Great Price Paid

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, open my heart and mind, Holy Spirit. Fill my consciousness and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: 1 John 1:8–9

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 

truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all 

unrighteousness.

Verse of the day-—Psalm 119:60 “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”

Today’s reading: Psalm 40-42 Acts 27:1-26 

The Treasure And The Pearl

Jesus told these parables in Matthew, chapter 13:

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

I have to dig further than just selling everything to follow Jesus-and that is meant in a good way. We all must dig deeper. Yes, we have to be willing to give it all up for Christ, but why?

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”(John 15:11)

The treasure as well as the pearl were both the treasures of the lives of the two men-the one thing that they would give all they had for-because it thrilled their hearts to have them.

An object of affection that consumes a person enough to commit their life is the joy in a heart that is constant-even when the world is crashing down-when all seems dark or lost-there is still the treasure-the pearl of the greatest price.

In the Christ-believer’s case, our pearl has given all for us-to purchase us and what we do is let go of what else in the world possesses us and receive the pearl that comes with never-ending life and the reality of a joy that cannot be destroyed by any pain-or promise of great pleasure.

The treasure of a lifetime has given all for us to have life. Jesus starts by saying, “The kingdom of Heaven is like…”

We are God’s treasure who gave all, Jesus, for us. God is our treasure and our hope and our complete joy paid in full. How can we not give up what we have for Him?

What stands in the way? Sin.

Tell God you want to treasure Him above all your worldly things. He will show you what that means to you.

...because He loves us…He will do it.

Father in Heaven,

Your name is high above all others. Your kingdom is home. May I strive to do Your will today with Your strength. Forgive me for not realizing You as my life’s treasure. Lead me away from lies.

Consuming friend and Lord,

In the name of Christ Jesus my Lord,

Amen