The Treasure Box

Written by Kristi Huseby

“[B]ut Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 2:19, NLT)

Did you have a treasure box growing up? I did. In my treasure box I had a very old dollar coin that my Mom had given to me, some chapstick, and various other items that you might have considered junk but to me they were valued possessions.

In Luke 2:19 (NLT) we get the idea that Mary had a treasure box of sorts, only her treasures were memories of Jesus and how his life intersected with hers. Look at what it says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

What were those things she stored in her “treasure box”? Could it have been the time when the Angel came to tell her that she would bear a child even though she was a virgin? Or what about when she visited with Elizabeth who was old, wrinkled and very pregnant? Did she treasure watching God’s miracle growing within her?

Bermuda: A Quick Guide for Cruisers

By Laura Del Rosso

A subtropical paradise a mere 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Bermuda is often mistakenly thought of as part of the Caribbean. The 21-square mile island group actually lies in the Atlantic and its cool climate far north of the Caribbean reflects that more northern latitude.

The famed pastel and white-roofed cottages of Bermuda

Bermuda (official travel site) is renowned for its postcard-perfect pink sand beaches and the distinctive business attire of its men, Bermuda shorts worn with knee socks, a blazer and tie. It also once had an eerie claim-to-fame as home to the “Bermuda Triangle,” a myth about mysterious disappearances of aircraft and ships in nearby waters, which has been debunked.

The Lost Is Found

PASTOR DEANNA MUELLER

 

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(© Werg/StockFreeImages.com)

There are moments in time that invade our everyday lives—circumstances in which the paths of strangers cross as part of a God-designed plan. The end result causes us to stand in awe knowing that He is and He delights even in the small details of our lives.

My husband, Mark, and I had traveled many hours on I-10 across the Florida panhandle on our way to Baton Rouge, La. After a quick pit stop and fresh lipstick, my legs were ready to hit the trail around the rest area. Mark was still in the restroom with the keys to Bella (our Mini-Cooper), so I wedged my small black zippered make-up bag between the locked car’s side mirror and window.

When we later re-entered the highway with increased speed, the little bag flew from its perch, and I knew right away I had forgotten to retrieve it. “It’s OK, Mark.” I quickly directed, “No need to go back. The bag is old and lipsticks are easy to replace. Let’s not take the time.”

How many times have we faced a horrifying moment when reality hits? So it was as we stopped for lunch and I reached into my purse for my wedding ring—the wedding ring I had slipped into the make-up bag the night before for safekeeping.

Oh, no! I couldn’t believe this was really happening. But in the midst of regret and self-condemnation, the Lord brought comfort, strength and even—surprisingly—the words of a song that brought my focus back to Him. “Lord, You are more precious than silver. Lord, you are more costly than gold. Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds. And nothing I desire compares with You!”

Celebrating The Wonder Of The Wilderness

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What can you learn about God in the wild places of the earth? 

In this study, educator and naturalist Dean Ohlman helps you to find treasures in the wilderness that reveal God’s eternal power and divine nature. 

Discover how you can pay more attention to the natural world and witness God’s glory in the theater of His creation.

http://discoveryseries.org/discovery-series/celebrating-the-wonder-of-the-wilderness/

Discovery Series is part of the RBC Ministries family of resources. Offering more than 200 Bible-based teachings from the study of Scripture to topics on everyday life, this collection of writings is designed to promote spiritual growth and enrichment in your walk with Christ.

Three Relationships that Make Us Rich

Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."  But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"  And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:13-15).

This man came to Jesus to get him to "sort his brother out" over the inheritance, not realizing that his brother was the real treasure in his life - not the things he might inherit.

Here are three relationships that make us rich:

1.      Our relationship with God.  To know God makes you rich, no matter what material resources you may or may not have.

Some of those that the world would call rich are actually bankrupt when it comes to the most important treasure of all.

2.      Our relationship with others.  People, not things, are the real treasures in life.  I can honestly say that I am a rich man.  I have family and friends that I love and that love me. Things lose their meaning, and serve as a very poor substitute for relationships with people.

3.      Our relationship with our own heart.  Commune with your own heart… declares the psalmist in Psalm 4:4 (KJV).

That means hold some serious communication with your heart—get acquainted with your heart.  Don't let you and your own heart be strangers!

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God
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