By Pat Lubomski – Ypsilanti, Michigan
Before us everyday, we find the all-to-obvious, massive supply of negatives, sorrow and desperation the world has.
So instead, seek and find a source of goodness, light, promise and reward. God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.
“But without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
How do we seek Him? It’s your quest… you set your vision on finding and then start looking. Look hard, long, far and wide – and know that GOD is in turn seeking us!
Mining for Spiritual Treasure
My friend George in Kenya is a prospector, a miner, as was his dad.
When prospecting, George says, tons of dirt have to be sifted through to find the gold and gems. But it pays off because in the tons of dirt are the gems, the jewels, the gold, and the riches.
Photo courtesy of pxfuel.com
God has mines galore for us with great things and abundance in store for us. There are people out there we will find, who want the light of God shared with them; they too are seeking.
“Miners [They] bring lights [put an end to darkness] and search deep into the mines [investigate every limit] for ore in thick darkness.” Job 28:3 EXB
Be like the George: sift through the dirt and bring the light. We can find the GOLD and GEMS in people.
In life, we can sift through the muck and the dirt and find the gems that God has for us. We can find the treasure and choose to live the way God has intended through His Son. We can be there for those who are seeking God.
The dirt will always be there, so no finger pointing, no judgement.
“[Jesus speaking to a crowd] Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, [I] will draw ALL men unto me.” John 12:31-32 KJV
Like the man said, when we get to heaven, we will be surprised at who else got there.
Remember, this is peaceable living – we like people!
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 NKJV
Mining for Gold in YOU
God calls us His own possession, His very special treasure.
“They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on that day when I publicly recognize them and openly declare them to be My own possession [that is, My very special treasure]. And I will have compassion on them and spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17 AMP
Later, in 1 Peter, God calls us His chosen people and reminds us that we are found.
“But you are a chosen people [or generation; Is. 43:21], royal priests [priesthood], a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession [who belong to God; Ex. 19:5–6]. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who [proclaim the praises/virtues of him who] called you out of darkness into his wonderful [marvelous] light.” 1 Peter 2:9 EXB
You are a masterpiece, one of a kind, set by God in a one of a kind setting, called before the very creation of the world.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed up with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…” Ephesians 1:3-5 NKJV
He has found us, and is refining us to be the image of HIS SON! God is transforming us by His spirit within to be the very image of His Son.
“Cry out for wisdom, and beg [shout out loud] for understanding. Search [Seek] for it like silver, and hunt [search] for it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand respect [fear; awe] for the Lord, and you will find that you know God [the knowledge of God].” Proverbs 2:5 EXB
Find the treasures in life. Seek and ye shall find… but not the mud, dirt, and muck, for if you seek those things, it’ll be in your heart and life. YUCK! the Muck Suckz!
But, God rewards us who diligently seek HIM as for hidden treasure. Eliphaz reminds Job of this truth and blessing in Job 22:
“Obey God [Get along with him] and be at peace with him; this is the way to happiness [or prosperity; Eliphaz calls on Job to repent].
Accept teaching [instruction] from his mouth, and keep [put] his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty [Shaddai], you will be blessed again [restored].
So remove evil [iniquity] from your house [tent]. Throw [Put] your gold nuggets into the dust and your fine gold [Ophir; referring to the fine gold of the region of Ophir, perhaps southern Arabia] among the rocks in the ravines [wadis].
Then the Almighty [Shaddai] will be your gold and the best [choice] silver for you. You will find pleasure [delight] in the Almighty [Shaddai], and you will look up [show favor] to him.
You will pray to [entreat] him, and he will hear you, and you will keep your promises [vows; made in anticipation of answered prayer] to him. Anything you decide will be done, and light will shine on [illuminate] your ways.” Job 22:21-28 EXB
Pat Lubomski has been married to Laurie for more than 40 years. They have hosted home Bible fellowships for 40 years, and they currently pastor a neighborhood Baptist church, as well as fellowships in other cities and the Toledo area.
Watch Pat teach at Christian Family Fellowship in “We Like People!”