I will teach you hidden lessons from our past – stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:2-4
Like some, I have lived a few decades to remember the hidden treasures that could be found in a box of cereal. I am not sure who started this clever marketing gimmick, but it made kids beg parents to purchase cereal only for the little gems inside. I remember being impatient to discover the hidden treasure and dumping the entire box out into a big container to retrieve my little surprise. Nowadays, there are no hidden gems inside the box, as I am sure someone discovered the choking hazard and had it banned.
Recently, I heard a pastor say, “truth is to be discovered not to be made up by yourself along the journey.” Jesus taught truth in parables all throughout the Bible. The truth in His parables are like a hidden treasures meant to be discovered, applied and shared. This summer, I have been trying to teach truth to my kids through mini lessons that are relatable. Sharing stories in life and the Bible for them to can discover who God is and how much He loves them. He wrote the Bible as a big love note, so that everyone might know how much He loves them and desires a relationship with them.
My focus with the kids this summer has been showing and learning about: Real Love, Real Faith, Real Mercy, and Real Forgiveness. As I was teaching my kids these real truths, I discovered hidden treasures for myself. There were gems in God’s word that He wanted me to see for myself. Sometimes it is when I release what I think I “know” about God, that I discover the hidden treasure that has been there all along. It’s all about His love…guiding me all the way.
The hard task after teaching these truths to my kids, is living them out in real, applicable ways. Once a gem of truth is discovered, it is my job to live it out – making it real for them and others to see. God is watching and waiting for us to take these gems and make them shine. Shine for His glory – attract others to the shine and the source.
If you are still looking for those hidden treasures of truth, try a new strategy. Release what you think you know about God. Empty yourself and allow God to fill you with gems in His word. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Come. Taste. See. His greatest treasure is His love for you. The summer days may soon fade away…but with a new season comes new treasures awaiting discovery.
Hidden Treasures
Discover. Apply. Share.
What gems can I discover about God today?