Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath , and buyeth that field.

In this passage, Jesus is teaching us about what heaven is like. Jesus uses the example of a treasure hid in a field. This treasure is so great that the man sells everything that he hath in order to purchase the land so that the treasure now belongs to him.

How many of us treasure heaven so much that we would give up everything that we have in order to obtain it? We do not understand the value of heaven because we have not first taken the time to seek out the value of heaven. Until we search for the hidden treasure, we will not find it. Until we find it, we do not understand its value.

God does not automatically show us the value of heaven. Jesus hid a lot of truths about the ways of God in parables. HE did this because HE understood that not everyone was ready for the truth. Those who desired that which is right will be diligent to search out the truth while those who were more concerned with the things of this world would continue on their way.

When was the last time you sought out the things of God? When was the last time you focused upon the things of God and refused to pay any attention to the things going on around you until you obtained a word from God? In this passage, we are told that the treasure is hidden. That means that the man had to be searching for the treasure. This man had to be looking in places where others had not looked before him. This man was patient in that he looked in more places where the treasure was not before he actually found that which had great value.

How much time do you spend picking a stock that you are going to buy? Some people will spend hours each day studying the market so that when the time comes, they can make the right purchase. They see the value of spending time studying the market and the financial rewards that they can receive.

Most people will have no problem investing hours of their time into the pursuit of money, but they will not spend hours studying the word of God trying to obtain the true riches of heaven. The treasures of heaven are there for those who will patiently seek the truth.

How many times have you had a problem that you did not know how to solve? What did you do to solve the problem? Did you rely upon your own strength or did you fall on your face before God and ask HIM to open up your eyes to the things of God. If you put the things of God first in your life, you will find the answers you need for even the most difficult problem. You know the problem that you have. You know the difficult decision that you need to make. You may not know God’s perfect will for that decision, but if you take the time to seek the ways of God, God will be faithful to reveal to you that which you seek.

It is important that we set aside enough time each day to seek the paths of God. It is important that we patiently wait upon the things of God and allow HIM to reveal to us the treasures in heaven. The man would not find the treasure if he was not first looking for it. So likewise, we will not find all that God has in store for us if we do not set aside time to find it. Imagine all the things that you are missing out upon because you have not been diligent in seeking the hidden treasures of God?

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Temperance requires that you say no to the things of this world so that you can focus your time, talents, and treasures upon the things of God. In this passage, we see Christ commanding us that we are not to lay up treasures for ourselves here on this earth. If we are focused upon the things of the world, then our attention will be distracted from listening to God and doing what HE desires us to do.

If your focus is upon money, you will probably miss the opportunity that God has for you in giving to some special needs. If your focus is upon receiving the praises of men because of some special talent that you have, then you will miss the opportunity that God has for you to use your talents to draw others closer to HIM. If your focus is upon your time and how you can use it to enjoy life, then you will miss the opportunity that God has for you to serve HIM today.

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If your treasure is upon the things of this world, then your heart will never be able to be given fully to God. It is one thing to claim to be a Christian, it is another thing all together to live as a Christian. If you desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord, then you must follow the example of Christ. Christ did not live on this earth to see what earthly treasures HE could amass. Instead, Christ was here to do the will of God. Christ focused upon living HIS life so that HIS Father would receive the glory.

The things of the world will try to grab your attention so that you do not live your life in a manner that is pleasing to God. Scripture tells us the story of Naaman who had leprosy. Naaman ended up going to Elijah and God used Elijah to heal Naaman. Naaman had great wealth and he attempted to use it to give to Elijah but Elijah refused. Elijah’s servant Gehazi saw the great wealth that could have been theirs so he ran after Naaman and made up a story about how a couple prophets had just showed up and that Elijah requested some clothes and money for them. Upon his return, Elijah condemned Gehazi and the leprosy of Naaman was transferred to Gehazi.

Gehazi saw the treasures of this earth and he desired to accumulate them for himself. Elijah understood that God desired Naaman to not think that one could purchase the favor of God. The greed of Gehazi ended up damaging the testimony of the power of God.

It is so easy to allow ourselves to become so focused upon the things of this world that we lose sight of the things of God. Zacchaeus was a man who was entangled by the things of this world. Once Zacchaeus saw and realized who God was, he had no problem giving up his earthly treasures to ensure that his relationship with God was right.

As long as we allow the treasures of this world to consume us, then we will never be able to live for God as we ought. The things of this world will drain us of our time, talent, and treasures and our focus will not be where God desires it. We need to yield up our right to keep up with the Jones. We need to stop worrying about the world thinks of us and start worrying about what God thinks of us.

It is time that you change your focus. Take your focus off of yourself and what you can obtain for yourself here on this earth. Focus upon God and say no to the temptations that this world has to offer. You will find new rewards for your life by the help of God.

Genesis 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

The secret of Joseph’s success is the fact that he did not take credit for the talents that God had given him. Joseph understood that it was God who gave him the ability to interpret dreams and Joseph made sure that Pharaoh’s attention was focused upon God.

Joseph had just been given a complement by Pharaoh that he understood Joseph could interpret dreams. Most of us would have naturally responded by saying thank you and that would have been it. However, Joseph understood that he had just been given a complement for something that he could not control. Joseph understood that it was God who had blessed him and that if he took credit for something God did through him, than he would be doing a great injustice.

It is God who gives us time, talents, and treasures. Christ taught us in multiple parables that the kingdom of heaven is like a master who gives money to his servants. The master does return and takes an account of what his servants did with the money that he had entrusted them with. Christ wanted us to understand that the things that God has given to us are not to be hoarded for our own personal purposes. If we hoard the things that God gives to us, God will be very disappointed with us and will punish us for our lack of diligence.

Pharaoh did not have the fear of the Lord in his life. If Joseph had not mentioned God, Pharaoh probably would not have cared. Nonetheless, because of Joseph’s willingness to put God first in his life, Joseph was a testimony for God that day. Joseph was willing to put God first even though God had allowed him to spend the last 13 years as either a prisoner or as a slave. Things had been tough, but this did not stop Joseph from giving God the credit for the talents that God had given unto him.

You have certain talents and abilities that God has given unto you. If you keep taking credit for the things that God has given to you, you are no different than the servant who went and buried the money in the ground. Christ called that servant unwise. Instead, you should desire to be the servant who took five bags of money and turned them into five additional bags of money. We need to learn how to take the talents that God has given to us and use those talents for the maximum glory of God.

If you do not start by giving God the glory anytime someone complements you for a talent that HE has given unto you, you are on the wrong path. If others are not drawn unto God, they will continue to live their life as if there is no God. However, when you are constantly reminding them that you serve a living God and that it is HE who has enabled you, then God can start working in their lives to reveal to them their need for a closer walk with HIM.

The sin nature of man naturally desires to take credit for the things that God should receive the glory for. We must exercise self-control not to take credit for that which belongs to God. By adding temperance to our life, we will restrain ourselves from focusing upon ourselves and instead focusing the attention of others upon the ONE whom deserves the glory.

Joseph was wise and was used by God. If Joseph had not been faithful in giving glory to God, one has to wonder just how much God would have used him. However, we see how God used Joseph and we know that Joseph refused to take the glory for what God was doing through him.

Genesis 34:12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.

Shechem had just raped Dinah. Shechem saw what he wanted and he took it. However, once he had exploited Dinah for his own fleshly lusts, he discovered that he was not content and that he desired to have Dinah for his wife. Shechem spoke with his father and with Dinah’s father Jacob and said he was willing to pay any sum in order to obtain Dinah as his wife.

Even though Shechem had defiled Dinah, Shechem understood the value of Dinah. Shechem was not concerned about the price that Jacob would charge him, all he was concerned about was obtaining that which he perceived had great value.

How much more beautiful this story would have been had Shechem only been able to exercise self-control of his lusts. Shechem saw the value in Dinah and he was willing to pay any price that Jacob named so as to obtain the valuable treasure that he discovered.

Husbands need to learn to value their wives as Shechem valued Dinah. Your wife is a valuable treasure and you should be willing to pay any price in order to obtain and keep that valuable gift that God has given unto you. Jesus tells us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Shechem was willing to give up great treasure so that his heart could be with Dinah.

Men, when was the last time that you gave up your treasure in order to obtain something for your wife. When was the last time you gave up your time so as to do some projects that your wife desired to be done? Yes you could have spent that money on something you enjoyed, but instead, by spending it upon your wife, you demonstrated to your wife your love for her. Rather than spending the weekend watching your favorite team play a game, by giving your time to her, you demonstrated to her just how valuable she was to you.

I Peter 3:7 charges husbands to dwell with their wives according to knowledge, and give honor unto their wives as unto a weaker vessel. Women are similar to valuable china whereas men can be more like Tupperware. If a husband treats his wife as he treats his best friend, he will do great damage to his relationship with his wife. Men are warned in 1 Peter 3:7 that if they do not properly treat their wives the way that God intended, then their prayers will be hindered.

Shechem did not have the greatest start with his relationship with Dinah. However, we see that he was willing to do whatever it took to start repairing the damage that he had caused. He was not going to allow his money to hinder him from doing the right thing.

While you are on this earth, you must be careful that you do not allow the lusts of your flesh to destroy your relationship with your wife. Next to God, your relationship with your wife should be the most important thing to you. You should be willing to pay any price in order to obtain and maintain that relationship. You must be willing to demonstrate self-control so that you can help your wife bloom where she is planted.

The lusts of your flesh will not only trample your relationship with God but also that of your wife. Jesus taught that you can only serve God or money, you cannot serve both. So likewise, you cannot serve both the needs of your wife and yourself, you must choose one. Adding temperance to your life will allow you to prioritize others above your pocketbook.

Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

What is your attitude? Are you constantly looking to see what you can get from others or do you have a mindset of what you can give to meet the needs of others. God has given you time, talent, and treasure. The choice is yours how you spend your time, talent, and treasure. You can spend it upon yourself, or you can spend it upon others.

Christ taught us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. When your focus is upon the things of God, it is easier to give up your time, talent, and treasure to others so that God may be magnified through you. However, when your focus is upon the things of this world, all of a sudden, your focus is on how you can use your time, talent, and treasure to benefit yourself and to obtain possessions from this world.

Paul understood that he was supposed to be gathering spiritual treasures while upon this earth. Paul could have had a focus upon how much money was in his pocket, how many disciples followed him, how many people he baptized, or how many churches that he had started. However, this was not the focus of Paul; instead, Paul had a focus upon fulfilling the perfect will of God. When Paul saw someone who had a need, he remembered the words of Christ and he saw how God might use him to meet that need.

Paul was not focused upon numbers; he was focused upon doing the perfect will of God. He understood the principle of laying up treasures in heaven while he was here on this earth. Paul was not focused upon the things of this world and what he might obtain. Because he kept his focus upon the things of God, he was able to have a powerful ministry that affected the lives of millions.

Where is your focused here on this earth? Are you focused upon the things that this world has to offer you and how you might be able to obtain more of them? Or are you focused upon the things of this world and how God can use your worldly possessions to draw the attention of those around you to the power of God?

How do you spend your time? Are you looking for people who have needs so that you can reach out to them to them and minister to them with your time? How about the talents that God has given to you? Are you looking for ways that you can use your talents to minister unto the people of God? How about your treasures? Are you looking for ways that you can use your earthly treasure to give to those who have needs or to those who are actively involved in the work of God?

Your focus cannot be upon the things of this world. Every day you must make a decision that you are going to pursue the things of God. This means that you need to allow God to change your attitude and your focus. This means that you must demonstrate self-control by saying no to the things of this world and yes to the things of God.

By diligently adding temperance to your life, you are taking the steps necessary to change your focus from the things of this world to the things of God. By adding temperance to your life, you change your focus from yourself to doing the perfect will of God. By adding temperance to your life you change your focus from what you can obtain to what you can give.

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

What is the most important thing to you? Where is your heart? Are you more concerned about your house here on earth than you are about your mansion in heaven? Are you more concerned about your bank account on earth than you are about the crowns that you will be able to throw at the feet of Jesus? Are you more concerned about your reputation with friends than you are about the souls of the lost?

In this passage, Christ commands us to lay up treasures in heaven. This means that the things of God must have preeminence in our life. The things of this world will eventually be destroyed. You can spend a life amassing great wealth, but the day you die, it does you no good. You can spend your life bringing many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and upon your death, those individuals can still be winning more souls for the kingdom of God.

What is important to the world is not necessarily what is important to God. If your measure of what is important comes from what you see others deem important, you will not be pursuing the things of God. However, if you add knowledge of the ways of God and spend your time pursuing the things of God, then you will have your heart in the right place and God can richly reward you.

The Sermon on the Mount details the things that God desires you to focus your attention upon. If you spend your time pursuing the things of the world, you will not have the time to pursue the things of God. You cannot serve both God and this world, either you serve God or you serve yourself and the things of this world.

Christ commands us that we are to love the Lord with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourselves. As you study the commands of Christ, HE reveals to you just what it means to love the Lord with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. Christ shows you that it is your heart that is the most important thing; if your heart is not right towards God, how can you say that you love HIM.

In Acts five, we read the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This couple owned a piece of property that they decided to sell. Ananias and Sapphira had seen how many other Christians had sold a piece of property and given the entire proceeds of the property to the church. Ananias and Sapphira decided that they were going to keep back a portion of the proceeds but that they were going to tell everyone that they had sold the property for the amount of the gift.

Ananias and Sapphira did not have their heart set upon the things of God. They desired to do a good thing for God and they wanted to make sure that they received the praises of men. However, they were not fully ready to trust completely in HIM and as such, they held back a portion because they trusted in their own strength more than they trusted in the power of God.

Ananias and Sapphira did not have their heart in the right place and it cost them their lives. Christ has shown us how God expects us to live. If we keep our focus upon the things of this world, then God can bless us and use us. However, when our focus is upon our own strength, God is not with us and our faith will be weak. Do not allow the things of this world to come between you and God. Focus your attention upon God and you will have true life.

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Jesus told us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). When you choose to fear the Lord, it means that your heart is set upon the things of God. However, when you choose to pursue after the treasures of this world, you will make choices that compromise your faith.

The treasures of this world will never satisfy. Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus did not have much but we find him in the bosom of Abraham, while Lazarus had accumulated great wealth here on this earth but found himself miserable in hell. All the treasure that he had on this earth he would have quickly given away had he known the suffering he was going to face in hell.

The size of your pocketbook does not determine how good of a Christian you are. There are those who preach that if you are not being blessed by God, then it must mean that there is some wicked sin in your life. God is more concerned about your heart then HE is about your treasures on this earth. God may allow you to go through some financial difficulty here on this earth so as to keep you humble and keep your heart right with HIM.

It is more important what your relationship with God is then how much treasure you have accumulated. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and we know that God desires you to add knowledge of the ways of God to your life. Just as a rich man pays attention to his bank accounts to see how much money he is making, so too should you be closely examining your life to see how much knowledge of the ways of God you are adding to your spiritual walk.

Job was a man who had great wealth. Satan thought that Job only served the Lord because the Lord blessed him. God allowed Job to go through a period of time of great poverty. Job feared the Lord and refused to curse God. God later restored to Job the wealth that he had once he had proven that he feared the Lord more than he desired great treasure.

Rehoboam did not fear the Lord and he desired great wealth. When the people came to him asking him to reduce their burdens, Rehoboam whet to his piers to seek their advice. Rehoboam did not come to the Lord to see how the Lord desired him to rule the kingdom as his father Solomon had done. Rehoboam was persuaded to increase the burdens of the people because it would increase his own wealth. However, Rehoboam did not obtain the great wealth that he desired and instead the kingdom was divided.

What is more important to you, your treasure or your relationship with God? Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. How can you claim to love the Lord with all your heart when your focus is set upon the things of this world?

Stop focusing upon the things of this world. Instead, start focusing your time upon doing that which is right in the eyes of God. Instead of spending all your time seeing how you can add treasures to your life, take the time to see how you can add knowledge of the ways of God. The more time you spend drawing closer to God, the more fulfilling your life will be as you are able to pursue the perfect will of God. The fear of the Lord will bring you treasures that you never would have imagined.

Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtaineth favor of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

One of the best illustrations in the Bible for this passage can be found in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer and he brought the fruit of the ground as an offering unto the Lord. Abel was a shepherd and he brought a lamb. Both men brought an offering unto the Lord from their income. There is nothing in scripture that indicates that either man brought the offering in order to keep up with their brother. They each willingly brought an offering unto the Lord. Nonetheless, God accepted the offering of Abel and rejected the offering of Cain.

Some Bible scholars have said that the reason God rejected the sacrifice of Cain was because it was not a lamb. God had used a lamb to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve and thus Cain should have known that God would only want a lamb as a sacrifice. The problem with this theory is that scripture does not say Cain and Abel were making a sacrifice for their sins, it only says that they were making an offering unto the Lord.

An offering is never required. When you bring an offering unto the Lord, you are doing so because you are thanking God for the abundance that HE has given you. God had blessed Cain by the fruit of the ground and thus if he was bringing an offering unto the Lord, it was only proper that he bring the fruit of the ground.

So why did God reject the offering of Cain and accept the offering of Abel? God asked Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door (Genesis 4:6-7). God does not tell us what Cain had done wrong, but Cain had done something wrong and thus God used his offering to show Cain that he needed to get right with God.

The lesson of Cain is simple, it does not matter how much time, talent, or treasure you give to God, if your heart is not right, God will not be pleased. When Saul was instructed of God to utterly destroy the Amalek, Saul only partially obeyed; he did not kill the best of the sheep and the best of the oxen. When Samuel confronted Saul, his excuse for disobeying was that the people were saving these animals for sacrifices and offerings unto the Lord. Samuel replied Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22).

God is more concerned about your heart than HE is about all the wonderful gifts that you give to HIM. You may give to HIM all the money in the world to HIM, but if HE does not have your heart, your offering will be rejected. God does not need wealth, HE created man in HIS own image so that HE might have fellowship. The sin of Adam and Eve destroyed that fellowship.

It takes knowledge of the ways of God to understand that God looks at the heart and not the offerings. If you desire to love the Lord with all your heart, then you must show that love in the way God desires to receive it, not in the way you want to give it. The more you understand the ways of God, the easier it will be to please HIM.

Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

Jesus commanded us, Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

It is natural for a man to desire to hoard the money that he has obtained. Whether he is saving for retirement or some large purchase, man often measures his worth based upon his bank account. However, that is not the focus that God desires you to have. Instead, God desires that you lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matthew 6:20).

Is your desire set towards the things above or is it set upon the things of this world? Job had to answer that question when he lost his wealth, his health, and his family. Job did not curse God even though he had lost everything that he had. After Job had passed the test, God blessed him once again. Job had proven to God and Satan that his relationship with God was the most important thing.

Abraham also had to face the question as to what was the most important thing in his life. Abraham had been given a son in his old age. Isaac was a gift from God. However, God asked Abraham to give Isaac back to HIM. Abraham obeyed God and God spared the life of Isaac.

Do you understand that everything you have belongs to God? Do you understand that all God has to do is say the word and you will have nothing? Do you understand that God does not want you placing your hope in the things of this world but desires that your affections be upon the things of God?

Why is it that Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to get through an eye of a needle then it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God? The reason is that the rich man has set his affections upon his wealth. He is used to seeing HIS wealth take care of his needs and as such, he is not ready to hear the still small voice of God. When you have a need, you are required to turn to God and humble yourself and learn to hear HIS voice. The greater the need, the more you understand your need for God. If you do not have a need, then it is less likely that you will find a need for God.

If God has given you wealth, you need to determine how God desires you to spend that wealth. Do not be afraid of outgiving God; God gave you the wealth to begin with, HE can give it to you again if your focus is upon the things of God and how you can use your treasures here on earth to invest in heavenly treasures. Watch how God blesses you as you remain faithful in hearing God and investing in heavenly treasures.

The world does not understand the concept of give and it shall be given unto you. However, as a Christian, the more you study the ways of God, the more you will understand that God desires for you to give HIM the first fruits of your time, talent, and treasure. Unless you take the time to add knowledge of the ways of God, you will never understand the way God desires you to go and how you are to live your life.

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

You understand that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Thus by application, if you have knowledge of the ways of God and you allow that knowledge to be applied to your life, then the years of your life shall naturally be prolonged. However, when you choose to do that which is right in your own eyes, your life will not be as long.

The wages of sin is death. Prior to the first sin entering the world, Adam and Eve were to live forever. However, because they did not fear the Lord and they did what was right in their own eyes, their lives were shorten. Even after sin entered the world, man was living over 900 years. However, people continued to do what was right in their own eyes and the earth was destroyed by a flood. As a result, the life span of man was greatly reduced.

One who understands that his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, understands that he or she must live her life differently. When one chooses to live their life according to the fear of the Lord they are not going to do things that will harm the body. Smoking, becoming an alcoholic, and fornication are all acts that are done without the fear of the Lord and all of them can greatly shorten ones life.

Living your life in the fear of the Lord will cause you to seek the will of God. This means that you will spend plenty of time meditating upon HIS word listening for HIS still small voice. When you understand the still small voice of God, HE will direct you in the way you are to go. Understanding that God is in control will allow you to be content with where God has put you and because of that contentment, you can have peace even though you are facing trials. When you are not stressing out you’re your circumstances, you will not experience the consequences of stress that can shorten your life.

One who fears the Lord understands that Christ commanded us in the Sermon on the Mount not to worry. Jesus said not to take thought for your life but instead seek ye first the kingdom of God. If you are constantly worried about the things of this world, the things of this world will consume you. However, if you take your time to think of the things of God, you will experience the peace that passeth all understanding. The treasures of this world not only are corruptible, but if you spend your time pursuing after them, they will corrupt you and can shorten your life.

If you were to do the math, you would discover that Methuselah has the longest recorded life-span of any individual. It is also interesting to note that Methuselah apparently died the same year that the flood came. A question thus arises, did Methuselah die in the flood, or did God hold off the flood until one of his few remaining faithful servants died? We do know that Methuselah was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah and thus it appears he probably was a righteous man.

Have you allowed your knowledge of the ways of God to change your life? Do you live your life by different standards? If you put God first in your life, God can use you to serve HIM. God is your Creator; HE thus ought to know the best way for you to live your life to the fullest. Learn to start living your life in the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

The Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Rich people can be very miserable. They are so busy hoarding their money that they fail to enjoy life. However, when God blesses one of his children with money and they have a proper understanding that their wealth is a gift from God, then the riches of this world will not consume them and they will be free to live life the way God meant life to be lived.

This verse does not promise that God will give you great wealth. However, what this verse does promise is that if God blesses you with riches, you do not have to be a slave to the treasures of this earth. God has promised to meet your needs, and when the Lord provides for your needs, you must learn to be thankful and praise HIM for HIS provision.

Job was a man who was blessed of God with great wealth. However, Job did not allow HIS wealth to control him. Job had a very close relationship with God and because of that relationship, God said that Job was perfect. God allowed Satan to take away both the riches and the family of Job, but Job did not sin. Instead, Job understood that his wealth came from God and HE simply trusted in God. After the trial, God did restore unto Job his great wealth and God blessed him with a new family.

By contract, we can look at the life of Elijah who had to be feed by the ravens and then he had to live by the daily faith of a widow. God did not give Elijah great wealth, but he did meet his daily needs. Elijah had not sinned which resulted in his lack of wealth; it was that God had a different purpose for the life of Elijah and Elijah had to simply learn to rely upon God for his daily needs.

There are some individuals in the Bible that because they obeyed God, God started blessing them with wealth. A good example of this would be Abraham. Once Abraham started obeying God, God touched the hearts of kings and caused them to start giving Abraham great wealth.

Nonetheless, there are also stories of men who gave up great wealth in order to follow God. Elisha is an example of one who came from a wealthy family but when God called, he gave up his wealth in order to follow Elijah. Matthew was a tax collector during a period of time that tax collectors were usually pretty well off. However, when Jesus called Matthew, he gave up his profession in order to follow Jesus.

The Lord can give you wealth and HE can take it away, blessed be the name of the Lord. If the Lord gives you wealth, you cannot allow it to change your relationship with God. Instead, put your focus upon God and do not allow your money to become your God. Remember that Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that we are not to store up treasures in this earth but instead are to focus our attention upon storing up for ourselves heavenly treasures.

Knowledge of the ways of God teaches us that those who are wealthy are bound by their money, yet those who obtain their wealth from God have a peace that passeth all understanding. If you do not have wealth, do not envy the wicked who have wealth.

Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Where is your hope? Is it in the Lord or is it in treasures that you can amass for yourself? It is easy to say that your desire is for the things of God, but does your life really follow that principle? Jesus told us that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is easy to see the wicked prosper and wish that you could have the same prosperity. You must remember that the treasures of those who do evil cannot save them. A drug dealer who is a multimillionaire will never be content. Furthermore, the drug dealer is living a lifestyle that he will some day have to give account for before a Holy God.

God desires that you delight yourself in HIM and that HE will thus be able to give you the desires of your heart. When you put the things of God first in your life, God will be able to open your eyes to the things that give true contentment. Would you rather have great wealth and have the world hate you or would you rather have peace and harmony with your spouse and kids and have sufficient funds to pay your bills. What really is a priority in your life?

This passage is an excellent example that it takes more than just reading a passage to understand the ways of God. It states that righteousness delivers from death. What does that mean? Is it talking about the righteousness of Christ delivering you from hell? If you were to look at the Hebrew meaning for the word that is translated righteousness you would learn that it also means justice and morally. This means that righteous living, that living in accordance with the justice of God, and that living a moral life will deliver you from death.

The wicked live their lives for the pursuit of treasure. They will do whatever it takes in order to obtain the almighty dollar. Nonetheless, the lifestyle of the wicked individual will not only lead them to hell, but will also most likely shorten their life here on this earth. Absalom chose to take matters into his own hands and he killed his half-brother for raping his sister. Absalom ended up living several years in exile. Once Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he still did not see the face of the king. Absalom eventually made an attempt on the throne of his father and it ended up costing him his life.

By contrast, look at the life of David. David was not perfect, but David did learn to put his delight in the things of the Lord. David had many people who tried to kill him throughout his life, but God always protected David and eventually, David died in his own bed. David did experience suffering, but God was always with him. Because David put the things of God first, God was able to direct his steps and was able to ensure that the wicked man was ever able to triumph.

You need to add knowledge of the ways of God. In this verse we learn that God desires that you live your life in accordance with HIS principles. As you learn to put your focus upon the things of God rather than the treasures of this world, God will be able to protect you and bless you in ways that you never could imagine. What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world yet lose his own soul or lose his family.

Proverbs 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

What is your priority in life? Are you too busy chasing gold and silver that you fail to see the needs of those around you? Are you consumed with the desire for riches that you lack the riches that are eternal?

Christ commanded us in the Sermon on the Mount that we are to Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Satan knows how easy it will be for you to make money your god. If he can get you to focus your attention upon the money you have or the money you wish you had, then he has started to win the battle for your heart and mind. If you are more concerned about your finances then you are about the things of God; then Satan knows that you will not be very likely to hear the still small voice of God.

It is important to add knowledge of the ways of God to your life. The more time you spend adding knowledge to your life, the less time you will have to chase those things of this world that do not have any eternal value.

Hezekiah was a righteous king. One day Hezekiah became sick unto death. Hezekiah however pleaded with the Lord for a longer life. God heard the plea of Hezekiah, and HE granted Hezekiah an additional 15 years. As a sign to Hezekiah that God had heard his prayers, God caused the shadow to go backwards 10 degrees. Because of this sign, the Babylonians came to Jerusalem to see the king. Hezekiah showed to the ambassadors the riches of the country. Hezekiah chose to show off his wealth rather than show off the power of God, and the results were disastrous.

After the death of Hezekiah, Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah was the next to rule. Manasseh did not do that which was right in the eyes of God and in fact, Manasseh caused his own son to pass through the fire so as to appease the false gods. Manasseh was born three years after Hezekiah was healed. The fact that Hezekiah became more concerned about money after God granted him 15 years seems to have had an impact on his son because rather than serve God, Manasseh served the false gods of his day. In addition, all the wealth that was in Jerusalem eventually ended up in Babylon.

If it is your desire to seek after the knowledge of God, you will find it. When you have the power of God in your life, those around you will see that power and they too will desire to have what you have. However, if others look at your life and only see you proclaiming the power of God and not obtaining that which you preach, then they will want no part of what you say you have because they will see your hypocrisy.

What is the most important thing to you? Is it your relationship with God or is it your pocketbook. It is easy to say that God is more important to you, but does a close examination of your life really prove the point.

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

If you were looking to purchase a bike, you would not go to a tire store. If you were looking for oysters, you would not go to the mountains. If you were looking for knowledge of the ways of God, you do not go to the world. If you desire knowledge of the ways of God, you should go to the source, the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Prince of peace.

When the wise men were seeking to find Jesus, the chief priests and scribes found the answer in the scriptures. When Solomon needed wisdom to guide God’s people, he asked of God, and it was God who gave him great understanding. When Daniel interpreted dreams, he acknowledged that it was God who revealed to him the secrets of man’s mind.

Jesus taught us to seek and we shall find. However, as a seeker, you must be looking in the right place. An individual who is looking for gold will not have much luck digging up the streets of New York City. If you desire knowledge of the ways of God or knowledge of how people respond to others, then turn to the source. God is the One who created this world; HE is the One who made you and me. If you desire to gain more knowledge, then seek for that knowledge in the right place.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches us how the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in the field. When a man finds that treasure, he sells all that he has in order to obtain it. Jesus then likens the kingdom of heaven to a pearl of great price, that when the merchant man finds it, sells all that he has in order to possess it. In these verses, we see that these men are looking for something of great value. They are looking in the right places and when they find it, they do whatever they must in order to obtain that treasure.

The same is true in our lives. You were seeking for something more in life and you found Christ. The only question becomes, are you going to get rid of all worldly influences so that you can obtain the one treasure that is worth possessing? Are you willing to find the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge that Christ has for you if you but make HIM first in your life?

Ruth and Orpah both were introduced to the God of Israel. They both decided to return to Israel with Naomi. However, when Naomi reminded the ladies of the consequences of following her to Israel, Orpah counted the costs and determined that she was not willing to follow Naomi. Ruth on the other hand was not going to allow the fact that she was going to be a foreigner and the fact that she would never be married again to stop her from doing that which is right and pursuing a closer relationship with God. Because of Ruth’s dedication, God blessed Ruth not only with a husband, but also allowed her to be in the linage of Christ. Ruth was willing to give up the things this world had to offer in order to pursue God, and God gave her the things of this world that she had already given up.

You need to learn to give up the things of this world in order to pursue the true riches of heaven. Only in Christ will you find those things that are the real treasures of life. As you draw closer to God, God will give you the knowledge that you need to serve HIM. As you draw closer to God, God will be able to open doors that had previously been shut to you because you are now ready to do HIS perfect will. In Christ is the hidden treasure, you should seek Christ as man seeks for treasure and as the merchant searched for the hidden pearl. Seek God and you shall find HIM.

Psalms 110:2  The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

It was Moses’ life purpose to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promise Land. Moses once tried to lead in his own strength when he killed the Egyptian. However, this was not God timing nor was it HIS way. When it was God’s timing for Moses to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt, Moses carried the rod of God.

When Moses stepped forth in God’s power and in HIS timing, the fear of the Lord fell upon the Egyptians. While Pharaoh may not have feared the Lord, The Egyptians knew that the Lord was with Moses and they did not appreciate the judgment that they were receiving because of the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart.

Moses came unto Pharaoh in the strength of the Lord. Using the rod that God had blessed, Moses preformed many miracles so that God would be glorified. It did not matter what Pharaoh tried to do, God always demonstrated a greater power through HIS servant Moses.

When you yield to God your time, talent, and treasures, you will see what great things God can do through you. God created you for a special purpose; HE has given you the skills to do great things for HIM. You must first learn to yield your life to HIS purpose and to do HIS will HIS way.

God desires to work through you so that you can fulfill HIS purpose in your life. God needs you to trust in HIM and follow HIS direction for you. As you learn to trust in the Lord, HE will open your eyes and will show you many great and mighty things. However, before you go, you must first ensure that you are sent of God. Isaiah heard the burden of God and Isaiah volunteered to follow God’s direction.

Doing God’s work in God’s timing will result in God receiving the glory. When Moses tried to lead in his own power and in his own timing, he ended up fleeing for his life and losing all of his power and influence. When Moses led in the power of God, not only did Moses see God work through HIM, but also, things actually got done.

What is God’s purpose for your life? What has God revealed to you? Examine your talents to see how you might use them for the glory of God. What trials have you faced in your life that might be a clue as to whom God desires you to minister unto? As you allow yourself to focus upon God and HIS purposes, HE will open doors in your life that will enable you to do great things for HIM even though there are those around you who do not fear HIM.

Your talents are not for yourself to consume upon your own lusts and desires. God gave you your talents for the purpose of fulfilling your purpose in life. You must change your mindset. You must stop looking at your talents as things to use for your own glory but instead look for ways that you can use your talents for the glory of God. As you fill your mind with virtue and contemplate how you can live your life for the glory of God, you will find true fulfillment for your life. You cannot be fulfilled if you are not doing that which God has created you to do.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

There is no such thing as a self made man. Apart from God you can do nothing. It is God who has given you your talents that you can use to do great things for HIM. It is God who has given you the treasures that you have; apart from the hand of God, you would have nothing. It is God who has given you time on this earth; HE knows the number of your days. It does not matter what you do, you must be careful that you do not allow pride to rise up in your life and take credit for the things that you have done.

God created you and thus you are HIS. You have the choice to be a slave to sin or a servant of God. Regardless of how you choose, it is God who permits both good and evil things to occur in your life. It is God who has created you unique. You can pretend all you want that it is because of you that good things have occurred in your life but you would be foolish in taking credit for the things that God has done.

You must take the time to understand that the Lord is God. You must study God; you must become a student. The more you know of God, the more you will realize that God is love and that apart from HIM you would be nothing. You will never learn of God if all you ever do is beg God for things that you need. Instead, if you desire to know that the Lord is God, you will have to meditate upon HIS word the Bible. If you desire to know that the Lord is God, you will have to go to the Lord in prayer and spend time covering all the elements of the Lord’s Prayer, not just asking God for your daily bread.

David understood that the Lord was God when he stepped out onto the battlefield to face Goliath. David saw Goliath mocking God and realized that greater was HE that was in him then he that was of this world. David did not have the skills necessary to wield Saul’s armor, but David knew that God had given him the ability to use a rock and a sling. David took the talents that God had given him and he used those talents so that God would receive the glory.

Moses had a close relationship with God. God told Moses that he was supposed to speak to the rock and it would bring forth water for the people. Moses had once obeyed God and had brought water out of the rock by striking it. Moses did not obey God this second time and speak to the rock but instead he attempted to take matters into his own hands and he struck the rock twice and brought water out of the rock. Moses did a great thing, but God was not glorified and as a result.

If you want to learn the subject of math, you must spend the time learning the subject, take the time to practice the problems, and then be prepared for the test that proves your knowledge of the subject. The same is true if you desire to know God. You must take the time to fill your mind with the ways of God. Allow God to bring circumstances into your life where you will have to trust HIM and allow HIM to prove to you and those around you that HE is God. You must understand that you will face a trial of your faith. However, the trial of your faith worketh patience and “let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4). If you desire to know who God is, take the time to add virtue to your life.

Psalms 78:8  And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.

Where is your heart? Are you totally committed to God? Have you made a commitment to follow God with all your heart?

God did many wonderful works for the nation of Israel as HE led them from Egypt to the Promise Land. God commanded the nation of Israel to teach these testimonies to their children so that they might know the power of God. As parents teach their children the powerful works of God, they will not only increase the faith of their children but they will also increase their own faith.

Solomon taught us to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). Because children have not had their faith tainted by the scorners of the world, they have the ability to be strong in faith. If you take the time to encourage the faith of a child, that child can see God do many wonderful things because they have no doubt. Teaching a child about God’s faithfulness will encourage that child to step out in faith on their own. Because the child steps out in faith at an earlier age and sees the power of God firsthand in their lives, they are less likely to depart from the ways of God and they are less likely to be a stubborn and rebellious individual.

The generation of the nation of Israel that had been raised in Egypt had become so consumed by the things of Egypt that even though they saw the power of God, they were still rebellious. However, the generation that had spent less than 20 years of their lives in Egypt was permitted to inherit the Promised Land. This second generation saw the mighty works of God at a younger age and thus they were able to trust in the power of God. Because they saw God working in their lives on a daily bases, they understood God as real and powerful.

You must teach the testimonies of God’s power to the next generation. Failing to do so will result in another generation that simply moves on with life giving God only a token of their time, talent, and treasure. God desires to do great things. In order for God to do great things, HE needs a generation who is willing to trust HIM. A generation who is constantly tempting God may see God do many powerful things but they will not receive the blessings that the generation that is totally committed to God will receive.

God has established a testimony of faith in your life. It is your job to share that testimony with others so that those around you are encouraged to grow in their faith. God is able to do great things through you if you will but trust HIM. Is your life similar to that of the nation of Israel? You have seen God do many wonderful things in your life but because of your realistic approach to life, God would call you a stubborn individual.

God desires that you set your heart aright. You must change your heart to be committed to God. As you fill your mind with the good report of what God has done through you, you will add to your faith virtue. You cannot afford to be considered a stubborn and rebellious individual, instead, you must learn to fill your life with the things of God so that God might be glorified through you. Teach others the testimonies of God.

Psalms 76:11 Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

There is only One who ought to be feared and that is the Lord your God. God desires to receive your gift. One gift that you can give to God is when you make a vow unto God that you fulfill your promise by doing that which you have promised God you would do.

This Psalm does not say, if you make a vow, make sure you pay it. Scripture is full of verses that command you to fulfill your vows to God. This passage shows you the importance of not only fulfilling your promise to God, but also the importance of making a promise to God. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills; HE does not need your time, talent, and treasures. Nonetheless, if you fear God, you understand HIS’ goodness in your life and you understand the importance of serving HIM with all your heart, you will be willing to make a promise to Him whereby you promise to give HIM some of your time, talent, or treasure.

God is the only One who deserves to be feared. If you fear God, your life should be filled with looking for ways that you could bring glory to the One whom you fear. Making promises to God to serve HIM the rest of your life should not be reserved only for those who think that they are about to die. Instead, you too should be looking for specific things that God is leading you to do and making promises that if HE provides for you, you will follow HIM faithfully.

You need to be very careful what you vow to God because God demands that you fulfill your vows. When you make a promise, you must understand that God heard every word of your vow and that you are not obligated to fulfill your vow. Do not make a vow if you are not going to pay it.

Solomon did not need to bring 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord. However, Solomon loved the Lord HIS God and it was his desire to bring a gift to God that would be pleasing to HIM. When God judged David for numbering the people, God sent a pestilence upon Israel. God spared Jerusalem and David desired to make a burnt sacrifice unto God. Araunah the Jebusite was willing to give to David the things that David needed to make this burnt sacrifice but David was not going to make an offering to God that did not result in personal sacrifice.

Remember the story of the widow and her two mites. Jesus said that because she gave all that she had, she gave more than those who had given out of their abundance. The purpose of your promise to God, the purpose of your gift to God should be something that demonstrates to God that you fear HIM; that you understand who HE is.

You are not here on this earth to simply pass the time away. You are here on this earth to bring glory to your maker. God desires to show HIMSELF strong in your life. You need to be willing to give to God your time, talent, and treasure. Put the Lord first in your life by filling your mind with the things of God. As you fill your life with God’s virtue, allow HIM to lead you into fully committing your life to HIS glory by giving to HIM your time, talent, and treasure.

Psalms 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Do you seek the Lord? Do you understand what you seek? God is great. HE has done many wondrous things for you. If you really understood who you seek, then you would be rejoicing in the Lord and you would continually sing forth HIS’ praises.

Jesus tells us “seek, and ye shall find”. God wants you to seek HIM. HE desires for you to seek a closer relationship with HIM. If you take the time to seek God, then you will find HIM. Jesus taught that “the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” (Matthew 13:44). The man who found the treasure had joy and the sacrifices of selling his possessions was nothing in comparison to the joy in receiving the valuable treasure.

God is worth finding. It is worth every second that you spend trying to find God. When God reveals HIMSELF to you, you need to take the time to rejoice in what HE has done for you. Do not take it for granted that you have a personal relationship with God. Instead, you must value the treasure. As you learn to value the treasure of your relationship with God, your appreciation for what God has done for you will increase. The more you treasure God, the more valuable HE becomes; you cannot out give God.

God deserves your praise. Take the time to recognize the good things HE has done for you. As you list the things that HE has done, joy should fill your heart and you should start to see the value of your relationship with HIM. The more you seek God, the greater your joy shall be as you find HIM.

Your relationship with God is similar to a man’s relationship with his’ wife. If the man is looking for things his wife has done right and praises her for it, his admiration for his wife will grow and he will be happy. However, if the man seeks to find all the things his wife has done wrong, he will find them, but as a result of finding the faults in his wife, he will damage his relationship with his wife and he will no longer treasure her the way he is supposed to treasure her.

God has not done you any wrong, but Satan will love to bring to your attention injustices that you have seen. If you concentrate your attention upon the injustices, you will lose track of all the good things that God has done and you will lose your appetite to seek God. The more you concentrate on God’s goodness, the more joy you will have in your life and the greater the treasure you will find.

In the same way that a husband will treasure his wife when he seeks to find the good in her, so also will you treasure your relationship with God if you seek to find the goodness of God. The more the husband seeks good, the more good he will find and the deeper their relationship will be. Just as the husband must change his mindset to find good in his wife, so too must you change your mindset to seek the goodness of God. As you fill your mind with the importance of God’s goodness, virtue will fill your life and you will be rewarded with the joy of the Lord.

Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Jesus had 12 disciples and many followers. However, HE only allowed Peter, James and John to see HIM transfigured. This was a special thing and Jesus selected three of HIS closest disciples to experience this mountain top experience. However, just because they saw this great thing of the Lord, they were charged that they were not allowed to tell anyone until after Jesus was raised from the dead.

In the same way that Jesus worked with each of HIS disciples differently, so too does HE work with each member of HIS church in a different manner. Just because you are in the midst of a trial, it does not mean that those around you are in a trial. Just because you are on a mountaintop and you see and hear God’s voice so clearly, it does not mean that God has led those around you into a mountaintop experience.

All of Jesus’ disciples had to face the valley of the shadow of death when Jesus died, but only a handful of disciples experienced the mountaintop. Peter, James and John went on to do great things for God. Jesus understood that while all of his disciples were called, their level of commitment was different. Because much was expected of Peter, James and John, Jesus allowed them to see the transfiguration.

God desires that you do great things for HIM. However, you must be faithful to do much with the time, talents and treasures that HE has already given you. If you are not faithful with the limited time, talents and treasures God has given you, why should you expect God to reveal HIMSELF more fully to you? When God does give you a mountaintop experience, it should be a strong indication to you that God has something special for your life. You must be willing to be used of God in a powerful way.

God uses mountaintop experiences to give you the strength to overcome great hurdles in your life. You must never forget those times that God was really close to you and you clearly heard HIS voice. There will be times when you are in the valley and when you feel like you are in a desert and the voice of God is not as clear in your life. During these times you must remember that God is with you and that HE has promised to never forsake you. Remember the promises of God during the difficult time so that you do not yield to sin and fall short of the glory of God.

God is with you when HE leads you through the valley of the shadow of death and HE is with you when HE takes up into the mountains and reveals HIMSELF to you in ways you never would have imagined. You must remember to remain faithful regardless of where God has placed you. You must remember that your relationship with God is the most important thing in your life.

Just as Jesus led Peter, James and John up into the mountain, so too it will be by God’s leading that you will be taken up into the mountain. Use the mountaintop as an opportunity to draw closer to God. It is easier to draw closer to God when you hear HIS voice so clearly. As you draw closer to God, fill your mind and heart with the things of God and thus add virtue to your life.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught you to “seek and ye shall find”. However, the real question is, what are you supposed to seek that you are guaranteed to find. Christ did not mean that if you seek to find a hidden earthly treasure that you are guaranteed to find it just because you are looking for it. Instead, what Christ was teaching is that if you seek first the things of God, than you will find them. If you seek God’s righteousness surely you will find it. If you seek God’s will for your life, God will reveal it to you.

It is not your job to spend your time seeking the things of this world because Jesus teaches you that the things of this world are corrupt and will be destroyed. Instead, it is your job to put God first in your life and to seek how you are to live your life here on this earth for HIS glory.

You can seek high and low in this world happiness and contentment. Nonetheless, you will never find what you are seeking until you change your perspective and start looking for the things of God. If you change your perspective and begin to focus you time, talent and treasures upon the will of God, God will be able to give you that which you have been looking for all along. The reason you could not find happiness and contentment was because you were looking for it in the wrong place.

Everything has a purpose. Think of a Lego set. This Lego set comes with a plan that if you follow the plan, you will be able to make the object depicted on the box. However, now imagine the Lego set having a will of its own and the Lego set arbitrarily deciding that it was going to make itself into whatever it wanted to be. Rather than be the plane it decided it was going to be a ship. It does not matter how long or how hard the Lego set works, it will never be truly complete until it puts aside its will and begins to follow the plans that were laid out for it. If it follows the Master plan, every piece will be used and every piece will fit to perfection combining together to make something greater.

You must change your perspective if you desire to find true happiness. Jesus commanded that if you lay aside your own yoke and put on HIS’ yoke that you would find rest. The reason you will find rest is because you will not have to look any more for those things that give you happiness. Instead, because you are instep with the will of God, you will understand what God desires you to do next and you can do it. As long as you stay in the yoke with Christ, you will be in a position that you can do great things for God. However, as soon as you decide that you can find more happiness on your own, you will be pulling your own burden and you will be unable to find that which you are seeking.

Seeking the things of God requires a change of perspective in your life. Adding virtue to your life is the tool that is necessary so as to give you the inward strength to put aside the temptations of this world in order to seek for the things of God. The world, the flesh, and the devil desire to distract your attention from the things of God, but instead, through Christ you can overcome the world and learn to focus your mind upon those things that are pleasing to God. By adding virtue to your life and learning to focus upon the things of God, God will be able to bless you and give you what you really desire.

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

During the Sermon on the Mount, Christ commanded you to not lay up for yourself treasures on this earth. Instead, Christ commanded you that the treasures you lay up for yourself should be the heavenly treasures that will last forever. The reason Christ gave for this commandment was that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Christ is not saying that you cannot live in a house and own a car. Christ is commanding you not to horde and collect things above that which you need. Christ desires that rather then spending your time, talent and treasure on things of this world that will eventually be destroyed, you should spend your time, talent and treasure upon the things of God that will build for yourself an eternal reward.

Christ explains that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. If you have treasure here on this earth, than your heart will be here on the earth and it will be your desire to do whatever it takes to enjoy your treasure here on earth. You will miss many valuable opportunities that God has for you because your heart was closer to this earth than it was to the things of God.

Christ desires that your heart be upon HIM and the things of God. HE understands that if you allow your heart to become focused upon the things of this world, that you will be double minded and that you will not fully seek HIM as you should. Christ understands that if the things of this world entangle you, it does not matter how much you profess to be God’s child, you will not be available to truly allow your life to reflect God’s light.

You are commanded to add virtue to your life so as to change your course of thought, feeling and actions. Virtue gives you the moral strength to cut the ties that the world has upon your life so that while you are in the world, you are not of this world. No one forced you to become a Christian. You voluntarily decided that Christ is the way the truth and the life and as such, you should now live your life in such a way that all who see you understand that the things of this world do not possess you.

People do not see your heart but they do see how you spend your time. People do not see your heart but they do see how you use your talent. People do not see your heart but they do see what you treasure. The things of God must be the most important things in your life. If you do not place God first in your life, then the things of the world are first and your heart will not be ready to do the will of God. However, if the things of this world do not possess you, then you will be in a position to follow God wherever HE leads.

God not only desires that you call yourself a Christian but that you also allow your heart to be fully HIS. When you add virtue to your life, you are not allowing the things of this world to have place in your heart and mind and fill that void with the things of God. God does not simply look at the words of your mouth but HE judges you based upon the desires of your heart. If your heart desires the things of this world, than you are a hypocrite in saying that God has all of your heart. Add virtue to your life so that you rid yourself of the influences of this world so that God can truly use you.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his fits: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

The first individual admitted to God�s hall of faith is the second-born son of Adam and Eve. Abel brought an offering unto the Lord of the firstlings of his flock. Able understood who God was and he brought the first of his possessions unto God. God recognized that Able did this by faith and bore witness to the fact that it pleased HIM. Even though Able died as a result of his faith and his sacrifice, his example still speaks to us today about the importance of giving to God by faith the first of our possessions.

Scriptures indicate that Cain was the first to bring an offering. However, God did not accept Cain’s offering. God told Cain that if he did well then his offering would be accepted. What Cain had done wrong, we do not know, but evidently there was something he needed to clear up prior to bringing his offering before the Lord.

Jesus taught us that if we come before the Lord with a gift and remember that we have offended someone that we are to first go and take care of our offended brother and then we can bring our gift. By faith, Able had a clear conscience before his fellowman so that he could come before the Lord with a sacrifice that could be accepted. Remember, Able was not required to bring a sacrifice; this was of his own free will.

Because of the Jesus’ death, we are no longer required to bring sacrifices of sheep and oxen. However, there are still the sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure. These sacrifices are still accepted of the Lord. The question arises as to how pure our heart is. By faith, have we cleared our conscience of all offenses. By faith, have we brought to the Lord our best and not our leftovers.

By faith you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. However, your faith does not stop there. Able was recognized for his faith because he brought a sacrifice unto the Lord with a pure heart. Just as Able by faith believed in the authority of God and brought a sacrifice unto the Lord, so too much you take the next step of faith and be willing to give to the Lord the first of your time, the first of your talents, and the first of your treasure. Be willing to spend time with the Lord. Be willing to give your talents and abilities unto the Lord’s work. Be willing to give your treasure unto those who are doing the Lord’s work.

If you give unto the Lord with a pure heart, trusting that the Lord will take care of you, then you will have properly demonstrated the faith of Able in your life. The witness of Able’s sacrifice lives today and is a testament of how God desires to see our sacrifices with a pure heart. History is full of individuals who gave their first fruits unto the Lord and how the Lord used them mightily. History is also full of examples of those who took their first fruits and gave it over to the wicked one. The stories of these individuals are a scary reminder that where are treasure is, there will our heart be also.

Do you have the faith to trust the Lord and give HIM the first fruits of your time, talent, and treasure? Are you willing to give to the Lord sacrificially so that HE might be glorified through you and so that you might be a testimony unto HIM?