Pastor Jim Holbrook

Aspecial thought for this new year of “Perfect Vision 2020”. What if we, individually, were to take a closer look at our priorities and treasures in life? And what if we were to ask ourselves this question,“Do we own our treasures, or do our treasures own us?”

In Matthew 6:21, the Lord Jesus Christ taught, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Then, in Mark 8:36-37, the Lord went on to share,“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Well, when we consider all the confusion throughout our world right now, maybe we should personally take the time to individually reflect and re-evaluate what our true priorities, values, and treasures are in life, and from the depth of each heart, let us be honest and ask ourselves "What is, and where is, my true treasure right now?”, and,“Is my true treasure based on trusting in the things of this Earth, or is it based on trusting in the things of our Father which art in Heaven?"

Money, prestige, position, power and so on. Ask yourself, “Should any of this list take priority over the treasures in heaven?”

Jesus Christ was never double-minded concerning this. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye can not serve God and mammon.”

The Heavenly Father also never lost sight of His love nor His treasured desire of reconciliation with His creation.“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotton son ( Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ( John 3:16)

In fact, in spite of our sin towards God, He still loved us first.“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

In John 3:3-7, Jesus Christ shared with a troubled Pharisee named Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus saith unto him,“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?” Jesus answered,“Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.”

Jesus Christ went on to teach us the only way to true communion with the Father, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Wow. Since salvation is not dependent on our earthly gains, money, prestige, or position, then, let us personally consider the following questions. If we were standing before Almighty God this very day —

• Would I be allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

• Am I saved? Am I born again?

• Have I personally invited the only way, truth, and life, the Lord Jesus Christ into my life?

• Am I living and trusting in my own best merits, or in God’s perfect will for my eternal life?

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). By grace of God, and not of by works of man.

With that, since this day will be done, and tomorrow is never promised, should we procrastinate any longer? “Choose you this day whom you will serve?”

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So, which will it be? Trinkets on earth, or treasures in Heaven?

God loves you so very, very much. If you are unsure about your relationship with Jesus Christ, then, make 2020 a very special year by humbly calling out to the Heavenly Father in sincere repentance of your sin; believing that salvation is only through the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; head of the Church.

God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness will come upon your life. By the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are instantly reconciled into right fellowship with your Heavenly Father, and now live in the assurance of life eternal, to dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Blessings of joy to all who pass this way on the greatest adventure of all time — God's perfect will.