Christian Writers Circle

Time to Mine the Gems

by Brenda D. Flowers

            There was a time in history when men and women rushed west looking for gold, for treasures. Their eyes were focused on the dream of striking it rich. How? They believed from the prospecting of the earth. They were willing to risk their lives to travel over rough terrain. They climbed mountains, crossed rivers, trudged through valleys and suffered many losses, all to try to reach a destination revealed to them by people’s words. A hope was in their heart that kept them going. Few ever found what they were looking for.

We just completed 2013, a year now in history. What are the treasures people are looking for as we enter this New Year, 2014? Some search for better electronics saying, “I’ve got to have the latest cell phone, television or computer.” Others search for a better way of transportation, wanting a car or truck that will run on electricity or has the latest technology. Some people search for the best team to support, spending hours of time and great amounts of money to see a team win a Bowl Game or World Series. Many look forward to watching winter Olympic athletes win gold medals, while comfortably sitting on comfortable sofas in a warm recreation room with the latest conveniences.

What are you searching or hoping for as you enter this New Year? Is your anticipation, your wealth, your time and focus on material treasures?

It is time to reevaluate our priorities. It is time to mine gems much more precious than anything this world or the things of this world have to offer. God is speaking to us and saying,

Return to me, My Bride. I love you. I want you to be ready. Join together in unity.

We all, including me, need to be aware of the way we use our time. What is our purpose for being here right now, this time in history? We are designed to be fitly joined together.

There is unimaginable joy awaiting those who forsake the ways of the world to follow Jesus. Sure there will be times to use technology, to see a bowl game, to cheer for an athlete but what is our main focus. Are our eyes, our love poured out on these things, these events? Are we teaching our family members that material blessings are the treasures of life? Or are we mining for more precious gems?

Jesus wants to come back for a bride adorned…adorned. How are we to become adorned in 2014? The first question to ask is, “Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior?” He loves you and wants you to experience the joy of knowing you are saved from sin and set free.

As Christians, we may go through some valleys, cross rivers and climb mountains on our journey to find out how to be adorned. But as we unite, we will be rewarded. Church, we need to be a body of believers who sets an example of what treasures are truly important. Begin with the treasure map, the Word of God.

                       Isaiah 61: 10 (NKJV)

                        I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

                       My soul shall be joyful in my God;

                       For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,

                        As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

                       And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

                        Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

                       Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

                       And lean not on your own understanding;

                       In all your ways acknowledge Him.

                       And He shall direct your paths.

                        Proverbs 3:13 (NKJV)

                      Happy is the man who finds wisdom,

                        And the man who gains understanding;

                        For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver

                        And her gain than fine gold.

                        She is more precious than rubies,

                        All the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

                        Proverbs 3:16-18 (NKJV)

                       Length of days is in her right hand,

                        In her left hand riches and honor,

                        Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

                        And all her paths are peace.

                        She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

                        And happy are all who retain her.

            As we embark on an adventure to seek God’s treasure of wisdom in 2014, our eyes must be centered on God Almighty, Three in One, Our Father Creator, Our Holy Priest and King Jesus and Holy Spirit. Intimate time with Him is where the jewels are mined. Let us reevaluate our use of time and possessions and ask God to reveal His truths. When we sincerely seek Him, we will find the riches of understanding.

A key truth to be discovered is, You are loved!

                        Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

             But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
For he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.