Treasures New and Old

I would like to comment on why I chose "Treasures New and Old" as the title for this blog.

Jesus said that God's kingdom is like a householder bringing out of his treasure "things new and old." (Matthew 13:52) Our hearts are like treasure chests. The Word of God, insights from the Holy Spirit, as well as the lessons and character development gained through suffering (trials), are all rich "treasures" that get deposited in our hearts as we go through life. I would like to "enrich" the lives of the readers of this blog, by drawing out some of these "treasures". Some of what I post may be "hot off the press" things that God has shown me recently - "new treasures." Other items will come from what has been shown or imparted to me some time ago - "old treasures." I hope that what has strengthened or encouraged me in the past may do the same for someone else in the present or future.

I enjoy journaling - recording how things "strike" me and what God says to me or shows me. I enjoy it so much that I like to challenge others to do the same! If you like journaling, or if you haven't tried it but would like to, you might try journaling about some of the things I will be posting. From time to time, I will include some questions to help you "dig deeper". I would love to hear what God speaks to you or shows you as a result of your "pondering" over the posts or the questions, so you are welcome to share in the "Comments."

Here are some "Digging Deeper" questions -

1. What is one "treasure" God has deposited in your heart in 2007 or so far in 2008? How did He deposit it in your heart?

2. Read/ponder Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 16:16., and Job 28:12-28.

a. Why would God say that wisdom is a treasure more valuable than silver, gold, onyx, sapphire, crystal, coral, pearls and topaz?

b. What does it, or will it, "look like" for you, to be seeking wisdom as hidden treasure and giving it the same value and importance as God does?

3. Read/ponder Isaiah 45:3 - "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel." What are the "treasures of darkness" and "hidden riches of secret places"? Has God given you any of these? How?