A Great Investment

MORNING

Read Matthew 6:19-21

Devotion

We don’t have to worry too much about moths and vermin destroying our earthly treasures (although I do have a few T-shirts with moth holes in them), but with all the scams around, we certainly have to watch out for thieves. Some people sadly have lost their life savings to criminals. Jesus is making the point that anything we accumulate on earth is incredibly transitory. There are some benefits for us in collecting stuff, but they will be short-lived. As Job rightly said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21).At the very most, we have our treasure until we die. Certainly, everything that we have achieved and amassed on earth will be left behind. Every single thing. Treasures on earth are temporary.

On the other hand, everything we do for Jesus and others will last forever. As you serve Jesus today, you are building up “treasure in heaven” that will be remembered and celebrated forever. None of the sacrifices you make for Jesus will be overlooked or disregarded. You have probably forgotten most of your ordinary acts of service, but God hasn’t, and He never will. They will bring joy to His heart and your heart forever. This puts the sacrifices involved in being a disciple of Jesus into perspective. Everything you do for God matters. Everything counts for eternity. The blessing of your treasure in heaven will last forever, bringing huge joy to Jesus, to others, and to you.

We don’t live as disciples to make sure we have treasures in heaven. We do it to please Jesus. But be assured that nothing you do as a disciple is wasted or forgotten. Not now or forever. Keep depositing those “treasures in heaven.” They will all bring eternal blessing.

Prayer

It’s incredible to think that everything I do for You and others will count forever. What a privilege to serve and give and love and forgive. These things not only please You now, but they will also please You for eternity. My attitudes and actions will be cause for celebration in the new heavens and earth. That makes my ordinary life now very significant. Please help me to live as Your disciple today.

Today’s Bible Focus

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.
2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective, and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.
3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.
2. Reflect: Reflect on the day, and thank God for what He has said and done.
3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day, and ask for forgiveness and freedom.
4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.