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We have a book in our bookstore that is been featured each day on this site. It is my first book called, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.”
This books has special pricing right now. It is not too early to start thinking about Easter, and this book is a great gift that fits the season.
The book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World,” reaches out to those who may be suffering from anxiety fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.
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Chapter 45
Is What You’re Living for Worth Dying For?
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things
[food and clothing] will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
There once was a famous painter whose paintings were much in demand. He was doing really well selling them.
One day his son became ill and the father took care of him as best he could. The painter eventually carried him to the doctor, but on the way the son died. The painter later died, and his paintings became very valuable.
Everyone showed up to bid on the painter’s work at the auction to sell off his paintings. Some of them were now worth many thousands of dollars. The first painting—a portrait of the painter’s son—was put up for auction. “What do I hear for this fine painting?” asked the auctioneer. No one said a thing.
Again the auctioneer said,” We need a bid on this wonderful painting.” Still no one spoke.
A person in the back said, “Why would we want a painting of the painter’s son? Let us bid on his real paintings!”
The auctioneer gave the bidding one more try: “Do I hear $10 for this painting?”
An old man near the front raised his hand and said, “I bid $10, but that is all I have. I knew the boy and I would like to have a picture of him.”
“Do I hear higher?” Silence. “Going once … going twice … sold!” The auctioneer banged his gavel.
“Good, now we can bid on the real paintings!” the crowd shouted.
“I’m sorry—the bidding is closed,” the auctioneer announced.
A man shouted, “How could that be! There are several more paintings that are worth thousands of dollars.”
“The painter said that whoever bids the highest on his son’s painting would get all of the paintings!” the auctioneer responded.
There are people who live their lives like that! They are greedy and want the real prize—the riches. Look at this story as if it were God who had lost His Son. He has planned for us to have all kinds of riches in Him but first we must accept His Son.
Too many wait to get in a bid on the “good stuff” and overlook the invitation to accept the Son. Which one should we bid on? Are we going to be greedy and end up with nothing in the end?
We all would like to have many things for our families. It would be nice to have all the toys—for the big boys (and girls), as well as for the little boys (and girls). But what good are they in eternity? We can’t take them with us!
We can’t begin to imagine the beauty of heaven and all that is there for us. The streets of gold. The music of a thousand angels. No pain. No suffering. New bodies. Loved ones to see.
That is what we should be working for—not the pleasures of this earth. There is not one thing on this earth that can compare to what is in heaven. There is a prize above all prizes waiting for all that believe in God.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Proverbs 21:21
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians3:14(emphasis mine)
Further Adventures
What are your priorities in life? Sit down and list them. Is it security? Is it happiness? After you have written your list, notice how many of those you can have by knowing God and depending on Him.
Everything in life was created by God. No matter what you see and what you do, God had His hand in it. Your job? Your happiness? God helped you get your job, and He orchestrated the things that bring you happiness.
I have learned that with God in charge of my life, nothing that has happened to me or will happen to me is or will be “by accident.” God is in charge of everything I do.
Something to Ponder
Isn’t it funny that atheism is a “non-prophet” organization?