Pearl of Great Price

The pearl of great price: Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.


Has the excitement of life in God’s Kingdom become dull, common place, gradually declining into lukewarm, unemotional “take-it-for-granted” experience? If a person has always known the Good News, he or she may not always fully appreciate its value.

In researching different gemstones I have discovered something about the pearl that is interesting. The pearl is the only genuine gemstone that is created out of adversity. The oyster has an irritant, always coming from the outside, impure water, bacteria, etc. (even cultured – man made pearls-something is intentionally inserted into the oyster). The oyster begins to cover the irritant layer upon layer a substance that eventually hardens with a luster – then one day the wound is healed and a beautiful pearl emerges.

Pearls look good on young and old alike and are appropriate for any occasion. For generations the pearl has been highly valued, and still is today. The pearl can be found mentioned in ancient scriptures of religions of the world, Hindu, Hebrew, the Christian bible. Out of all the gemstones that glitter and shine only the pearl has a luster that actually radiates light.

In the bible we read about the Pearl of great price – some scholars believe this means wisdom and getting wisdom sometimes involves living through heartache. Others believe that the Pearl of Great Price is Jesus, for the great price He paid for you and me. Either way the Merchant recognized the value of what he found.

We read in scriptures about how God works together the things that occur in our life for our good and His glory. We read about the pearly gates in heaven. Could it be that the gates are actually created out of the irritants, tragic losses, etc. that happens in our lives? The Grace of God has given us, layer upon layer till it produces a healed wound a “precious stone”. Like the gemstone - believers have a luster that radiates his love and shines for his glory.

Let the pearl be a reminder that you have been bought with a great price as you radiate God's love and grace as a testimony and an everlasting witness.

Keep on Dancing

When the nights are long and it seems there is no end

Keep your eyes on Jesus

When you have wandered through the wind and rain

Keep your eyes on Jesus

When the door appears to be locked and there is no way out

Keep your eyes on Jesus

When you’re in a crowd and you feel all alone

Keep your eyes on Jesus

When you’re dry as the desert and there is no water in sight

Keep your eyes on Jesus

There is before you a choice Life or death

Choose Life in Jesus and keep on dancing

Africa Prays for America

On October 16, 2010 African Christians were in the Capitol for “Africa Prays for America” praying for revival for the United States. How exciting is that, I can only imagine how God will answer that prayer. I wonder if the American Christians understand what people the world over know that America’s destiny is to lead in greatness. America has a history of helping other nations in need and helping them rebuild. Now some of these nations are praying to the Almighty God on our Behalf. I don’t know about you but this humbles me. How many of us pray for other countries on a regular basis? How many of us pray for our own city, state, our country and our government? Someone asked the question “If your community depended on your faith for revival, would we see God’s power in action?” Just imagine if we really believed that our God answers prayer. What changes can be done in a day. I challenge those that read this to pray fervently to God for change to begin in you and then for our city, state, and country. All areas of our life should belong to God. Let’s pray for restoration to begin today.

Food for Thought

I came across a great quote:

Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . . . [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.

[James A. Garfield, The Works of James Abram Garfield, Burke Hinsdale, editor (Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, 1883), Vol. II, pp. 486, 489, "A Century of Congress," July, 1877.]

WINDY MEMORIES

A Mighty rushing wind

Can't see it, taste it, or hold it

Only the coolness as it touches

My face and hair; all the while

Carrying me to a place I remember...

The memory burns so deep on that

Autumn day, so long ago,

Together walking with you at my side,

Fighting back the tears as you said goodbye...

I didn't understand then, but now I see

It was the best for you and me.

Though life has been good, still I don't know why

The wind takes me back to a time...

When the pain took by breath away.

And, "If Only's..." run around in my head of

Dreams unfulfilled...

Suddenly... I'm reminded

Of new dreams that took its place and as the

Wind dies down.... I am thankful that it's

Time to come back and into the arms of the

One who loves me with a love that will

Never die. No I will never let go...

No matter how strong the winds may blow.

He who began a good work in you

 “He who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion” Philippians 1:6

Christ likeness is your eventual destination,

This journey will last a lifetime and involves:

Believing (through worship),

Belonging (through fellowship), and

Becoming (through discipleship).

Every day God wants you to become a little more like him:

“You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new

and are becoming like the One who made you.” Colossians 3:10

Wash My Feet

Wash my feet Lord…

Clean the dirt away…

Fill me with your forgiveness

So I can forgive.

Wash my hands Lord…

Clean the dirt away…

Fill me with your provision

So I can provide.

Wash my mouth Lord…

Clean the dirt away…

Fill me with sweet words

So I can tell others.

Wash my heart Lord…

Clean the dirt away…

Fill me with your Love

So I can give Love…

Wash my mind Lord…

Clean the dirt away…

Fill me with your Light

So I have nothing but you.

Wash my feet Lord…

Clean the dirt away…