Treasured Ministries

Offering women a biblical solution for inner healing

Aliene

New Wine

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Treasured One, 

Before you were born . . . even before I created the world . . . I loved you (Ephesians 1:4). Loving you was not something I felt I had to do out of obligation. No, it was my heart’s desire to love you, and loving you brought me great joy (Ephesians 1:5). In fact, I loved you so much that I gave my Son so you could be completely free to love me (Ephesians 1:6–8).

Sin cannot and will never separate us. Nothing you have done or will ever do could take away my love from you . . . therefore, you and I can have a relationship with no barriers (Ephesians 3:12). No pretending. Nothing between you and me. You cannot lose me. Not even death can separate us (Romans 8:38). 

The Use of New Wine in Old Wineskins

Jesus invited her to place her confidence in him and rest from her self-efforts, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform her heart from within. He brought her new wineskins to carry the covenant. 

However, she clutched tightly to her old wineskins, afraid of change. 

I must pour this new wine into my old wineskins, she thought. I will depend on Jesus, yes . . . and on myself. 

Her mix of self-efforts and faith in Jesus gave her a false sense of security. She thought she could control her world . . . but she couldn’t. Eventually, her old wineskins burst, and her new wine spilled out.  

Her life had not been easy. She had been wounded long before, but she had determined to survive—alone. I must be strong to protect myself from pain, she vowed, and that vow became her religion. She was so busy trying to be strong and shielding herself from grief that she didn’t give to Jesus what He truly desired: her pain.

  • Her burdens.
  • Her weakness.
  • Her needs.  

That is my story…can you relate? 

“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22). 

The old wineskins represent our efforts to be good enough to win God’s favor. To work things out on our own. To earn love by keeping the law. But the new wineskins represent the new approach by grace brought to us by Jesus and a new way of walking – by faith in his power. 

The Healing of a Paralyzed Man

When, in the second chapter of Mark, the men lowered their paralytic friend through the ceiling to Jesus so that he could be healed, Jesus was impressed with their persistent faith—they proved that they would do whatever it took to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus.  

Walking by faith does not mean a lack of action or responsibility on our end. The men took action because of their faith in Jesus. Faith and action always walk hand in hand (James 2:14-26). 

We intercept our insecurities through deeper intimacy with Jesus. And deeper intimacy inspires the trust to walk by faith.

We follow Jesus out of love.

We are connected to him through trust and love, not control.  

As the Holy Spirit prompts us and we respond, we find ourselves moving away from self-sufficiency towards complete dependence on God. This movement towards him not only impacts our lives but also the lives around us.

We take hold of God’s purpose for our lives by being led by the Holy Spirit to become all he has created us to be. “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

This is not a call to legalism or fixed formulas but an invitation to follow Jesus so that the greatest story—the gospel of Jesus Christ—can be told. 

Nourish Scripture: Mark 2 

Download Nourishing Your Heart so you can connect with God’s Word and take hold of his purpose for your life!

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © 2019 Treasured Ministries.

Risky Generosity

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Leading others out of a place of refreshment instead of resentment happens through God’s abundance. But sometimes our subconscious will resist receiving and argue with abundance, resulting in actions that block the flow of generosity, leaving us worn out and weary instead of rejuvenated by giving.

In today’s Podcast learn how to cultivate courageous generosity God’s way. 

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Captive

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Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened.

“What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28)

The Presence of Jesus

The presence of Jesus was captivating. Many traveling rabbis came to teach in the synagogues, but this man’s words carried power.

Who was he?

His teaching came with authority.

His presence brought peace and order.

His words pushed evil away, and the people were amazed.

His power was paired with compassion that moved him to heal the hurting and touch the untouchable. People followed Jesus everywhere. His teaching and touch captivated the hearts of those he would save.  

Jesus is still captivating hearts today.   

As Jesus captures our hearts with his words, we capture the life we were created to live. 

Pausing from life’s pressures to spend time with Jesus through prayer is a gift. We learn to trust as we learn more about the one who is trustworthy. Time with Jesus is essential to the health of our souls. Knowing God, seeking him through his Word and prayer – pausing and pulling away to experience his presence is powerful.  

The presence of Jesus freed the man controlled by evil spirits in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:23-26). His testimony must have been amazing to hear. I wonder how many Sabbaths he had sat in the synagogue hoping to be delivered from the demon’s control.  

While going to the synagogue was a good thing, it was the power of Jesus’s presence that set him free.  

The Power of Connecting with Jesus

Attending church is a wonderful part of our Christian faith, but only connecting with Jesus can free us from the life-controlling issues we face. Religion has no real power to change us – only by connecting with Jesus through a relationship are we set free. God is not merely a rule maker – he is a heart-changer. 

Jesus came to set us free from anything that seeks to control us.

  • Anger.
  • Worry.
  • Depression.
  • Insecurity. 
  • An addiction. 

The demon of an unforgiving spirit. Jesus has the power to release whatever is controlling you so can be free to follow him. 

That day in Capernaum, Jesus silenced the evil and freed the man with his stern and passionate command to the demon: “Come out of him!” (Mark 1:25). Jesus is as passionate about bringing rest to your soul as he was to free this man. As you sit in the healing presence of Jesus, he will set you free from negative forces with the power of the Holy Spirit 

Sometimes rescue is immediate—as it was for the man at Capernaum. Other times, it is a process. We must trust Jesus to transform us in his way and in his time (Philippians 1:6). When we abide in him, we bear fruit that matters (John 15:5).  

  • Rest.
  • Healing.
  • Direction.
  • Restoration.
  • Transformation.

Find all of this and more as you turn away from your busy schedules to pause, pray and come into the healing presence of Jesus.  

Nourish Scripture: Mark 1  

Come into the healing presence of Jesus by downloading Nourishing Your Heart and discovering how to THRIVE on God’s Word.

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © 2019 Treasured Ministries.

Your Bethel

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Solitude nourishes our souls and creates room to hear God’s still small voice, yet often clutter crowds out this opportunity. Dedicating a space in your home designed for spending time in God’s presence is a solution to a lack of solitude. 

Want more? Today’s podcast is an audio message taken from Dream Builder. This six-week study on Joseph and the Patriarchs  written by Aliene Thompson is a part of the Nourish Bible Study Series.

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Sweet Sixteen

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The Spiritual Occasion of the Royal Wedding

She was confident and stunning. With lace covering her shoulders and an heirloom tiara precisely positioned in her hair, Kate Middleton reflected a natural beauty on her wedding day. Elegance cascaded effortlessly as she advanced down the lengthy aisle of awe-inspiring Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. With her father by her side, every step along the royal red carpet brought her closer to being joined to Prince William in holy matrimony.  

The royal wedding was not simply a grand affair—it was a global event.

Ladies wearing fashionable hats in many hues and men in their finest, royalty and well-to-do, witnessed history as a young lady became a princess. Besides those present, eyes from around the world connected through television and the Internet to be a part—if only remotely—of a stirring historic wedding.  

Relaxing on a comfy couch before the flat-screen, I was one of the billions who set aside time to watch this spectacular occasion.

I know that fairy tales aren’t real; still, I enjoyed lingering in a land of queens, kings, and castles where it’s easy to imagine that fairy tales, as the song lyrics insist, can come true. Lost in the wonder and fanfare of the moment, I found myself forgetting that beyond this enchanting extravagance, marriage is a solemn and spiritual occasion designed by the Creator himself.  

The Bishop of London, Dr. Richard Chartres, who officiated that day, reminded me of this. As he stood at the podium, his deep voice filled the hall with a warmth that beckoned my attention and shifted my focus to Jesus, my heavenly Bridegroom.

Like a full moon that provides the brightest light in a star-filled sky, his carefully expressed homily highlighted this simple truth: Only Christ can complete our lives and give us the security we need so we can give to others.  

“As the reality of God has faded from so many lives in the West, there has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: We all need the love that is secure, rather than oppressive; we need mutual forgiveness to thrive.”  

Remarkable truth.

As his words rolled around in my head for a moment, the glamour of this Cinderella day seemed to fade into the background. I realized that even a prince with the world at his fingertips could not provide his bride with enough security.

Even a prince who bestows his bride with the title of princess cannot give her enough significance to satisfy.

Even a deeply devoted husband cannot provide his wife with all the love and acceptance she needs.  

Everlasting joy, security, and true rest for our souls come not from belonging to a person or holding a certain position or gaining worldly possessions—but by trusting a Savior.  

Come See Jesus with Fresh Eyes this Summer 

Welcome to Sweet Sixteen: A Treasured Ministries Weekly Word Series Study on the sixteen chapters in the Gospel According to Mark. 

Jesus said that if we seek him, we will find him.

Let’s seek Jesus this summer with an open heart that dares to believe that our he is all we’ll ever need. Here is what you can expect:

  • Start your week drawing closer to Jesus with a devotion sent to your inbox Monday morning.  
  • See Jesus with fresh eyes of faith this summer as you read through the entire gospel of Mark one chapter at a time, one week at a time. At the bottom of each devotion, you will find a weekly Nourish Scripture to apply the Nourish Bible Study Method. Find security and freedom from fear as you get to know Jesus intimately through his Word.  
  • Let go of the Jesus you’ve learned from others, and look instead at the Jesus of the Bible as the source for living water to quench your soul’s thirst.   
  • Own this truth and gain confidence: your true value and purpose for which you were created can only come from Jesus himself. 

Jesus is worthy of our trust. His provision is not simply for the future, for everlasting life in heaven; his name already brings salvation and healing to our souls. Our salvation—our security in Jesus—begins with abundant life here on earth (John 10:10). He loves us unconditionally and wants the best for us.  

Let this summer inspire a whole new level of trusting Jesus, one that we can experience together. We belong to Jesus—the only one who can complete our lives and give us the security we need so that we can freely give to others.  

Invite a friend to join you!  Let’s do this! 

Blessings, 

 Aliene 

You’ve been promised a joyous life. Download Nourishing Your Heart to learn how to connect with God’s Word and transform the way you live!

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series.© 2019 Treasured Ministries.

She Lives in Freedom

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Lord, when the enemy of my soul causes me to fall back into legalism, which can only complicate my faith, let me breathe the beautiful simplicity of the new commandment: love.

May I remember that I must first receive your love for myself by seeing myself the way you see me.

The self-deprecating thoughts must end. Harsh judgments I throw over myself must hush!

Your love is great, and only when I receive your love for myself can I bring it to others.

Let me look at my life through the lens of the gospel to see myself and others differently. May I deliberately breathe in grace for myself and exhale your grace and love to others. Your love is life-giving, filling my cup to overflowing with joy beyond expression. 

(Pray God’s Word: John 15: 9–11)

Want more? Click here to read the scripture. 

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © Copyright Treasured Ministries 2019

Her Advocate Has the Advantage over Her Adversary

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Abba Father, my adversary is creating adversity, and life has become heavy and hard. But I choose to remember this truth today: my advocate, the Holy Spirit, is greater than my adversary, the devil. 

May I remember that the enemy of my soul is at the root of evil in my life.  

When I face what he throws my way, I must take out the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and speak your truth over my situation.  

The darkness that has cast a shadow over my life is not the end of the story because you have dominion over darkness.

You are the light I see, and as I walk by faith with you through this valley, you will lead me to the other side. Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path, and gives me power over the enemy of my soul.  

Holy Spirit, give me a truth today that I can cling to and use to speak over and over again when the tempter tries to convince me that my situation is hopeless.  

In this world, I may have trouble, but my God has overcome the world!  

(Pray God’s Word: Matthew 4:1–11, 16, 23–24; John 14:15–21; 16:33; Ephesians 6:17) 

Want more? Click here to read the scriptures.  

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © Copyright Treasured Ministries 2019

She Witnesses This Truth in Her Wilderness: God’s Power Prevails

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Lord, the steps through the wilderness are always the hardest.

The very hardest.

Help me remember there is purpose in this pathway—even when I don’t understand.  

Let me live with hope by remembering my Egypt is behind me and the Promised Land before me.  

All you ask me to do today is to take the next step. Help me to get caught up not in knowing every detail of my God-ordained destiny, but in the sheer delight of a daily adventure of walking by faith. One step at a time.  

Sometimes you lead us into the wilderness for us to witness that your power is all we need. And so, I rejoice today. Though this season is difficult, you are building my faith for my destiny.  

(Pray God’s Word: Deuteronomy 8; Matthew 4:1–11) 

Want more? Click here to read the scriptures.  

Blog written by Aliene Thompson. Aliene Thompson is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the Author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. © Copyright Treasured Ministries 2019