THE JEWEL OF FAVOR

THE JEWEL OF FAVOR

(Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's)

"Then was I in his eyes as one that found favour" (Song of Solomon 8:10, KJV).

God's words to us generally fall into two categories, called logos and rhema. The Rev. Danny Daniels, Director of Prayer and Prophetic at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida, explained the meaning of these Greek words.

"Logos is the written word of God, as well as the living Word, Jesus Christ. Rhema is a personalized word from God, which might come out of the logos."

To illustrate these terms, I would ask the reader to imagine herself standing in a cheering crowd, straining to catch a glimpse of a king as he passes in his royal carriage, surrounded by his entourage.

You might see him for a moment, or you might be inspired by some words he may pause to speak. However to you, the king would remain distant—someone you read about, see on the news or know facts about. He would not be a friend in whom you would confide your joys and sorrows.

Sadly, this is how many Christians relate to God. They read their Bibles and learn facts about Him, even life-changing facts. But God is not someone with whom they carry on a two-way conversation. His word, the Bible, remains the logos "written" word. It might address the reader's finances, marriage, family or life situations; however, she does not hear the personal love song of the author's heart.

Now, imagine yourself back in the crowd, but this time you see the king glance in your direction. Across the multitudes, his eyes meet yours. The king orders his driver to stop and he emerges from his carriage.

The throngs hush and part as he makes his way closer and closer, causing your heart to beat faster and faster. Reaching you at last, the king extends his hand and leads you to his carriage, where you commune face to face.

This is the rhema message, the kingdom of God within the believer's heart.[i] It is heaven here and now—reaching out to you.

PEARL TO PONDER: In the 16th century, St. Teresa of Avila, Spain, wrote a book, "The Interior Castle." What does that title mean to you?

LOVE NUGGET: "I have summoned you by name; you are mine."[ii]
*Read more devotions like this one in "Where Your Heart Meets God's," published by MillerWords. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

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[i] See Luke 17:21

[ii] Isaiah 43:1, NIV

FIND YOUR TREASURE: Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's

The Jewel of Discovery

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV).

Treasure hunters hack through jungles, climb mountains and dive into oceans to uncover vast fortunes. Priceless works of art and valuable antiques have been discovered at yard sales, thrift stores and in dusty attics. But sometimes, treasure is found where we least expect, even when we are not looking for it.

I never imagined this could happen to me, especially on that ordinary winter afternoon in the foothills of Maryland's mountains, where our cozy home was tucked away. Like thousands of days before, I'd just prepared supper for our family of five, then sat at the kitchen table while I waited for my husband to return from work. Taking a moment to watch peaceful snow falling outside our picture window, I breathed-in the aroma of food simmering on the stove and listened to my children playing in another room.

Soon, I caught a welcome glimpse of Dan's car pulling into the driveway. Our front door opened and closed. After Dan stomped the snow from his shoes, his footsteps approached.

Entering the kitchen, he brushed my cheek with a kiss on which snowflakes lingered. He placed an old, clothbound book on the table.

"I stopped at a rummage sale and picked this up," he said. "It's the great Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, a preacher in 17th century England. The book is an allegory, which follows the central character, Christian's, journey through this life to the next. I thought you might want to read it."

Ever the bargain lover, Dan stood tall and smiled. "I bought this copy for only ten-cents."

After Dan went to greet the children, I opened the book and flipped through its yellowed pages. They gave off a musty smell, as if this classic work had been stored in an attic and forgotten for decades. Back then, I never imagined that I had just opened a door to an everlasting treasure of the heart. Nor could I have imagined that God has such a treasure prepared for me, or that every person has the same, if we will but believe.

This can be compared to a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, rubies, diamonds, emeralds and so much more. The hinges squeal as we crack open the lid and peek inside.

Custom-made to each heart and individual calling, the jewels offer glimpses of realities that this world's trials and even the grave can never take away. The following pages offer steps in a thrilling journey that spans eternity. Will you come along to discover the wonders God has for you?

It all begins with a prayer, "Lord, open my eyes."

Let us extend our hearts and reach for the first jewel.

PEARL TO PONDER: What does "a treasure of the heart" mean to you?

LOVE NUGGET: God gives treasures to those He treasures. "You will be my treasured possession."[i] 

[i] Exodus 19:5, NIV

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Open the pages to discover your treasure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_