GPS-Thomsonite Beach

JUN 15 / Sunday – Read Matthew 13:44-51

Overview: The Kingdom of God is like…buried treasure, priceless pearls, and sorting fish. But what does Thomsonite, a very rare and valuable Lake Superior gemstone, have to do with that?

16 / Mon – Post-Father’s Day reflection  |  Read 2 Corinthians 6:18 / Psalm 103:13-14

Yesterday was Father’s Day, a complicated holiday for some. No matter what your earthly father was like, you have a Father in heaven who is crazy about you. Is that an overstatement? No! He had you in mind before the world was created. He knows your name, has guided your life, even through the difficult times, is with you now and has big plans for you ahead. You are precious in His eyes. Jesus went to the cross to open the way for you to know God as the perfect Father, your defender, provider and encourager. When you believe this, how does it change you?

17 / Tue – More valuable than gold?!  |  Read Job 28:1-20, 28

The California Gold Rush started in 1848 when small gold nuggets were found in a stream near Sutter’s Mill. People first ‘panned’ for gold, collecting what they could find in shallow streams. This progressed to underground mines where richer veins were found. But more precious than gold are the treasures you can find in God’s word. As you read, nuggets may catch your attention but there’s more to be found. Slow down, dig deeper. Will you take the time to do that?

18 / Wed – The key  |  Read Isaiah 33:6

No matter how unstable life can be at times, the Lord is a sure foundation for your life. He has a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge available for all who ask. What is the key to this treasure? What does it mean to ‘fear the Lord’? How does fearing God unlock these treasures?  Does it keep us from taking Him for granted or treating Him with less respect than He deserves? What kind of person would you give the key to your treasures? Something to think about.

19 / Thu –  A book of treasures  |  Read Psalm 19

In v1-6, David describes the glory of God displayed in nature, which he probably saw for himself during his shepherding days. But then he goes on to describe in v7-11 the amazing value of God’s words. No matter the form they are written in, they are perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure and firm. They refresh you, make you wise, give joy and open your eyes. They are righteous and endure forever. How have they become more precious than gold and sweeter than honey to you? And you never take it for granted by echoing David’s prayer in v12-14?

20 / Fri – Things to consider  |  Read Matthew 6:20-21 / Matthew 16:26 / 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Is Jesus against people getting rich? No but there is a warning to not lose your soul in the process. So how does a person store up treasures in heaven? It starts with your perspective and deciding what is most important. Paul gave examples of how rich folks can use their resources to build God’s kingdom and store up treasure in heaven. Rich or not, these apply to all of us today. What are you doing to send treasures on ahead of you?

22 / Sat – Cracks are okay  |  Read Colossians 2:2-3 / 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Christ lives in you, right? Then Paul’s words apply to you. Is it tempting to excuse yourself because you are imperfect, like a cracked pot? Consider how those cracks can let the light of Christ leak out to bless others. It’s hard to relate to one who has it all together. Authenticity opens hearts. If you ask Spirit to fill you up, help you notice others and guide your conversations, Christ in you can do miracles in the most unlikely people. Will you consider making this a daily practice?