Treasure!

Treasure! Just the sound of the word can be delightful. To the world, it conjures up images of buried pirate’s chest bursting with gold, silver, jewels, money, or other worldly desirables. People in our culture pursue these and other so-called treasures in order to gain the “good life”. However, once we have attained our lives are more lonely and empty than before. The treasures we accumulate are never enough because they cannot satisfy the genuine desire for purpose that inhabits the souls of all humanity. This dissatisfaction causes us to accumulate more and more of these meaningless treasures.Still others desire treasures of fame, power, respect, knowledge, control, or prestige. We want to be recognized and listened to by influential people. We covet the admiration and envy of others. These vain pursuits also leave us feeling empty, restless, and striving for more.When we accept Christ and become God’s child, our perception of treasure is eternally transformed. God’s Word reveals what our genuine treasures are and where we can find and accumulate the gifts He has for His children.
“Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 HCSB)Paul reveals to us that one treasure we receive is the Spirit of God dwelling in us to enable God’s power to be evident to the world around us. Without this treasure, we can do nothing. With this treasure, we can do all things God asks us to do. As Christians, we all possess this treasure; therefore, our actions should bear witness to the power of God’s Spirit. Too often, however, we do not allow the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts or actions. We allow the enemy, Satan, to use our insecurities and doubts to manipulate us so that we are ineffective witnesses and workers. We must tap into this precious treasure and display God’s power and majesty to a seeking world. Only then will we find true fulfillment and joy in life.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34 HCSB)As we allow the power of God’s Spirit to work in and through us, we lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The temporary treasures of the world no longer interest or entice us. When our treasures are in heaven, life is as God purposed it to be when He created us. We have the benefit of sweet fellowship with Him, the peace that passes understanding, and an abundance of joy flowing through our souls. We enjoy the earthly blessings God gives to us but they do not consume us. Our heavenly Father is lovingly caring for our treasures and we will receive them when we enter into His presence in our eternal home.Where are you treasures? Please lay them in God’s secure and loving hands.
© 2007 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Fuzzy and Wuzzy

Two baby caterpillars, Fuzzy and Wuzzy, were inching their way through the green grass of the meadow. As they neared a bright bed of flowers, the brilliant burst of a beautiful flying creature captured their attention. "Look," squealed Fuzzy, "I wonder what that is." "I don't know," answered Wuzzy, "but I see hundreds of them up in the sky!" Both caterpillars strained to see the vibrant flashes of color as the creatures darted from blossom to blossom. "I want to be able to do that," cried Fuzzy. I bet if I could just climb up on one of those flowers, I would be beautiful too." "Don't be foolish," said Wuzzy. "you are nothing like those fellows. You'll just hurt yourself."

But Fuzzy wouldn't listen to his friend. He moved slowly along the ground until he reached the stem of a flower. As his gaze swept upward, he though, "I just know that if I can touch the colors, I will be like those beautiful creatures I saw." Fuzzy began climbing toward the colorful petals. As he climbed, he felt his skin becoming tight so he would push and push until he burst through the old skin. Instead of resting to allow his new soft skin to harden, Fuzzy continued his climb. When he finally reached the top of the flower, he latched onto the colorful petal expecting to transform into a beautiful soaring creature. At that moment, a hungry bird spotted Fuzzy, swooped down, and Fuzzy was no more.

Meanwhile, on the ground Wuzzy continued her slow journey through the meadow. She grew in size as she climbed trees to snack on leaves. Each time she burst through her old skin, she rested as her new soft skin hardened to a protective coat. Eventually, Wuzzy climbed a tree, transformed into a gray-brown chrysalis, and hung like a shriveled leaf from a branch. Time passed as Wuzzy waited. One warm day she awoke to a strange and wonderful sensation. She wiggled out of her shell, clung to the branch with her new long legs, and fluttered her moist gossamer wings. The moistness dried in the breeze and the fluttering motion lifted her high above the garden. As she joyously darted from flower to flower, Wuzzy briefly thought of her friend Fuzzy. "I wonder if he is experiencing the joy I am feeling right now. I hope so." Then she continued her delightful journey through the garden.

Joy Is...

Joy is a complete certainty you are loved.

Joy is a babbling brook in your soul.

Joy is a satisfied smile in your heart.

Joy is a permanent presence in your life.

Joy is not a practically perfect life.

Joy is not a totally trouble free existence.

Joy is not a lovely life of ease.

Joy is not a conditionally controlled emotion.

Joy is a lavish love from the Father.

Joy is a perfect peace because of the Son.

Joy is a constant companion because of the Spirit.

Joy is a gracious gift from the Trinity.

Joy is Love.

Joy is Peace.

Joy is Life.

Joy is Jesus!

"I have told you this so that My joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete."

John 15:11(NIV)

by

Ginny Holcombe

© 2003 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Splash of Gold

I enjoy sitting in my backyard in the cool of the early morning. In the quiet of the moment I tune my heart to God's voice and seek His peace and direction for my day. During this time of solitude I especially enjoy watching and listening to the birds. The variety of God's creation always amazes me. Along with the more common type of birds such as sparrows, I often see a mockingbird, robin, or a cardinal. On this beautiful spring morning for the first time I enjoyed the company of a yellow warbler. The azure sky was a perfect backdrop for this tiny splash of gold as his melodious tones filled the morning air with a sweet sound. My heart filled with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father Who cares so much for me that He provides little reminders of His watch care before my busy day begins. I lingered in this outdoor cathedral worshipping Him for as long as possible. As I departed to begin my day, the treasure of this beautiful experience was etched in my memory to be recalled whenever I need the reassuring touch of God's presence. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew: 6:21 (HCSB) My heart is in the presence of My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God sent me a rainbow this morning as I was driving to work. It reminded me of another rainbow He blessed me with one day several years ago.

"Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." Ezekiel 1:28 NIV

One dark and stormy day, God delighted me with an unexpected gift of beauty and promise. I was driving alone in our old battered tank-like truck when fear like the torrential rain that fell from the black clouds washed over me. I searched the heavens and cried out to God for relief. Immediately my eyes focused on the eastern sky as the most radiant rainbow I have ever beheld appeared among the clouds. The bright colors burst into the darkness and bathed my wounded heart with hope and joy. My circumstances did not change that day; in fact, I would soon endure the deepest pain of my life. This intimate moment in the precious presence of my heavenly Father provided the encouragement I needed as my marriage ended and I began a new life alone.
I still experience days when dark clouds of doubt, despair, and discouragement envelope me like a cold English fog. On those days, when the shadows seem unending and the chilling rains of misery pour over my soul, I cry out to my Heavenly Father. His presence dissipates the darkness and the Son shines through like a rainbow on a rainy day.
A rainbow is God's promise of His faithfulness. When you are traveling through a shadowy valley, fix your eyes on the eastern sky. God will send the rainbow of His presence to brighten your path.

"Father, thank You for the assurance of Your presence in my life. Thank You for Your promises that cannon be broken. Open my eyes and ears to the wonders of Your love every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

© 2005 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

FAITH

Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.”
Mark 11:22 NIV

When life disappoints me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When troubles overwhelm me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When discouragement surrounds me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When worry consumes me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When discord threatens me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When doubts assail me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When fear grips me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When grief engulfs me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

When sickness attacks me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”
When evil oppresses me,
Faith whispers, “Trust God.”

Faith believes God’s promises.
Faith trusts God’s Word.
Faith obeys God’s commands.
Faith produces God’s fruit.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV

© 2007 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.