Category: Treasures for the Heart

Everyone can use encouragement!

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The Napkin by Dianne McQueen

Welcome to Monday!!! Are you alive alert and enthusiastic?!? This week’s devotion is “The Napkin” written by Dianne Mcqueen. Please take the time to read as she shares her thoughts with us on folding a napkin! I hope you have the best Monday ever!!!

John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

The Napkin

Image by RitaE from Pixabay

The gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin which was placed over the face of Jesus was not just thrown aside like the other grave clothes. The Bible takes the entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed separately from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning while it was still dark Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone was rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciples, John, the one whom Jesus loved. She said they have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb and I don’t know where they have put him. Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see …the other disciple, John, got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw that the linen cloth laying there but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrapping’s lying there while the cloth that had covered Jesus’s face was neatly folded up and lying to the side. Was that important ..absolutely, it is really significant.

It had to do with the Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

The servant set the dinner table the way the master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly and then the servant would wait just outside of sight until the master had finished eating. The servant would not dare touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table wipe his fingers, his mouth and clean his beard and would wad up the napkin and toss it on the plate. The servant would then know to clean the table for in those days the wadded up napkin mean’t I’m done but if the master got up from the table and folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate the servant would not dare touch the napkin because the folded napkin meant I’m coming back.

Praise God we know he’s coming back and we look for his coming. Not even the angels in heaven know that day or hour, only God knows.

We don’t have those Hebrew traditions but the next time you’re done eating, consider where you put your napkin. Will you wad it up and put it on your plate because you’re done serving your Sunday school class, your bus route, working in the nursery, whatever ministry you have or will you fold it neatly, you’re coming back to because we haven’t finished our course, let’s get busy on our next course for the Lord

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/the-napkin-diane-mcqueen

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Suffer the Little Children…

Thankful that my Heavenly Father cares about the needs of young and old alike. All of us are in need of a Saviour and are capable of receiving His blessings. Let us learn from His example not to count anyone unworthy that is willing to learn and seek after Christ.

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If There Be Any Virtue

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

The word virtue has many different meanings these days. It can be a word used to describe a person or a situation or it can be a character trait.


The dictionary defined virtue as a conformity to the standard of right, morality, moral excellence.  The biblical definition of virtue is things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). It’s moral excellence that is judged by the standard of God’s principles alone.


Virtue causes a person to have a higher level of standards where few desire to obtain because it goes against human nature.  Self seeks to advance one’s desires at the expense of others. While virtue seeks to treat others fairly, esteem others better than themselves (Philippians 2:3), and seeks to live a godly life. 


Colossians 3:12-17 gives us a list of Christian virtues that we are to “put on” – mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, forgiveness, and charity. These traits all operate within the boundaries of wisdom and peace.


Before virtue (moral excellence) can occur our heart, soul, and mind must be in line with the will of our Heavenly Father. We must actively seek a personal relationship with Him. We cannot exhibit virtue or any godly character trait if we are ignoring Him. 

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Whatsoever Things Are… Of Good Report

Good Report
Well spoken of; reputable

The Dictionary definition of a Good Report is a person’s high standing among others; dignity, honor, reputation

We live in an age where everywhere we turn seemingly has negative messages. The news is riddled with evil doings and malicious speech. It’s just plain depressing at times.

Have you ever thought to yourself the news you just watched made you feel better? Probably not! Hardly ever do they focus on good things in your area or across the country.

In computer science, there’s an old saying that states, “Garbage in, Garbage out.” If we fill our hearts and minds with garbage (evil things) eventually the things that come out of our mouth will be rubbish.

God wants us to fill our hearts and minds with good things.

Did you know that everything we say or do God hears it? When we watch the tv, God is right there with you. When you listen to music on the radio or a podcast, God is listening with you? What about when you tell your friends the latest news about —–, God hears it. God wants every aspects of our lives to bring glory to God that others may be won for Him.

Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Are we meditating on things that are pleasing to God? Do our actions honor God? If someone were to be able to hear our thoughts, would they see Jesus or self?

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

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Whatsoever things are. . . LOVELY

What do you think of when you hear the word “lovely”?

When I hear this word “lovely”, I think of waterfalls in nature, a field of flowers, children playing, or watching dolphins swim in the ocean at sunset.

Do you desire to see God at work around you?  Do you admire His handiwork (Psalm 19:1) in the world?

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness therof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.”   Psalm 24:1-2

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him , and for him:”  Colossians 1:16

Everything was created by God and in Him alone do they exist.  In essence, the world is God’s picture book for humans.  Creation tells the story of our Creator and His love for us.  In return, the world serves God by praising Him.

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof.  Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”  Psalm 96:11-13

The KJV dictionary defines the word “lovely” as amiable; that may excite love; possessing qualities which may invite affection.

Advanced English Dictionary says that “lovely” means appealing to the emotions as well as the eye.

The Greek word for lovely prosphiles which interpreted means pleasing, agreeable. 

Most scholars agree the word lovely carries the meaning of amiable, pleasing, and without ill feeling or anger.  Our Christian conducts needs to exemplify this virtue.  

If we go around with ill-tempered, begrudging manners, we will not only grieve Christ but we will also give a negative view of Christianity.  This in turn will injure and defeat the cause of Christ.  We must strive to portray a lovely disposition or else we lose our influence.  

A Christian’s thoughts should be focused on things that draw us closer to Christ.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

The apostle Paul understood that our thought tend to control our actions.  In Philippians 4:8, he gives us a list of things to keep our minds focused upon.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The command to “think on these things” requires more than just quick thought, but rather active continuous meditation.  The kind that translates thoughts into actions.  Actions that lead to growing spiritually in the Lord.

Rather than filling our minds with junk which causes us to worry we should set our affection on things that will matter for eternity (Matthew 6:33).

When our thoughts are filled with virtuous things, they will have no room for the cares of this life.  We will then be able to fully place our cares upon Christ, and the problems of this life will not have the ability to separate us from seeking God and hinder us from serving Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

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Whatsoever Things Are…PURE

Image from Pixabay

KJV Dictionary Definition: pure, a. L. purus. – Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. James 1. 

Merriam-Webster Definition: PURE – Not mixed with anything else; clean and not harmful in any way; having a smooth and clear sound that is not mixed with other sounds; morally good

Psalm 119:1-2 states “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”

Have you ever thought, “How Am I suppose to live a pure life when the world around me is so wicked?”

The Greek word for pure is αγνός, which translates into English as chaste, clean, or clear. 

Psalm 119:9 tells us the way to make our ways pure is to take heed to God’s Word.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9

In essence, we are to keep our state of mind and actions pure.

Sadly, our culture encourages the young people to live life to the fullest and if it feels good to do it.  Purity seems to be regarded as no big deal.  We cannot fill our minds with junk and expect to be able to live a pure life. 

We must guard our hearts diligently, be aware of our weaknesses and guard them at all costs (Proverbs 4:23).  The devil will hit you when you least expect it.

The story of Joseph in Genesis 39 is a good example.  Joseph was sold into slavery as a young man. He was torn from a godly family and thrown into a wicked world he knew nothing of.  Yet, God was with him, and with God’s strength, he prospered in all he did. 

Temptation saw an opportunity to bring him down.  Because Joseph kept a close relationship with his Heavenly Father, he was able to resist temptation when it came knocking. 

Not only must we commit to be pure in every area of our lives, but we also need to develop a strategy to stay pure.  Joseph was able to remain pure because he had made a prior commitment to moral purity.  If you commit to being a person of integrity in all areas of your life, it will be easier to resist temptation when it comes along.

We keep our hearts and minds pure by focusing upon living out the Word of God in our daily lives.  The only way we can do that is to determine to study and memorized God’s Word.

How does one live a pure life?

  1. Accept Christ as your personal Saviour.   

The first step to living a pure life is to have Christ living in your heart (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16). It is impossible to evade the temptations of this world in your own strength.  God’s grace will help you through each trial and He will guide your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

  • Seek God in all you do

Simply desire to keep Christ at the center of all you do (Matthew 6:33; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Hebrews 11:1)

  • Memorize Scripture

The Bible contains a wealth of truths and wisdom that can be applied to our daily lives.  

  • Memorizing Scripture will help you resist temptation (Psalm 119:9-16; James 4:7; Galatians 5:13-15 )
  • Memorizing Scripture helps us live obediently (2 Corinthians 10:5; Psalm 119:9)
  • Memorizing Scripture brings blessings and success (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1)
  • Memorizing Scripture allows us to be ready to encourage others (Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 41:10)

“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”  ― Dwight L. Moody

  • Value Your Family and Choose Your Friends Wisely

Your relationships can greatly influence the person you are.  It’s one thing to be friends with a person who is working on growing in the Lord, but it is very different to be friends with one who doesn’t care about his sin nor controls it.  Our spiritual growth can be significantly hindered if we choose to hang around ungodly people.  (2 Corinthians 6:14)

  • Be Transformed By Renewing Your Mind

Christ is our refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 25:4).  We can only succeed in spiritual warfare by arming ourselves with spiritual weapons as in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:1-6.  We keep our minds spiritually renewed by meditating on God’s Word daily and prayer. We must ask the Lord daily for the strength to withstand the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).

Daily ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance to live a pure life.

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