help, and saying a prayer along the lines of: Jesus: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I have sinned. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer for the first time let me know so I can rejoice with you. Did you know that at Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential? Your comments, your questions and your joys are shared with the prayer team, to keep me accountable as the head of the ministry and to encourage them as they see God at work in your life. As with prayer all these things are kept confidential within the Gleanings team. To share your questions, comments, thoughts, prayer concerns and praise reports email us If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page . You can write to us at Gleanings From The Word Ministries International 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2003 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministisries International - All Rights Reserved
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