Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 8, 2017
Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store 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 [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. Matthew 6:19-21, Amplified Bible
Shiny things vie for our attention: a new phone, a new outfit, a new car, a new video game, a new piece of jewelry, a new investment opportunity or a new screen of some sort. We possess a cornucopia of material treasures that compete with our modest heavenly treasures. Why? Because we are short sighted, easily distracted by what makes us feel good in the moment. We are intoxicated by much lesser treasures and miss the trues riches of sending our treasures ahead for safe keeping with our Savior. What are some best treasures we can send ahead and see again?
The Treasures of Knowing Jesus and Being Known by Jesus
What value can you place on knowing the One and being known by the One who knows you the best? Oh, the riches of His grace, the wealth of His wisdom and the incalculable value of His vast love are reasons enough to shout hallelujah and praise Him for His inexhaustible intimacy. You are as sons and daughters of your great God and King. Alienated by sin, but now united to walk in the cool confines of trust with your Father Infinite God, who prescribes your identity in Christ to secure your finite minds. Surrender to Jesus, bare your soul and rest in His reassuring arms!
We are created to spend more time with Him–who we will spend all of our time with in eternity. Treasure Jesus by being with Jesus. Treasure Jesus by loving Jesus. Treasure Jesus by obeying Jesus. Treasure Jesus by learning of Jesus. Treasure Jesus by resting in Jesus. All other competing treasures can rot in earth’s trash heap when our heart is all consumed by Christ alone! We treasure the Lord when we treasure what He treasures: worship, prayer, scripture, and people.
“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]” (Philippians 3:10, Amplified Bible).
The Treasures of Relationships
What is a soul worth to our Savior Jesus? His life and death for sure, and perhaps ours. Jesus loved people, He forgave people, He fed people, He saved people, He healed people, He comforted people, He was all about people! He built relationships with His disciples so they would love each other well and love others well. Friends and enemies felt Christ’s love.
How can we value relationships well? Investment of time, money and emotional energy is a real good start. Understanding another’s needs, and prayerfully connecting them with the most appropriate resources. Sometimes the best approach in a relationship is a polite “no”, with a helpful alternative, or a thoughtful “maybe” based on your ability to serve well, or an energetic “yes” because you are totally at peace being a conduit for Christ. Relational growth happens intentionally and in life’s messiness. Our love for people is evidence of our love for God.
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
The Treasures of Generosity
He gave us His son and He still gives us His son, so gratefully we serve our radically generous God! Abundantly giving us all we need to live well: salvation in Jesus, peace of mind knowing the Lord is in control, calmness of heart knowing Christ is our calm in chaotic circumstances. God gives us management over His majestic creation and the wisdom to build and produce for the betterment of civilization. Generosity gushes from our heavenly Father like Niagara Falls.
In what ways does Christ call us to be generous? Certainly our life is a living sacrifice for the Lord. Each day we have the privilege to lay our agenda on the altar of obedience, allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn it up and then pick up God’s game plan ignited by the same fire! Daily we die to the need to get, but come alive to the desire to give. Consider fostering, adopting, volunteering at church, public office, tutoring or coaching. Radical generosity is the best remedy for the various forms of greed Jesus warns us about. Generous life–happy life!
“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Where your treasure is, your heart will follow, so treasure the best treasures!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me what You treasure so my heart may treasure the best treasures, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.Application
What lesser treasures do I need to replace with the Lord’s better treasures?Related Reading
Deuteronomy 7:6; Isaiah 33:6; Luke 2:19; 2 Corinthians 4:7Post/Tweet today
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