The Pursuit of Happiness (part 3)

Do you like searching for treasure? Digging around, looking through stuff in search of the "diamond" in the rough? Well, I do and so does my precious wife. We have been "hunters" for a long time. From flea markets to panning for gem's, we've done it all.....we love it!

We have even played this little game with our kids when they were smaller. One Christmas, we had someone give us a used motorbike for them. We had taken it and had all the broken stuff on it fixed, serviced it and cleaned it up. It actually looked pretty good when we finished even though it was older and used. We were still very thankful and were excited about all 3 of them getting it for their Christmas present. We planned a very special treasure hunt just for them. Under the tree we had placed the beginnings of a treasure map for them. It led them to a few places in the house where we had stashed other notes or pieces of the puzzle.

They were finally led outside where we had buried a little treasure chest for them with even more clues. Now you can imagine their excitement building as they hurried from place to place searching for the next clue. They ultimately wound up running down the road to a neighbors' house where we had their "treasure" hidden (with permission from the neighbor of course) in the garage. Needless to say it was awesome to watch them go from point to point as they continued on their treasure hunting journey. Once they found it they just couldn't believe their blessed treasure. In all their wildest dreams they would have never guessed what they received.

But what if they got up that morning and got their first piece of the map and just stayed in the house and never went to the next piece? Would they have received their blessing? NOPE! What if they went so far as to go outside but never finish at their final stop? Blessing? NOPE! They had to follow to the last piece fell into place. Then and only then would they receive all their father (and mother of course) had prepared for them.

I believe that our next point regarding our searching for happiness must be understood as a TREASURE HUNT! Few view their experience with the Bible as that. Often it is looked at as outdated, not relevant, too narrow and even boring are just a few I personally have heard. But nothing could be further from the truth. In our passage in Luke 11:28 we see that happiness isn't just contingent on hearing ( understanding) the bible but also on the application of it to our lives.

Here is where many just flat out don't get it. I just recently was speaking to a man who was going through marital problems. He and his wife were separated and he was looking for help. I took him to the bible (where else would I go???) of course. As we were studying a passage together he made a remarkable statement to me, "you really believe this stuff, don't you." I was taken back for a moment but soon realized how powerful a statement he had really made. I said "yes I do and I so believe it that it follow it, I do it, I apply it to my life and family."

This is where many fumble the ball. You see, we can hear the Bible all the time, understand it, and still not experience the blessing of it. We must actually do it for us to gain the blessing of it! I will go as far as saying this...If we aren't doing it, keeping it, following it....then we DON'T believe it! We can say all we want that we do but the proof of it will be in the doing of it. James says faith without works is DEAD!

Once we apply God's truths to our lives, we will then experience HIS promise. Until then we have the map but no treasure. We must go all the way with God. Believe, trust HIM and follow HIM to gain what HE has so lovingly provided. Anything else is a cheap immitation!!!

What is holding you back dear one? Why will you not follow Jesus? Why will you not give way and let HIM have HIS way with you? Get into HIS word and let HIS word get into you. All the way to the point of keeping it. Follow HIS treasure map pieces as HE leads you on your way of the Blessing of Happiness. It is only found in and through HIM!

I've gotta go. I've got my bible open, my shovel in hand and some treasure to find!!!! Let's go digging!!!

Blessings
Bruce