Greetings and welcome to the blogosphere portion of Nerd Chapel.
Today I challenge you to consider a favorite of Nerds everywhere: treasure. We have movies, video games, television shows, and even table-top games that are focused around it.
Beyond that, we have our own treasures in the shapes of collections. Whether your collection includes books, blue-rays, miniatures, comic books, or what have you, there are always lots of treasures out there in nerd culture. Jesus talked about treasure.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21
I have a nice collection of the game "Star Wars Miniatures" by Wizards of the Coast. But you know what? Some of my "minies" are tired. They aren't damaged much, but they aren't quite in as good of shape as they once were. Treasures in heaven don't get old like that. But how do you build up these treasures?
Three ways come to mind for me:
Service: How can you help out in your community? How you spend your time does show a piece of your treasure. I am on the tech team for my church. Also, look for small ways to help out around you. I go swing dancing from time to time, and a couple of times when we were outside, I was able to help move some things off the dance floor and help set up the donation tent.
Sharing Truth: Look for natural ways to share Jesus in conversation. I was flying back from China one time and was in the Hong Kong airport. I came across a booth where they were looking for feedback. In the conversation I went to pull something out of my bag to show the college kids working the booth. In the process, I pulled out my Bible to get at it. They saw my Bible, and started asking me questions. One of them asked "So, why do you believe in this?" I couldn't ask for a more natural or open door than that! So, I simply shared how Jesus had walked with me through difficulty.
Generosity: What are your financial priorities? Giving is important. In fact, if we don't give, we are actually robbing God. Read Malachi 3:6-12. Start by giving to your local church and spread from there to supporting trustworthy mercy/justice organizations and/or missionaries. Maybe you can help a friend a little bit?
I challenge you to go on a treasure hunt of a different kind. Hunt out opportunities to build treasures in Heaven, where it will last for eternity. All 3 of these ways are important, but I encourage you also to be generous relationally. Look for people who need friends around and just be there for them.
Today I challenge you to consider a favorite of Nerds everywhere: treasure. We have movies, video games, television shows, and even table-top games that are focused around it.
Beyond that, we have our own treasures in the shapes of collections. Whether your collection includes books, blue-rays, miniatures, comic books, or what have you, there are always lots of treasures out there in nerd culture. Jesus talked about treasure.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21
I have a nice collection of the game "Star Wars Miniatures" by Wizards of the Coast. But you know what? Some of my "minies" are tired. They aren't damaged much, but they aren't quite in as good of shape as they once were. Treasures in heaven don't get old like that. But how do you build up these treasures?
Three ways come to mind for me:
Service: How can you help out in your community? How you spend your time does show a piece of your treasure. I am on the tech team for my church. Also, look for small ways to help out around you. I go swing dancing from time to time, and a couple of times when we were outside, I was able to help move some things off the dance floor and help set up the donation tent.
Sharing Truth: Look for natural ways to share Jesus in conversation. I was flying back from China one time and was in the Hong Kong airport. I came across a booth where they were looking for feedback. In the conversation I went to pull something out of my bag to show the college kids working the booth. In the process, I pulled out my Bible to get at it. They saw my Bible, and started asking me questions. One of them asked "So, why do you believe in this?" I couldn't ask for a more natural or open door than that! So, I simply shared how Jesus had walked with me through difficulty.
Generosity: What are your financial priorities? Giving is important. In fact, if we don't give, we are actually robbing God. Read Malachi 3:6-12. Start by giving to your local church and spread from there to supporting trustworthy mercy/justice organizations and/or missionaries. Maybe you can help a friend a little bit?
I challenge you to go on a treasure hunt of a different kind. Hunt out opportunities to build treasures in Heaven, where it will last for eternity. All 3 of these ways are important, but I encourage you also to be generous relationally. Look for people who need friends around and just be there for them.
