A Ready Heart
Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
The pearl was set between two kissing dolphins.
The perfect symbol of love.
During our first vacation together in Hawaii, my now husband and I stopped at an outdoor stand where you could pick your own pearl.
I carefully searched for my oyster.
Did you know that pearls are the only gems that come from a living creature?
I could not tell you what the necklace cost, but to me it was a priceless treasure.
That is what our heavenly Father considers us to be.
A treasure.
So much so that He sent His only Son to pay a huge price for us.
His life for ours.
In the beginning of Matthew 13, we see Jesus addressing the crowds, who had gathered on the shoreline while He was in a boat.
Jesus communicated through parables, weaving eternal truths into earthly stories.
It was through these stories that He helped to prepare the hearts of those who were listening, like preparing good soil for seeds to grow.
His disciples questioned why Jesus spoke in parables instead of just saying what He meant.
But Jesus did not look like or talk like the King that many expected.
His explanation from this version in The Message says this:
“The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?”
He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening.” Matthew 13:11-15 (MSG)Jesus knew the ones that His message was clear to were those whose hearts were ready to hear.
The ones who searched for Him, like a merchant searching for treasures.
“He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9 (ESV).
Each of the parables Jesus shared pointed to eternal value.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13: 45-46 (ESV)
The pearl in ancient times was thought to be one of the loveliest gems.
Surely it made sense that one would want to possess something so beautiful.
Just like the pearl, Jesus is the priceless gem coming from a living God who wants nothing more than to welcome His children into His kingdom.
The way into His Kingdom is through His Son.
The pearl of great value.
If our hearts are ready, we recognize the value of this indescribable gift.
And like the merchant, would surrender all for something more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Jesus gave everything to pay the price for us.
A perfect symbol of His great love.
His Kingdom is precious and worthy of total surrender.
The cost of not surrendering our all to Him is spending eternity without Him.
Is your heart ready?
Father God, we are so grateful for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus. The pearl of great value. Ready our hearts and help us to recognize that the things of this world pale in comparison to Your immeasurable love for us. Help us to surrender our all to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A little extra : Natural pearls are formed without human intervention. Cultured pearls are created by human methods. They often are substituted for natural pearls because while they still appear beautiful, they cost less. Jesus’ Kingdom is precious and comes at the cost of our total surrender. When have you substituted His genuine love for something of less value because it cost you less?
How easy it is to want the reward that comes quickly or to attach ourselves to what the culture deems valuable. There are times that I do not always want to give up my comfort and control, surrendering all to Him. But I know in my heart that nothing in this world has lasting value or compares to what God has given us.
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His
Sometimes we are recognized by our position or roles in life.
“This is so and so’s girlfriend.”
“Aren’t you so and so’s mother?”
“You were my 10th grade teacher!”
We even define ourselves this way.
But did you know that the Creator of the universe knows you by name?
God simply calls you His.
Years ago, I ordered a coffee mug with His on it.
Because you can never really have enough coffee mugs, although my husband might disagree.
When it arrived, it had a chip on the rim.
It was broken.
That mug has lived on the shelf in my family room ever since.
It’s a beautiful reminder that even though I am broken, I am still His.
God is not concerned with any of my titles or my perfection.
He has already called me His own.
Above all other titles or positions, that truly defines who I am.
Even though I love being known as John’s wife and Jon and Dan’s mom, I hope that is how you recognize me.
As His.
Friends, regardless of how others see you or how broken you may feel, remember this:
God knows you by name and calls you His.
“But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” Isaiah 43:1 MSG
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Show Your Roots
Looking out the window while on the treadmill this morning, I noticed the exposed roots of a tree.
The area surrounding it appeared to be dried up.
The roots were easy to see.
Though not completely sure what type of tree this was, its roots appeared to run deep.
The tree was still standing, despite the erosion around it.
When we are deeply rooted in Christ, we are given the strength we need to stand tall.
Just like that tree.
I wonder if my roots are easy for others to see in the dry seasons?
Do I stand tall, grateful to not be swept away by the storms around me and showing gratitude to the Creator?
Or do I shift my focus away from the roots to what’s going on around me?
Friends, may you be strengthened today in faith knowing you are rooted in Him.
May our roots be visible for all to see.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NIVShare this:
The Space in Your Heart
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13 NLT)
It’s not about the space you have at your table.
It’s about the space you have in your heart to make room for others.
I was blessed to have grown up in a multi-generational home.
A modest house filled with a blended family, a grandmother and great grandmother.
My great-grandmother slept in a hospital bed in the dining room.
I can still feel myself sitting at the mahogany table and seeing her bed in the corner.
My older sisters and my mother worked hard to make sure her needs were met, even taking turns sleeping on a cot in the living room in case Granny Lyons needed anything during the night.
When Agnes flooded our town in the 1970’s, we took in another family after their place was uninhabitable.
On Vine Street, I learned what it meant to make room for others.
Those memories from early childhood shaped my perspective of what sharing God’s love looked like in practical ways.
Fast forward almost 30 years later.
My husband and I began our search for a house that we could grow in.
Once again I was living in a multi-generational household, with a newly married couple, aging parents and eventually children.
This provision has been more than a roof over our heads.
It has become a classroom of sorts where many lessons have been learned.
Another reminder that God positions us where He wants to use us.
Where He would allow us to bless others and for others to bless us.
This house would become our mission field, a safe haven to welcome others.
To actively share His love in practical ways, just as I had learned as a child.
In addition to my parents, there were a number of family members who stayed with us over the years.
Our friends would often joke, “who is living in the basement now?”
Countless people had the code to our garage to enter whenever they needed.
Birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and even my parent’s vow renewal have taken place here.
God tells us in His word that there is a time for everything that happens.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)
While this house has been filled with many beautiful memories, there have been many painful moments here as well.
Three cancers diagnoses under one roof within three years, and the death of my parents eight months apart.
In a place where we had provided for others, we were in a season of receiving and grieving.
When I could not make meals due to my illness, we still gathered around the table with the provisions given by others.
The table symbolized a place of connection and hope.
The spot where there were countless card games, late night talks, and hard conversations.
A gathering place for many and a quiet place to sit alone and reflect.
There were not always enough spots at the table for everyone, but we always made room.
Even if that meant dressing up some folding tables and borrowing some chairs from the neighbor.
Bodies have been nourished with homemade mac and cheese and burgers on the grill.
Souls have been nourished by walking into a safe space and met with open arms.
Each time, my hope is that others feel His love when they walk through the door.
Celebrations of life and baby showers.
Youth Bible studies and sleepovers.
Laughter and tears.
We have made room for it all.
All because He first loved us.
None of it would be possible without Him.
The interior may still have old linoleum flooring in the kitchen and Harvest Gold tiles in one of the bathrooms, but there is a table for all who enter to come and sit for a while.
And even when we did not have enough room at the table, we have always had enough love in our hearts to make room for others.
Where can you make room for someone today?
How can you really show His love to those around you?
Invite someone to your table.
Even if you have to borrow some extra chairs.
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Put on Love
With the flurry of activity in the backyard, it took awhile for me to notice.
We were hosting a baby shower over the weekend for dear family friends and their son.
Everyone had contributed to the day.
Decorating an amazing balloon arch.
Creating a multitude of desserts that were as pleasing to the eye as they were to taste.
Making a buffet of food to serve the many guests who came to celebrate this special occasion.
And on grill duty, my friend Chris.
Our families had met at church over 20 years ago.
We have celebrated many occasions together over the years.
Today was the addition of a new memory.
But when I looked down to the yard to see my friend taking a break from the heat, I saw something that I had missed earlier.
Chris was wearing my Dad’s apron.
Behind my sunglasses, I could feel my eyes tear up.
My sister had made this apron out of one of my Dad’s shirts for me after he passed away.
It hung just around the corner from the kitchen.
If my parents were still with us, they would have been in the backyard celebrating as well.
With all the activity, I almost missed it.
My friend had put on love.
That meant more than I could say.
In our day to day lives, that is what we are called to do as God’s people.
To above all else, put on love.
In a world full of distractions, we are called to reflect kindness, compassion and patience.
Maybe it is through a kind word.
Maybe it is through a simple gesture.
It can even be by putting on an apron.
Whatever it is for you friends, don’t forget to put on love today.
It’s your most important garment.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14 ESVShare this:
Pass It On
My son, Dan is working at Summer Camp now that his semester has ended at college.
The thought of camp makes me think back to my own experiences during childhood with camps and Vacation Bible School.
Snack time and crafts.
Meeting new friends.
But it is the music that stands out in my mind the most.
A song written by Kurt Kaiser will forever be embedded in my heart.
Pass It On.
As an adult, I realize now that it was also laying the foundation for what we are all called to do: share His love.
Once you have experienced it, you do not want to keep it to yourself.
Here are some of the lyrics:
“It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on.”Have you experienced His love?
Who can you pass it onto today?
It only takes a spark.
Share His love.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLTShare this:
Where Will You Fix Your Eyes?
The skies on Saturday were spectacular.
A reminder of the beauty of His creation.
Each view gave a different perspective.
As we were driving home, I felt like my head was on a swivel, looking in all directions to take it all in.
It was hard to keep my eyes focused forward.
But this was the view that displayed a beautiful rainbow.
The reminder of God’s covenant with His people.
This is true on other days as well.
I get distracted by the things around me and forget to fix my eyes on His promises.
The things of this world may provide beauty, but will never provide what He can.
Where will you fix your eyes today?
“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”
Genesis 9:12-13 NIVShare this:
Where to Walk
Somedays it is hard to know where to start.
A long to-do list.
Too many tabs open on your computer.
Multiple voices pulling you in different directions.
This is when I need God to direct my steps the most.
Before the day begins, listen for His unfailing love.
Trust Him.
He will show you where to go.
Blessings to you weekend!
“Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.”
Psalms 143:8 (NLT)Share this:
He is Near
Meet Max.
My 5 pound Morkie.
Some days he has the courage to take on a dog 10 times his size.
Other days Max loves to hide under the covers, away from the world.
I don’t know about you, but that is me.
One day, I feel strong and am ready to take on whatever giants are facing me.
The next day, I want to hide under the covers away from the world.
Then I remember His word.
And that He is always with me.
Our God is always near.
Friends, I don’t know which Max you are feeling today.
But have courage.
When you are ready to throw off the covers and face the world, He will be by your side.
“”Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:7-9 NIVShare this:
Wisdom for the Week
Wisdom for this week.
“You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.”
Colossians 3:12 TPTShare this:
