June 21, 2011
“Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 New American Standard
Everyone has hidden treasure inside their life. You may treasure past family memories. You may treasure accomplishments. You may treasure compliments. You may treasure moments where you felt whole and complete. You may treasure things seemingly overlooked by others. You may treasure relationships that God has used deeply in your life. God told Joshua to treasure His Word daily as he led Israel into the Promised Land. Jesus turned the temple upside down when he saw the treasure of worship turned into counterfeit commerce. God could have ordered you .. forced you .. and threatened you to keep His Words as your first priority everyday. He gave them to you so you could be nourished .. encouraged .. guided .. counseled .. made whole .. protected .. and reminded of His unbreakable promises. The One who divided a river is the same One who is described as running down the road to wrap His arms around a pig-smelling son coming back home. The words He gave Moses on a mountaintop ended up being born through a carpenter’s wife. The words Jesus gave His twelve disciples ended up exploding simultaneously into every language possible. Because you are God’s treasure He has given you His Word so that you would treasure His indefatigable love. Because you are God’s treasure He has given you a new life capable of “banking” His Words of grace and truth. Because you are God’s treasure He has given you The Word of Life so you can hear in the deepest places of your heart that you are a restored son and daughter whose Spirit is at work in your weaknesses .. displaying His glory .. and advancing His kingdom. And all of that is happening in and around your life. It is amazing what God can do with one word .. one sentence .. and one paragraph of His Word treasured and allowed to grow whole inside your life. It only takes a moment …
“I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” Psalm 119:11 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F Treasured Sons and Daughters following Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)