Your Treasure House
by Dr. Michael Youssef

Today there are countless ways to address self-image, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-fulfillment. While these themes are pervasive in our culture, pursuing them is a little like drinking salt water - the more we drink, the thirstier we become.

True contentment does not come from self-fulfillment but through discovering the treasure house that Jesus Christ makes available when we surrender our lives to Him. The Apostle Paul reminded us of this treasure house when he wrote, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). We must know Jesus as Lord if we are to receive the spiritual blessings He has provided in the heavenly realm. He is the only source of authentic worth, lasting contentment, deep joy, and fulfillment.

Because of His great love for us, God provides blessings beyond comparison. He has redeemed us for eternity, and He walks with us throughout our lifetime. He comforts us, protects us, delivers us, and He sustains us.

Before the foundation of the earth, God knew each of us by name. He orchestrated every detail of our lives and gave us spiritual eyes to see His great salvation. Then He gave us His Spirit to teach us all things and to remind us of everything Jesus taught (see John 14:26).

Every one of us encounters difficulties - and as a result, we can pray, "Oh God, get me out of this trouble. Please, God - I'll be good. I will repay You some day - just get me out of this mess."

Better still, we can pray: "Lord, we both know that I'm in trouble, but I know Your Word says, 'Let not your heart be troubled.' Lord, I am confident that You have already blessed me with every spiritual blessing. You have given me all the strength that I need to face these problems. Lord, I know that You are walking with me, and that You promised you would never leave me or forsake me. I thank You for hearing my concerns, and for providing a solution. Help me to discern Your will, and to obey You faithfully. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

God paid a hefty price for our sin. Like slaves, we were all under the tyranny and rule of sin. But Jesus paid the price for our deliverance. Why were we chosen and adopted as God's children? Why did Jesus pay so great a price for our redemption? The answer is found in Ephesians 1:12: "for the praise of his glory." This means that every aspect of our lives - regardless of the difficulties - ought to be a sanctuary for praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to God.

God's treasure house - with all of its contents - is made available so that we can appropriate God's riches each day. Are you fully aware of your treasure house in Christ? It is His desire for you to embrace it and to receive it to the fullest.

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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

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Monday, September 01, 2008