Little Treasures

I just sat down at my desk to do my Bible study and I noticed a nut on my desk. It was the exact nut that I pointed out to my son the other day when we were outside. He collects things from God's creation (like nuts, flowers, bugs) whenever he sees them. He has an eye for picking out God's created treasures when we are on a walk or in a parking lot or on a hike in the woods. And it's not uncommon for him to put a prized treasure on his dad's nightstand ... or my desk. Just a little reminder of his love for us. He loves to give sweet tokens of love - like a nut.

Our Heavenly Father loves to bless us with good gifts as well to remind us of His love for us - as if the sacrifice of the life of Jesus wasn't enough! Listen to the words of Jesus found in Luke 11:9-13.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Consider the things for which you did not ask, yet received - like your daily bread. Do we even realize all that God is doing for us - even at this very moment? I love that passage in Luke 12 where Jesus is telling His disciples not to worry about life - food, clothes, etc. He reminds the disciples of how God cares for them and will provide for them as He provides for simple things like ravens and lilies. He continues in verse 29 ...
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock [how beautiful that He calls His disciples "little flock"], for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Wow - did you hear those words? It is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom! I don't know what you've been going through, but I know these are great words of encouragement for any believer. Give thanks for the daily needs that the Lord has provided. Think about how your body is functioning - you are alive, your heart is beating and pumping blood to every part of your body! Think about how you have a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your back - give thanks, my friend. These things, which seem simple, are great provisions from the hand of our Heavenly Father. They are good gifts. And as you give thanks for these, I'm sure you will find a limitless list of good gifts that the Father has provided just for you. Praise the Lord for His lovingkindness.
Grace and peace to you.