Buried treasure!
In 1883, author Robert Louis Stevenson penned the classic book, “Treasure Island.” It tells the story of Jim Hawkins, a young boy who comes across a map to an island, where a pirate named Captain Flint buried his treasures. In this classic adventure novel, Jim narrates his adventurous sea voyage to the treasure island, the challenges, and obstacles he goes through, and how he safely brought back his people and treasure.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus discussed treasures too. He defined our “buried treasure” as our heart, symbolic of our emotions, priorities and beliefs. Jesus states in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus’ words circumcise my heart. What priorities of mine are not of God’s Kingdom? Do my “hands and heart” match up? I may pledge allegiance to God and His Kingdom, but do my actions align with my words? Jesus clearly states “not to lay up treasures on earth, but lay up treasures in heaven.”
When Robert Louis Stevenson’s young adventurer set off, earthly buried treasure was foremost in his mind. The problem was that those riches rusted and were exhausted! They did not last. Jesus’ point is simple: make sure that the treasures you acquire with your hands in this life are treasures that have heavenly, lasting value! Jesus is clear- you can’t have it both ways. You are either invested in the world or in heaven.
Every day at Christ’s Body, we encounter and work with homeless individuals who are desperately seeking earthly riches-jobs, housing and relationships. Who can blame them? But in that pursuit, spiritual impoverishment often emerges.
Our mission is to battle and redirect these individuals into a relationship with God. That’s an eternal investment. We believe that this gives a person traction to move forward in sobriety and sanity. There’s a famous Chinese proverb which ironically echoes Jesus’ teachings: “You give a man a fish and he eats today. You teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” That teaching is heart work, a heavenly investment.
Blessings to you!
Pastor Jim
If you have any questions, prayer requests or other issues, call us at 303-860-1272 or email us at info@christsbody.org.
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Another season of operation for CBM’s shower and laundry trailer is quickly approaching!
People who are marginalized, such as our homeless population, often do not have convenient access to showers or laundry. This obviously increases the health risk of disease, infections, and infestations like lice and scabies. Our trailer provides hot showers, laundry and access to other wrap-around services that CBM and our partners provide on these outreaches. These resources include case management, peer support, medical care, pastoral care, meals and many more services to the marginalized who do not otherwise have access to hygiene services. Praise the Lord! This is creating positive like-minded community in Christ.
These outreaches are transformative almost immediately in the lives of our homeless friends who are blessed with restored dignity and hope. They know the love of Jesus through our volunteers. They know they are seen, they know they are heard, and most of all they know that they are loved.
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El Roi "The God who sees me" Genesis 16:13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing, for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” |
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As many of you know, CBM has been taking our “Caravan of Care” to the streets of Denver to offer a multitude of services to our brothers and sisters struggling with homelessness. While handing out burritos, clothing, hygiene bags and other necessities are the tangible assets we are blessed to be able to share, certain moments remind us why we do it.
This photo reminds us why the main reason “We see, We go…” is so important. When we are on the street engaging with individuals, our purpose is not just to meet their immediate physical needs (hunger, warmth, etc.) but to try and provide a spiritual and emotional connection through prayer and sharing the love that is found in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Moments like these are a regular occurrence thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing- to be able to see God in and amongst the work we are all doing to grow His Kingdom.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve the “least of these." As CBM continues to wade into the waters of the current of homelessness, we are energized when God demonstrates his omnipotence by breaking down walls and opening doors… Creating opportunities to get to know the people we serve and engage with them about the hope found in Jesus Christ. A hope for a new beginning. The possibilities to start again with a clean slate. The courage to take steps toward a new path.
We do it because it is what Jesus would do.
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How did I get HERE?
Tiffany Beckford
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I have learned, when you choose to follow Jesus, you better hold on for a wild ride. I was a little older when Jesus stepped into my life. In my early thirties with a toddler and new baby, life was too overwhelming for me and Jesus introduced Himself.
After my youngest of four started preschool, I started thinking about working, and God presented me with a preschool teacher job. That was fun for the time I had a child in preschool, but I was ready to move on and try something new when she started elementary school. Through a series of God touches I ended up working at Christ’s Body Ministries. Never would I have thought that I would work at a homeless shelter for men.
Since I knew this was what God had for me, I said "YES" six years ago and I have seen Him on almost a daily basis ever since, working in the lives of our resident’s, our CORE guys, and our staff. We had a wild ride through COVID where God revamped a lot of what we were doing to what we are doing now. I have seen Him lead this ministry through a lot of change and a lot of transformed lives.
God has allowed me to do a lot of different jobs under my title of Director of Administration. Everything from working with volunteers and residents to donor work. I've enjoyed all of the opportunities I've been given over the years. God has blessed our ministry with growth, and now me with an opportunity to step into the new role of Chief Operating Officer here at Christ’s Body Ministries. I’m looking forward to the challenges that this position will present. I would humbly ask for prayer for CBM and the work that we do, and that God would continue to lead and bless His ministry!
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