Let's go on a treasure hunt today. I want you to think about your greatest material possession. What is the one thing that you own that you treasure the most? Now, just to be clear...we are talking MATERIAL possession. So, your children, husband, family--they don't count. And, your Bible doesn't count either. What one thing do you treasure the most above all other things that you own?
For me, I could say that my greatest material possession is our family car. NOT. It is our biggest asset; but I sure don't treasure it. I would think my greatest treasure is probably my fabric collection. I have an expensive sewing machine that may become my greatest treasure someday, but I am not in love with it as much as my fabric collection. How did I get my fabric collection? A lot of work, that's how! I inherited some...but that was not as easy as it sounds. The story of how I got that fabric to my house is not for here, but take my word, it was a lot of work. And then the rest of my collection, I dug for. I searched for. I longed after. I scraped together money to get it. I received it as gifts. It has been a work in progress; a lot of hours, thought, and joy put into it. If you could only see my Creation Station, you will see how I treasure my fabric! I go to bed at night looking at it up on the walls, dreaming what I would like to make next.
(Mind you, this can get into a whole other discussion of "idols" but all I am going to say on that today is while I love my fabric, if God should take it away then so be it. He and His Word are more important to me. If given the choice between fabric and Bible--I'd choose Bible.)
My point is, a TREASURE is something that you really work for. It is so much more than an asset or possession.
Read Proverbs 2:1-5.
Do you remember in chapter 1 we read that God's Wisdom is begging you to be found by you? Today we read that God's Wisdom is a treasure. Not a possession or asset. Something that you have to work at. Dig for. Seek after. (verse 4).
Guess what? You are doing this Bible study. You are reading your Bible. You are collecting your Treasure. Isn't that a nice thought?
It was kind of hard for me to choose a VERSE of the day as I really like verses 4-5 together. So those are my verses of the day today.
For our discussion topic...let's have some fun. Tell us--What do you treasure? And your answer can not be family, friends, people, the Bible. I am wondering what MATERIAL possession do you really love? Would it really bother you to lose?
As is often the case, I've read these verses several times before, but they never really sunk in. His word is a "treasure" to be searched for. I really like that.
ReplyDeleteAs for my treasure, it has changed from time to time. Right now I am totally focused on my sewing supplies. (machine, fabric, etc.) But they are replaceable. The one thing I treasure that is not, is my family photos. The ones of my ancestors. THOSE I would grieve if I lost.
It's really a shame, and a bit embarrassing to admit that I don't seek His word and wisdom as much as I do ideas for creating a new quilt. Or as much as I did when I was searching for genealogical information on my family.
I'm reminded of other verses about treasures.The Bible has a lot to say about "treasure."
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:21
Repeated in Luke 12:34
So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21
Good verses to tie in, Belinda!
ReplyDeleteI was at a youth conference one time that put it to the youth this way..."The average Christian spends more time on the toilet each day than they spend with God".
Isn't that awful to think about...yet I'll be the first to admit that it is true way more often than it should be!
LOL, I told a group of kids this one time and on of my boys started putting his Bible in the bathroom just to make sure he gave God the equal amount of time. Which started a big discussion in the youth group about being respectful to God.
Anyway, just an example of how everyday life is treasured above God most of the time.
My material treasures are some letters/notes from a friend that has passed. She was always a wonderful note writer and when I pull those out, it always make me smile. I'm so glad that I held onto to them.
ReplyDeleteI have too many, but out of all I would say my pictures taken before digital cameras!
ReplyDeleteI also don't spend enough time in God's word. This study is definitely helping me so THANK YOU Tonya!
Thanks BeLinda for challenging me to search the scripture for "treasures". I love that. Well, for me as I thought about this question I went straight for my Bible as my most treasured possession. It is material (I can touch it). But if I had to choose one other thing, I think I would choose our house. It provides cool, warmth, shelter, and a place for our family. I am not sure what we would do without that. Thanks Tonya, for getting me to think about this.
ReplyDeleteYou all have had your thinking caps on this morning!
ReplyDeleteYes Cyndi, we are soul sisters to the core and we both know that. Of course our Bible is our greatest treasure. But I am ornery and was trying to get people to think what they had to dig for, work for, etc. Just like we have to do for God's Wisdom.
Great interaction today...thank you ladies!
I guess I am in the same boat with Mariliz and Jennifer...pictures and notes, mementos of family heritage. I think I would mourn the loss of those - I've even said that if the house were burning and I had time to grab a few things, I'd grab some of my memory books and head out the door! LOL
ReplyDeleteThis passage and ya'll's comments have really made me examine myself. We all know of individuals who are completely focused on money. We've seen documentaries of people who are determined to find treasure. But we have the greatest treasure EVER almost within our grasp...and we don't focus on it; we are not determined to get it. Thank you Tonya. This was a much needed wake up call at this end of the line.
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com
This whole Bible study has been a great learning tool for me already. I cannot wait to continue forward. I am so happy that you all are joining me on this journey!
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up:)
ReplyDeleteMy most treasure possessions are my photo albums too. I too have said if we ever had a fire we get the kids out and the pictures. When the kids were younger we even did drills (I was serious about getting out! lol) I would be seriously heartbroken if those pictures were lost.They are a link to the past, A memory that can be lost! I get sad just thinking about losing That! My mother in law is at the beginning stages of Alzheimer's and when you give her a photo album, the smile on her face is just priceless. All her memories of time with her kids, grandkids and others just flood back to her. To deny her that joy would just be cruel.
And yes, I too don't spend time on the word of God. I haven't picked up a bible in years. This Bible study is kinda a renewal in Faith for me. Thank you Tonya for your guidance in this Faith journey!