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A Gift Just for YOU!

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Happy Thanksgiving Treasured Tribe!

Today we wrap up our Resilience Series on 1 Peter with a gift just for you. Millicent Phillips has written a beautiful poem called “Horizons” just for the Treasured Tribe to commemorate our journey together through 1 Peter.

Download your printable of the “Horizons” poem to enjoy and share with friends.

Click here to download.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for you!

Blessings,

Aliene Thompson

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.

The Fruit of Forgiveness

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When I look to others for validation it is impossible for me to live in victory, because I have positioned myself as a victim under the control of others, which will always result in shame, indecision, insecurity, and an inability to show sincere love. But when I release others of that responsibility and transfer my trust to God instead, everything changes.  Treasured Tribe – you are stronger than you think and braver than you know. Live in victory by looking at yourself and others through the lens of the gospel.

In today’s Facebook live, learn to live under the crown so that Christ will reign.

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Stand Firm to Serve

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There was an entire world to look out at, a whole horizon out of reach.

She wandered and watched her footsteps vanish behind her, swept away by waves hugging the shore and blurring her past. She was looking anywhere but ahead, and how could she not? It was a whipping world all about her. Captivating in every way, she wasn’t walking for a destination, but simply to walk. Surely her original destination would still be ahead of her when she did look back up.

So she did look up, and found herself facing a direction she did not recognize. The wind picked up and suddenly the sand she had been watching attacked and the shells at the soles of her feet became spears.

Hadn’t this all been peaceful a moment ago?

  • Why was she here in the first place?
  • Had she been tricked into it?
  • Were the promises she had believed simply a rouse to get her alone and leave here that way?
  • Where was she going, and finally, is it worth all of this?

She felt a stir in her spirit as it reminded her of the hope to come, she had been so distracted she had left her fire of hope to flicker. And as she focused on her heart, gently stoking the promise of hope in her heart, his truths got louder.

The promise is still there. The destination has not shifted. Head up and eyes forward. The winds cannot blow away what is inside of you. This is bigger than waves of doubt and winds of confusion. Stay set on the destination, stay set on me.

When we serve the body of Christ it’s easy to lose the heart behind it. The fact is that when we serve the body, we are serving the father. It’s not the work itself that edifies the kingdom, but the heart we have behind serving.

 “And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another” (1 Peter 5:5)

The Importance of the Heart We Have in Serving

Since we are serving more than people, but the kingdom, that means that what comes against us is deeper than the surface. When we work to advance the kingdom we must be vigilant in realizing that there are things that actively work against us.

When trials come against us in our pursuit of serving others, the heart we have in serving becomes that much more important.

When we know why and who we serve we know the purpose for our work and in that there is strength to endure.

1 Peter 5 talks about shepherding the flock well and serving others with a humble spirit. Jesus is the Great Shepherd and therefore understands the trials that await those who serve better than anyone.

Everything in this world is stacked up to muffle the truth from the world, it is our job to push through.

What is stacking up against you today? What are you relying on to push you through?

1 Peter 5 talks about what it is to lead with a humble heart and persevere when the world comes against us.

 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” – Proverbs 5:8-9

Remain Watchful and Alert

When your heart is in the right place, pushing and working for the right reasons, know that all of Heaven is for you, but all the world is against you. As you work to sow the seeds for the kingdom with your service, be watchful over your weaknesses and the darkness that is around you waiting to hit a weak spot.

As you struggle, pull strength from the knowledge, not only of the victory of Jesus, but the camaraderie of the Body of Christ. You neither struggle alone or in vain.

We push and strive for the kingdom that cannot be shaken, so why should we be shaken? Plant your heart in Heaven, set your eyes on Jesus, and find your hands fearlessly reaching to those around you.

Finally, this is a battle in the name of Jesus, that same name is where our hope is stored.

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” – 1Peter 5:10

This name we bear puts a target on our backs, yes, but an unwavering hope in our hearts. Suffering now is nothing compared to the rejoicing that awaits us.

Nourish Scripture: 1 Peter 5

By Millicent Phillips. Millicent is a student at Liberty University and a member of the Treasured Ministries writing team. © Copyright Treasured Ministries 2019

Legacy

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Generational patterns are not your fault, but they sure do pull us away from becoming the woman God created us to be. Often we stay stuck in these patterns because they are familiar and we are unaware that they even exist. Ahhh….. but part of the privilege of becoming a child of God is that you CAN create new patterns and leave a legacy in your family for years to come.

In today’s Facebook Live Treasured Tribe Talk, we are talking about finding the resilience to rise up and break free from generational cycles. One day at a time and one step at a time, you can leave blessings in your wake for generations to come. 

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Partners in All of It

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As the sun completed it’s descent into the horizon she looked down to her feet which were now lost in the tides. It had come so steadily she hadn’t noticed until she had completely lost her footing. She looked back up to the sky which now held a moon, rising with the waters, rising with her anxiety.

This moment, this realization, hit her harder than expected. She had seen this happen in her life one too many times. A lifetime of watching something beautiful only to realize something awful was waiting to swallow her up.

It’s no surprise, the tides ebb and flow, the waters rise, but why is it that this pattern is unbreakable in her life?

And then came the voice of the father, clear and gentle,

“The rising tides are promised, and the waves something to be certain of. But my Love, the horizon will ignite again, and these waters will pull back at last, that too is a promise. And through it all, I will be right here beside you.”

The Promise of Jesus

Our assurance in this life as believers is not in the comfort of the world around us, but the Comforter himself.

Our pain in this life is even a promise, but so is the promise of Jesus. We see this plainly stated by Jesus himself in John 16:33-

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Everything we hold while on this earth can slip through our fingertips, but HIS promise of victory, HIS words of truth hold all of our spirits firmly in place. And when we look to the promise of hope, the reality of pain becomes worth it all.

In 1 Peter we find more promises of not only hardships in this life, but persecution for the name we claim as our identity in Jesus. We are not hated for looking like the world, but for standing against it as a sharp contrast. We are called to not shy away from this persecution but rather rejoice in the privilege we have of being mocked and scorned for the name of Jesus. That very same name that provokes hatred also broke the chains that were once around us.

The world and darkness may hiss at the name etched upon our hearts, yet still, every knee bows to it.

To live for Christ is to go against everything within us-even death itself! The friction of the world around us is to be expected.

We are not only called then to suffer, but to suffer well. To suffer with rejoicing because to suffer well is to have faith that the hope you suffer for far outweighs anything that could be thrown at you.

We rejoice not because we love to suffer, but because we love the one we suffer for, and he is worth it all.

 “Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (1 Peter 4:13)

The Third Day Will Come

If we are to be found on the third day, outside of that empty tomb, rejoicing, may we also be found at the foot of the cross rejoicing because we know that the third day will come.

No matter where you are today, do you know that the third day is coming? Do you know that death has literally lost its grip on you? When we are buried by hurt and hardships for the sake of the cross may we hold on to the truth that we will also be RAISED for the sake of the cross as well.

There is nothing this life can throw at you to steal from you the hope that the third day always comes.

We are the heirs of suffering, but may we hold to the truth that we are even more the heirs of eternal, unstoppable love. The unthinkable pain of the cross made the resurrection unimaginably glorious. Your pain and hurt is not in vain, the third day will come.

Hold on to hope and push forward!

Nourish Scripture:  1 Peter 4:12-4:19

By Millicent Phillips. Millicent is a student at Liberty University and a member of the Treasured Ministries writing team. © Copyright Treasured Ministries 2019

Pressed

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Her walk changed to a swim in the ocean. As she stepped into the surf again and let the waters surround her on all sides, joy filled her heart. She thought, I almost missed all this beauty.

The Gift You Bring

The greatest gift you can bring to the world is becoming the woman God created you to be. The Holy Spirit breathes spiritual gifts into our lives the moment we become a Christian. As we exhale by following Jesus with all of our heart, the light of his love burns brightly against the backdrop of a dark world. Indeed, we have a great responsibility to cultivate those gifts deep within our soul and share them with many (Ephesians 4:11–12; Romans 12:1–12; Matthew 25:14–28).

But as we live in this passion, we find ourselves pressed (2 Corinthians 4:8–10). We choose to live differently and find rejection.

We step out there and share our pearls only to have others trample on this treasure.

Make no mistake about it—when you live for Jesus, not everyone will accept your light because it threatens their darkness. Serving Jesus means experiencing ridicule and rejection.

Finding yourself in distress after you have cultivated your gifts for God’s glory naturally creates doubt and sometimes depression. Should you quit? Was your calling real?

Expect a Greater Anointing

Treasured one, are you feeling pressed on all sides today? Jesus knows how you feel. Don’t quit to avoid the agony. Instead take a deep breath, arm yourself with Christ’s attitude, and expect a greater anointing (1 Peter 4:1).

Jesus never allowed the future agony of the cross to stop him from advancing to his divine destination because he saw resurrection on the other side.

Never let suffering stop you from serving Jesus. Instead, pray you will see the situation as Jesus did.

Our Savior’s future crucifixion hung heavy in his heart amidst the background of olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked his disciples to pray for him and described his soul this way: “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death” (Mark 14:34 NLT). Have you ever felt that way?

Jesus knows what it feels like to have your soul pressed.

Jesus cried out to the Father.

He fell to the ground and prayed for a way out: “Papa, Father, you can—can’t you?—get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want—what do you want?” – Mark 14:35–36 MSG

Jesus asked for a way out but ultimately surrendered to God’s will. To be clear, God does not call you to seek suffering, as some mistakenly do to gain their identity from a martyr complex. Nor does he call you to avoid the agony by using unhealthy measures to escape the pain.

God calls you to seek your Savior—and when suffering is a part of your journey to embrace it, knowing you are his child. There is nothing you are facing today that God cannot help you through.

We Will Be Pressed

Often we experience a greater anointing on the other side of our agony. Gethsemane, the oil garden where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, actually means to press. We will all find ourselves in a “Gethsemane” in our journey.

In the pathway we follow to walk out our passion, we will be pressed.

Much as olives are pressed to create oil, our pressing often ushers in a greater power of the Holy Spirit we will need for our purpose because it pushes us to depend completely on Jesus. Oil is frequently symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. The agony in your Gethsemane is the very avenue to a greater anointing of the Holy Spirit.

We have a responsibility to handle this rite of passage with an attitude that says, I will not compromise on my commitment to Christ. The glory is on the other side. Never let suffering stop you from serving Jesus. See it the way Jesus did, treasured one.

Perfect love moving each step, Jesus never compromised his commitment. He saw beyond the cross to the glory.

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. – Hebrews 12:2–3 NLT

Don’t give up! The enemy of your soul would love you to quit right before you break through to the light. Arm yourself with the same attitude as Christ! Never compromise on your commitment to complete God’s will.

What is your passion? Are you using it serve others . . . or has suffering called you to pull your gift back to the shelf?

See pressing as a part of a process to increase God’s power in your life, and find your motivation to keep moving forward by remembering that Jesus never quit in his love for you.

Nourish Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1–12

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.

Courageous Love

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You were not meant to stay on the shore. I am calling you out into the deep waters.

Those words dropped into her heart as she continued her beach walk.

As a child she had enjoyed swimming in the ocean. But over time she learned that while those waters were God’s treasure, they also carried threats—and she resolved to stay on the shore.

Riptides, creatures, and other dangers created a normal caution that turned into fear that held her back from God’s blessing. Yet her childhood memories of a carefree heart that found joy splashing in the surf often called her to come back to the sea. She missed the wonder of wrapping herself in those salty, soothing waters of God’s whirlpool.

How Our Hearts Change

Sometimes our carefree hearts turn into overly careful hearts, producing fear that holds us back from living in the fullness God intended.

But when we understand that our Good Shepherd is watching over us, our broken hearts can turn into brave hearts. As we transfer our trust to Jesus—one day at a time, one step at a time—he will show us the way back home.

We were created to love and to be loved. Psychologists say the human need for love is as vital as the need for food or water. But much as the ocean is a treasure that also carries threats, when we step out into the deep ocean of love, our hearts become vulnerable to pain. Indeed, all of us experience this great paradox at times in our lives.

To love is often to suffer.

As a natural part of life, we all experience love and pain intertwining.

  • A son leaves for college or marries, and we must let a piece of our heart go.
  • A mom who nurtured us for a lifetime now struggles with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • A loved one dies unexpectedly.
  • Our in-laws do not accept us.
  • We go through divorce.
  • Infidelity interrupts our marriage.
  • We must leave a job, a church, a town, a neighborhood—and this means we also leave people who had been a large part of our lives.
  • We come to faith in Christ, and our family or friends forsake us.
  • Breast cancer robs us of our best friend.
  • A father never had the capacity to love us.

The cost of the treasure of love? It opens our hearts to pain.

When we came to know the Lord, our capacity to love increased as we were now connected to the source of Perfect Love.

God’s agape love can now flow into us and through us to others.

This great love is unlike anything we had experienced or given before our life with Jesus. But while we have this capacity to love unconditionally, the threat of the pain we may experience could pull us back from living, from giving this love to ourselves and others. And sometimes we resolve to settle on the shore of a safe heart.

When these resolutions become inner vows that we live by, we have chosen them instead of our Lord to lead us. We have placed ourselves instead of Christ in the driver’s seat. This ultimately shuts our hearts down, stopping the love and liberty that could flow from pursuing Christ.

But God has another way.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.
– 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

Trade Your Worry for Worship

The Lord is watching over you, treasured one.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
– 1 Peter 3:14–15 NLT

So trade your worry for worship and make Christ, instead of the inner vows you have created, the Lord of your life.

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
– 1 Peter 3:18 NLT

Let the cross, where love and pain so beautifully intertwined FOR YOU, prove Christ’s great love for you and propel you to trust our Good Shepherd’s voice instead of your inner vows so you can love well. He has your back when your heart breaks. He can guard your heart and give you wisdom in setting loving boundaries. Jesus gives, guards, and guides his sheep.

Set your heart free by seeking Jesus!

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
– 2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

Instead of shutting down your heart, seek your Good Shepherd and let him lead you back home to the pasture of abundant life.

“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
– John 10:10–11 NLT

A rich and satisfying life is found not on the shore of a safe heart but in the center of God’s will.

Because the Lord is watching over you, you can trade your worry for worship and make Christ the Lord of your life. Pursue Jesus and let him turn your broken heart into a brave heart that finds freedom to love again.

Nourish Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8–22

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.

Harmony

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Her walk on the beach continued. She slowed her pace to keep a careful eye on the sand for special shells to collect. A moving shell caught her eye and she paused to look closer. Reaching out of its conch house to stretch its legs for a walk, the hermit crab and the shell moved together. The shell provided protection and the crab supplied mobility.

Protection and mobility—both essential elements. The crab and the shell worked together beautifully and displayed a picture of creation’s harmony.

Moving together.

Working together.

Being together.

She thought deeper. This was God’s intention for relationships—to work together in beautiful harmony.

In music, harmony happens when notes stay true to their sound but join together to create a chord.

Different but vital voices working together to achieve a richer sound.

Achieving Biblical Harmony

Biblical harmony happens when we courageously release our authentic voice to the tune of truth and invite others to do the same through agape love.

But humanity makes harmony difficult, doesn’t it?

Under the weight of a broken world, hurting people hurt us, and many times we suffer a wound that leaves us bleeding instead of belonging. We may have experienced such messy relationships that we falsely assume it’s better to walk alone. Or the enemy spins Scripture like our passage this week to distort God’s truth.

Instead of God’s intention for harmony, sadly we might find a forced hierarchy that teaches women to hide their voice or even in extreme cases excuse emotional abuse.

And when this happens, we all lose out because every voice is needed to create the glorious sound God intended. Like the shell and hermit crab or the different notes in a chord, our diversity creates the need for us to link arms with one another. As we stand together to the tune of truth, our lives work together beautifully (Ephesians 4:16).

And as we honor each voice, including our own, with authentic humility, like instruments playing together in God’s orchestra as he conducts us, we will make beautiful music that sings of the glory of God. But if we hide our voice, the sound simply isn’t complete.

So what is the solution? The truth is that this side of heaven we will always live inside fallen humanity.

  • We are broken ourselves and we live among broken people.
  • We hurt others and others hurt us.

But as we remember and reflect on God’s intention for relationships, we can be encouraged that our wounds are not God’s heart for us . . . nor are we defined by the way others treat us. Then instead of pursuing the cycle of hurt by retaliating, we forgive and forge ahead with wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Above all, we understand that our free will is a precious treasure to guard so we can give our hearts fully to God.

We do not lose our dignity or identity while inside of community.

Allowing God’s Heart for Harmony Inspire You

Treasured One, let God’s heart for harmony inspire you and me to become a part of the solution, riding the tide closer and closer back to God’s intention for relationships by understanding where our responsibility begins and ends.

Jesus does not call us to BE the Savior but to FOLLOW the Savior. This authentic humility means that we realize we cannot fix others, but we CAN follow Jesus.

This deep topic could never be completely unpacked in a devotion, so this conversation will continue during our weekly Treasured Tribe Talk on Facebook LIVE.

What does it mean to follow the example of our Savior but not to be the savior?

How does this authentic humility create the harmony God intended?

Where does our responsibility begin and end?

Like our Facebook Page to join us live or catch the replay later.

With grace let us gain God’s perspective to think differently so we can live differently as God intended and open the gift of WORKING TOGETHER.

 Nourish Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13–3:12

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.