Monday, March 5, 2012

Purses That Don't Wear Out



I have a Kenya bag that I bought while in college. It is sturdy, has strong handles and does not wear thin. My other purses last about a season. Buckles break, handles tear and the leather wears off. More importantly, they go out of style. So they are replaced often.

My last purse, one that I loved, got stolen.. It had zippered pockets on the outside, was big, black, shiny and the latest style from Hollywood. So I returned to my previous bag that was wearing thin on the bottom and missing buttons.

Off I went shopping for the perfect bag. I had my mind made up before I went. I wanted black ruffles and small pockets for my cell phone and money. I never did find what I was seeking for. That often happens when I have a specific picture in my mind.

Jesus said in Luke 12:31-34, “Seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.’

Jesus said to seek purses that will not wear out: ones that hold only heavenly treasures. These purses are not leather bags filled with money to shop, lipstick to enhance our beauty nor a phone to keep up with friends. Rather they are filled with treasure that we hope for and are certain of but do not see: a heavenly treasure.

We have this kingdom, this eternal hope. Knowing this we can bless the needy with our possessions, give help to the poor and extend mercy to the hurting. For the blessings we possess in this purse are bottomless and overflowing. The more we give of ourselves, the more we are given; for if we have been faithful with a few things, we will be put in charge of many things.

If our treasure is in heaven, our heart will be there also and our purses will never wear out.

Please return at 6PM Pacific time and link with On Your Heart Tuesday!

In joining Ann for Multitude on Mondays, I thank God for:
The fluffy orange cat sitting on my coffee table.
My daughter's new job.
The revival of strained friendships.
The visit of a friend from far away.
Flip flop weather after a winter of feet in boots.
Grapefruit: pink, juicy and sweet
An exhausted body and sore feet: for I am still able to work hard.
Morning coffee
The mess I cleaned up this morning; for it reminded me I have people I love in my house.



 

21 comments:

  1. I have one of those bags from college too! You make me want to go dig it out from my mothers attic.

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  2. I like the Kenya bag, never seen one before. I really enjoyed reading your perspective this morning.
    Ann

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  3. Awesome post as always, Shanda! So important to prioritize where we invest the most of our time, treasure, energy, etc.

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  4. Wonderful writing! I had never thought of that verse in this way before. Thank you!

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  5. I like the way you put this, we are sort of like human purses! I have a really big basket from Kenya that looks much like your purse here.

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  6. oh my...I had that same purse...wow...oh such thanks...revival of strained friendships...such a sweet gift...blessings

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  7. Thank you for your sharing True story entered on "Tell me a True Story" http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

    I love your bag from Kenya, but I too am still needing a new purse with those small pockets for cell phone and my coin purse.
    When Jesus said to seek a purse that would not wear out, I wonder if He meant to take the money inside the purse and invest it into the Gospel. Could be - anyway the investment pays good dividends.

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  8. thanks for the reminder of what. matters.

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  9. Good reminder Shanda ... for where your treasure is...

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  10. That purse makes a great illustration!

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  11. What a refreshing look on why we clean our homes! Thanks for sharing the purse story....so true, so true!

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  12. So much here to comment on! Thank you for each spiritual lesson!

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  13. I"m headed to Africa in April - going to be lookng for one of those!
    BLessings
    http://bit.ly/yeqd2g

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  14. Shanda, you are such an example of this scripture for me. I deeply admire your servant heart. What a blessing you are.

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  15. Hi Shanda - i love this. Seek heavenly purses that don't wear out! Thanks for linking up my friend.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  16. This image makes me smile. Heavenly purses- just my kind! Thanks for imprinting some scripture on my heart today. I'll think of this each time I grab my purse and run out the door :)

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  17. great word picture! and very cool bag :-)
    i love the use of story to drive home truth. makes it so much more memorable for me. . . as well as applicable (probably because i remember it, lol!). thanks, as always, for sharing your precious heart.
    steph

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  18. I love this analogy because I love purses : )
    Whenever my sisters and I get together, we buy purses together. And I love the verses you referenced. God has used them in my life frequently. Thanks for sharing this. Gail

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  19. What a wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing. Visiting you from bless a blogger sat. God bless you!

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  20. Well now you will not have to worry of changing any purse if it is spoiled or damaged as now a days purses are available such that you don't have to throw out. You only have to change its outer shell by other design according to need.
    miche bag shells

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