365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...JULY IS WINDING DOWN!

What do you CHERISH? What we CHERISH has a lot to do with where our heart is. To CHERISH means: To feel or show great love for (someone or something); to remember or hold (an idea, belief, etc.) in a deeply felt way. We CHERISH many things, some good, some not so good, and some bad. Ruth cherished her mother in law Naomi. (Ruth 1:14-18) Jesus cherished Israel (2 Kings 8:12) A husband is to CHERISH his wife (Ephesians 5:2-33) Jesus cherished us enough to die for us: I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 
(2 Corinthians 12:15) We should CHERISH correction (Solomon 15:31-32) When we CHERISH constructive criticism, You will be at home among the wise (NIV) When we listen to correction we grow in understanding (verse 32 NIV) In this world people CHERISH the latest mobile phone they snagged after waiting in line for hours. They CHERISH their tennis shoe collection. They CHERISH their cars, their homes, even their pets. Liking these things may not be a sin, but when we CHERISH them...have deep affection for the things of the world, then it becomes a problem. When I was younger I often took stock of myself to see what was too important in my life. I did this out of fear. After all, The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away (Job 1:21) That is not what God wants from us. He wants us to CHERISH spiritual things and not earthly things that do not matter. Matthew 6:19 cautions us, Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and destroy. (NIV) We should CHERISH God's Word. We should CHERISH Christ Jesus who laid down His life for our sins. We should CHERISH people and especially have great affection for the widows and children who are fatherless...having compassion for them. This gives me a lot to ponder over. What do I really CHERISH most in life? I am sure the same is true for you as well. What do you CHERISH most in your life? What has all your time and attention and deep affections? Remember it is spiritual things that matter most.