ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (APRIL 3, 2012)

In Your Own Backyard

Psalm 19:7-10


"The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold..."
(PSALM 19:9-10)

An old story tells of a man who had a barren orchard. A traveler came by and offered to buy it. "I've heard there's gold around here," said the traveler. The man refused and, when the traveler was gone, began digging for gold. He dug and dug but never found any. Disgusted and tired, the man sat down and cursed the orchard.

Just then the traveler returned. The man gladly sold the orchard to him and left. The following year the man returned to find his former property producing more fruit than ever. The traveler thanked him for finding the gold. "When did I do that?" the man asked.

"When you were digging," said the traveler. "You aerated the soil and broke up the old roots to make room for new ones. Now the orchard produces fruit that I will trade for gold."

When we look outside of God's purpose for us, we miss the "gold" that's in our own backyard. Seeking Him will bring us a return beyond anything we ever dreamed possible. No greater riches could you or I ever find than the treasure of knowing Jesus.


INSIGHT
"BUT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURE IN HEAVEN... FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO."
(MATTHEW 6:20-21)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Samuel 22-23
Psalm 131
2 Corinthians 13

Psalm 19:7-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.


WHAT A MOTHER NEEDS

Motherhood brings many blessings, but perhaps the greatest is a deeper understanding of God's love for His children. He understands a mother's heart better than anyone.