The Tale
Nathan was 78 years old and had lived a good life, but he was dieing and didn't have very long left on this earth. He had a great family and was proud of his grandchildren. James is oldest grandchild had been in trouble but was a good kid with a lot of unrealized potential. Nathan called James in to his bed side and James came in glad to see his grandfather.
“James,” Nathan said.
“I want you to find something for me. I when I found it, it was the secret to my success. It is the most valuable thing in the earth. More valuable than all the oil in the ground, and more valuable than all the diamonds in Africa.”
With excitement James took the treasure map. The path led right outside of town. James ran out and followed the map and found himself at the local graveyard. Confused he looked on the back of the map and there was a message that read, “Look at the tombstones and you will find the clues there.”
James spent hours reading each of the headstones before giving up and heading back to his grandfather.
Nathan asked him, “Did you find it?”
“No Grandpa, I couldn't figure out the clues.” Said James.
“What where some of the Epitaphs that you saw?,” asked Nathan.
“He Died As He Lived.1”
“Pard, we will meet again in the Happy Hunting Ground, To part no more, Goodbye2”
“Nothing's so sacred as honor, and nothing's so loyal as love.3”
“Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here.4”
“As the flowers are all made sweeter by the sunshine and the dew, So this old world is made brighter by the lives of folks like you.5”
“Those are good but you only gave me five, how many graves did you look at?” Nathan replied.
“Hundreds,” answered James. “Most of them just had a Name, date, dash, and date.”
“Let me help you” said Nathan, “The greatest treasure in the earth isn't the diamonds or oil, it is the unrealized potential that people took to the grave with them. It is the dreams, hopes, and destinies that never came to pass. It's that dash that is so important. I don't want you to not use your treasure, and to leave your life as just a dash. God has a glorious future in store for you James. If I can leave you with the realization that trust and obedience to God is the key for turning that dash into into a life of fulfillment then I just might complete turning my dash into an epitaph that will last.”
True Story
It's true God has given each one of us a great potential and he has a great plan for each of us. He has the greatest things in store for us. Great jobs, and great relationships, he knows even the secret desires of our hearts and is working so that we can be fulfilled. Girls are always saying, I wish I could get a good Christian guy. Guys are saying they want a good girl. Family's are needing more to provide for themselves. There are new levels of greatness in us that have not been reached yet. So what is the map to lead us to unlocking these treasures? Well it's all outlined in the Bible.
Trust
Trust is one of the hardest things to do in this world. We view trust based on what we experience in our relationships with other people. Because often we are betrayed by those people we automatically learn not to trust people. However you have to remember that God has never broke a promise. Every time you have a doubt there are simple things to remember so that you can overcome the doubt.
God Loves You
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39
God Is Merciful
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. - Psalm 145:8-9
God Has A Plan
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9 NIV
God Is With You
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua
God Will Support You
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2
God Has A Will
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. - Matthew 26:39
God Has Perfect Timing
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Obedience
Obedience is something that everyone struggles with. Our flesh fights to get it's own way and obedience isn't something we can do overnight. It's something that we have to learn how to do. Think about when you where a kid. Did you know to do what your parents told you to do? Did you know what they where telling you was because they had a bigger picture? If your like most people you still tested your boundaries?
It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. - Deuteronomy 13:4
You see for those who haven't learned there is something important about being obedient. It doesn't cause you grief. When you do what you are suppose to do when your suppose to do it, you don't have to worry about it later.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. - 1 John 5:3
Finally the other important thing about obedience is that it will last. Cheating, lying, and any other form of disobedience that you can think of is a temporary fix for a problem that will only grow bigger. Being obedient and doing the the right thing brings about positive change that can last forever.
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17
Have The Strength
So get over the excuses. Don't say I've done too much wrong because what happened in the past is not as important as what is in your future. I've done good enough is not an excuse either. God hasn't done his best work in your yester-years. The best is yet to come. Most importantly don't say you don't have what it takes. You are a child of God, you have the strength of He who created the world. To quote Joel Osteen's new book, Become A Better You. “You come from a bloodline of champions. Your Heavenly Father spoke the galaxies into existence. Your elder brother defeated the enemy. Think about some of your natural ancestors:
Moses parted the Red Sea. There's great faith in your bloodline.
David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath with only a few pebbles. That is courage in you bloodline.
Samson toppled a building. There's supernatural strength in you bloodline.
Daniel spent an entire night in a lion's den and wasn't harmed. Divine protection flows through your bloodline.
Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem when all the odds were against him. Determination and persistence pulsate through your bloodline.
Queen Esther put her life on the line to save God's people. Sacrifice and heroism are in your bloodline.”
So grab your shovels and dig that treasure out of yourself. Invest in others and you'll unlock the treasures in them and as always any questions, concerns or prayer requests feel free to contact me.
*Footnote: The Epitaphs where from actual headstones from famous outlaws and cowboys.
1 Billy the Kid
2 Wild Bill Hickok
3 Wyatt Earp
4 Jessie James
5 Bonnie Parker of Bonnie and Clyde
0 comments:
Post a Comment