Your Treasure House

Today there are countless ways to address self-image, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-fulfillment. While these themes are pervasive in our culture, pursuing them is a little like drinking salt water — the more we drink, the thirstier we become.

True contentment does not come from self-fulfillment but through discovering the treasure house that Jesus Christ makes available when we surrender our lives to Him. The Apostle Paul reminded us of this treasure house when he wrote, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). We must know Jesus as Lord if we are to receive the spiritual blessings He has provided in the heavenly realm. He is the only source of authentic worth, lasting contentment, deep joy, and fulfillment.

Because of His great love for us, God provides blessings beyond comparison. He has redeemed us for eternity, and He walks with us throughout our lifetime. He comforts us, protects us, delivers us, and He sustains us.

Before the foundation of the earth, God knew each of us by name. He orchestrated every detail of our lives and gave us spiritual eyes to see His great salvation. Then He gave us His Spirit to teach us all things and to remind us of everything Jesus taught (see John 14:26).

Every one of us encounters difficulties — and as a result, we can pray, "Oh God, get me out of this trouble. Please, God — I'll be good. I will repay You some day — just get me out of this mess."

Better still, we can pray: "Lord, we both know that I'm in trouble, but I know Your Word says, 'Let not your heart be troubled.' Lord, I am confident that You have already blessed me with every spiritual blessing. You have given me all the strength that I need to face these problems. Lord, I know that You are walking with me, and that You promised you would never leave me or forsake me. I thank You for hearing my concerns, and for providing a solution. Help me to discern Your will, and to obey You faithfully. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

God paid a hefty price for our sin. Like slaves, we were all under the tyranny and rule of sin. But Jesus paid the price for our deliverance. Why were we chosen and adopted as God's children? Why did Jesus pay so great a price for our redemption? The answer is found in Ephesians 1:12: "for the praise of his glory." This means that every aspect of our lives — regardless of the difficulties — ought to be a sanctuary for praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to God.

God's treasure house — with all of its contents — is made available so that we can appropriate God's riches each day. Are you fully aware of your treasure house in Christ? It is His desire for you to embrace it and to receive it to the fullest.

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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.