Scavenger Hunt

It’s easy when my favorite authors come out with new books.  I simply buy them, usually on the day they become available. But what about the in between times? I can’t go without reading at all. That’s crazy. No, I have to have something to read, and I want it to be good. The books stores are filled with possibilities, but it’s so hard to choose. That’s why I love the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt.

The Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt only lasts a few days, and it is completely online. Authors use their websites to host other authors and give one scavenger hunt clue per site. Then, the participants are directed to the next author’s website. With twenty-five participating authors, I have found books I’d like to read for myself and give as gifts. Plus, many of the authors have additional contests on their own sites. When all twenty-five clues are found, participants enter them at stop #25 for a chance to win books and gift cards. The first stop is at lisatawnbergren.com. You only have a few days, so, get hunting!

Whether online or in real life, scavenger hunts can be a lot of fun. Of course, if you can’t solve the riddles or find the needed items, scavenger hunts can also be a source of frustration. Get too frustrated and the temptation to give up can become unbearable. We can’t help questioning whether or not the effort is worth the reward.

Isn’t it great that we don’t have to worry about that with God? Drawing closer to God is always worth the time and energy we put into it. Coming to a deeper understanding of who God is and who we are to Him is never a waste of our time. And we don’t have to worry about riddles or missing the treasure at the end. Scripture tells us we have been given the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us understand God’s truths. (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13).  But God’s promises for us don’t end with our own personal tutor of heavenly things. God promises He can be found. He doesn’t say only those who never make mistakes can find Him. He doesn’t preface His promise with a list of impossible things we must first accomplish in order to find Him. He gives us one simply stated directive for finding Him. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) This promise is also found in Deuteronomy 4:29. Finding God takes our heart, all of it. When we search for Him using all our hearts, God will be found.  And when we find God, we have found the most precious treasure we could ever hope to find.

By the Book: Good books are a lot of fun, and I encourage you to participate in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. But always remember, the most important searching you will ever do is searching for God with all your heart. Take time to find Him every day.