Treasure Found

Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? As part of a birthday party game, kids in the 1950's were dispatched into the neighborhood to locate a list of every day items such as; a bobby pin, a matchbook, a QTIP, safety pin, pencil, a dash of salt etc. Each child would be assigned one block to canvas. The kids were required to ASK for what they were searching for from strangers.  A time limit was set and the child who returned with the most items got the prize. Kids today gladly seek eggs hidden as treasures in the garden, or in the home. The custom of inciting the thrill of seeking a hidden treasure was practiced by Martin Luther. Easter eggs were adored for their color and surprise. The egg symbolized the tomb in which the wrapped body of Jesus Christ was laid. Men hid the eggs and the women and children went out seeking where their Savior was. The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus became the delight of each child who found the egg. Jesus was NOT inside the egg, but He was inside the child who believed. The child found the

egg, and rejoiced in the truth, that Christ had risen and took up residence in them!  "The women, deep in wonder and FULL of JOY, lost no time in leaving the tomb.  They ran to tell the disciples.  Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks.  "Good morning!" He said. They fell to their knees, embraced His feet, and worshiped Him." Matthew 28:8 The Message. Each day when we awake, is it not a recurring JOY to be greeted by Jesus with a personal word?  Is Jesus a stranger to you?  He knows you, He created you, and He loves you. Have you been on a treasure hunt to find more meaning in this life? Listen to what the Spirit is saying personally to you while reading this treasured Word of God. "We continually ASK GOD to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that

you may have great endurance and patience, and giving JOYFUL thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light....The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him ALL things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; ALL things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before ALL things, and in Him all things hold together.....For God was pleased to have ALL His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross...but now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation --- IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do NOT move from the HOPE held out in the gospel...I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness -- the MYSTERY that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people...My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may KNOW the MYSTERY of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.  For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and DELIGHT to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." What has God told us about Himself in this inspired word found in the holy book of Colossians chapter 1 and 2 ?

1) That Jesus is the image of the invisible God
2) That Jesus is the first to be born
3) That Jesus is over ALL creation
4) In Jesus, ALL things were created
5) Jesus created ALL things invisible and visible
6) Jesus holds ALL things together (the stars, the sun, the ocean)
7) God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus
8) God reconciled His created people to Himself through the blood Jesus shed on the cross
9) God did this to present you holy, without blemish, free from accusation to Himself
10) God presents to you the word of God in its fullness
11) The mystery of who God is, and why He sent Jesus is disclosed to you
12) God's goal is to encourage your heart with complete understanding of His purpose
13) That you may KNOW the mystery of God, namely Christ
14) All wisdom and knowledge is contained in Jesus
15) Jesus is absent in body, but present with you in spirit
16) God delights in your firm faith in Christ

Worship God in song.  ASK God to overtake your soul with courage and confidence in who you are in Him....precious in His sight. Sing these words..."Christ alone holds all things together, Jesus is always before me, on this glorious journey. His words of life and majesty, teach me truth and duty.  Holy Bible, book of love, inspired by God, it is above, all my thoughts, all my ways.  It helps me grow, and it humbles me to know...His grace never runs out, even though I raise my fist or pout! I ask God to break up the hard soil of my heart, to change my habits, Lord give me a fresh start."  Lord Jesus I thank You for all that You have done for me.  You died that I can approach Thy throne wearing a robe of righteousness. There is nothing I must do to earn your love.  There is nothing I can do, say or pay that could compare to the immeasurable love you lavish on my soul. Thank You for revealing the truth, the way and the light.  Help me to honor God with the NEW soft heart that replaced my heart of stone.  I am astounded by Your mercy, extended by Your grace, and blessed by Your endless flow of forgiveness, love and perfect sufficiency for all my needs.  I love you Lord Jesus.  AMEN