"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33 NKJ).
Two days before Easter my sixteen-year old son begged to hunt eggs on Easter morning. He based his request on the fact that it had been several years since the egg hiding bunny had visited our house.
In honor of my son's request my husband, Warren, and I joined the last-minute fray in the picked-over holiday aisle at Target. We found a few goodies for Eric, but completed his Easter egg hunting ensemble with a stop at Walgreens. We were ready to play Easter Bunny and surprise our "young-at-heart" son with an egg hunt that he did not think was going to materialize.
Delight radiated from Eric's face on Easter morning when he discovered his bright orange bag containing a chocolate bunny and a package of Peeps. But, when we told him there were eggs to hunt, we were greeted with a priceless smile.
Warren, my mother, and I enjoyed watching Eric flit around the room tracking down the plastic, candy-filled eggs like a predator looking for its next meal. Actually, it really was like the scenario of a hungry animal because I don't like to cook, and Eric would gladly eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I let him.
Eric was hunting down eggs with cat-like precision until he got to the last egg. It was nestled in a candle holder mounted on the wall and he could not find it. Because I had hidden the eggs I was the only one privy to its location and, before I knew it, Warren and my mother had joined Eric on his quest to find the "hidden-in-plain-sight" egg.
After I provided a few hints Eric located the elusive treasure. When he snatched the egg from its hiding place he sat down and took inventory of all the goodies that filled the colorful eggs.
Sometimes finding God is like hunting Easter eggs. Some people find the treasure of His kingdom without much effort. However, others may struggle as they search for the spiritual riches hidden right before their eyes in the mountains of our Creator, in the cry of a baby formed by divine hands, and in the gentle rain of our benevolent God.
It is not unusual for spiritual treasure hunters to miss the joy of the Lord that surrounds them on all sides. They need someone to provide hints so they can find the riches eluding them. Eric would not have found that egg without my help. Likewise, someone floundering around the spiritual world may never find the One True God unless someone points them in the right direction.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God'" (John 3:3 NKJ).
Hitting someone over the head with a Bible probably isn't the best way to guide them to God. A kind word, a helping hand, or an invitation to a church event or dinner in your home is much more effective methods. These activities open the door to relationship which, in turn, provides you the opportunity to steer an unbeliever to Jesus. Practical Christianity watches for opportunities to help a seeker find God's treasure. Don't be afraid to steer a lost in Jesus' direction. You never know when you may be the person that holds the that will help open the eyes of a lost soul who is on the true treasure hunt to God.
" And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. God, therefore and make disciples of all the nations...'" (Matthew 28:18-19).
(c)2009 Shona Neff
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33 NKJ).
Two days before Easter my sixteen-year old son begged to hunt eggs on Easter morning. He based his request on the fact that it had been several years since the egg hiding bunny had visited our house.
Delight radiated from Eric's face on Easter morning when he discovered his bright orange bag containing a chocolate bunny and a package of Peeps. But, when we told him there were eggs to hunt, we were greeted with a priceless smile.
Warren, my mother, and I enjoyed watching Eric flit around the room tracking down the plastic, candy-filled eggs like a predator looking for its next meal. Actually, it really was like the scenario of a hungry animal because I don't like to cook, and Eric would gladly eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I let him.
Eric was hunting down eggs with cat-like precision until he got to the last egg. It was nestled in a candle holder mounted on the wall and he could not find it. Because I had hidden the eggs I was the only one privy to its location and, before I knew it, Warren and my mother had joined Eric on his quest to find the "hidden-in-plain-sight" egg.
After I provided a few hints Eric located the elusive treasure. When he snatched the egg from its hiding place he sat down and took inventory of all the goodies that filled the colorful eggs.
It is not unusual for spiritual treasure hunters to miss the joy of the Lord that surrounds them on all sides. They need someone to provide hints so they can find the riches eluding them. Eric would not have found that egg without my help. Likewise, someone floundering around the spiritual world may never find the One True God unless someone points them in the right direction.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God'" (John 3:3 NKJ).
Hitting someone over the head with a Bible probably isn't the best way to guide them to God. A kind word, a helping hand, or an invitation to a church event or dinner in your home is much more effective methods. These activities open the door to relationship which, in turn, provides you the opportunity to steer an unbeliever to Jesus. Practical Christianity watches for opportunities to help a seeker find God's treasure. Don't be afraid to steer a lost in Jesus' direction. You never know when you may be the person that holds the that will help open the eyes of a lost soul who is on the true treasure hunt to God.
" And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. God, therefore and make disciples of all the nations...'" (Matthew 28:18-19).
(c)2009 Shona Neff