Treasure Hunters

by | Jun 4, 2017 | Australia, Learning to Roar, Pakistan, The Journey, The Lion Roars, Uncategorized, YWAM

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

A few months ago we had the privilege in taking part in a powerful time of generous giving to the cause of reaching lost souls and providing believers in the Islamic world with new bibles.  This video is a powerful testimony of God’s irrational economy.  Watch as missionaries empty their pockets for the sake of the gospel.

Treasure in Heaven

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal

Matthew 6:19-20 (KJV)

Jesus invites us to live in a different reality.  One in which we don’t have to worry about our daily bread and are released to give generously, knowing He will meet our needs as they arise according to His glorious riches.  Generosity can be a powerful weapon to liberate from greed and the anxiety that comes from trying to protect earthly riches from loss.

This is the normal Christian life — radical freedom from earthly things and earthly security, with a joyful pursuit of God and his righteousness as our treasure.

Jesus says: the mark of a Christian is that his eyes are on heaven and he measures all his behavior by what effect it will have on heaven — everlasting joy with God.

~ John Piper

God invites us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds in every area of our thinking.  That renewal extends to a renewed philosophy on what true wealth looks like.  We are to be rich in good deeds, and called to a life of giving.  (1 Ti 6:17-19; Lk 12:32-33; Lk 14:13-14)  Indeed “it is more blessed to give than receive.”  Moreover, giving allows us to store up treasures in heaven.

I’m convinced that the greatest deterrent to giving is this: the illusion that earth is our home

~ Randy Alcorn

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 (KJV)

Bounty for Blessing

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed

Proverbs 22:9 (KJV)

I am so excited to share the rest of the story that began with a call to give for the advancement of the Kingdom of God in Pakistan in the Youtube video above.

John preaching the gospel

The team had opportunities to preach in church, minister on a TV program that has millions of viewers across the Middle East and preach a series of crusades.  The largest crusade was expected to draw a crowd of 50,000 to hear the gospel.  However, God had other plans.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.  John 6:44 (NIV)

The Harvest Fields

The crowd swelled to 275,000 people eager to hear about God and receive a miracle.  There were even a number of dignitaries in attendance.  As the good news was preached, it was accompanied with great power. (1 Thes 1:5)  Many miracles took place.  John recounted this one:

“A man who had been crippled in a wheel chair when we prayed shot straight up and began to walk. He came on stage and testified in his testimony he said he could now walk but wished he could run….. we told him, if you want to run, then run!! As soon as we said that he shot across the stage, running and rejoicing back and forth, back and forth… he lifted his eyes up and gave thanks to Jesus!! It was beautiful!!”

Running for Jesus

The response to the gospel was no less spectacular!  90% responded, leading at least 200,000 into their day of salvation.  What a glorious God we have in Jesus Christ, the Captain of Salvation!  As the Moravians would say, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!”  Indeed, this day He received of that reward.

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