Treasure that Lasts Forever
Every human grows up in a world filled with desires and needs. We learn from an early age that we prefer comfort over discomfort. We discover that it is easier to have plenty than it is to have little.
Material possessions can certainly create comfort in our lives—the new cars, the bigger houses, or the latest phones. It's easy to think that having more will make you happier, too.
But nothing you can buy will last forever.
Everything that we collect here on earth has an expiration date. Cars break down. Houses crumble. New phones become obsolete—really quickly. In the long run, we really have no control over the things of this world.
So instead, Jesus tells us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, where things do not deteriorate or disappear. Rather than focusing on piling up earthly things, we should be focused on heavenly things that will last eternally.
Everything we own was actually given to us by God’s grace.
We can break the habit of amassing treasure on earth by seeing all of our material possessions as something given by God for us to share with others. We can also shift our priorities toward making an eternal impact in people’s lives by sharing the hope of Jesus with them.
What small steps can you take today to begin to shift your priorities from earthly treasure to heavenly treasure? What has God given you that you can share with others to make a difference in their life as well? Take some time to pray to God about these things.
Patient Endurance
When we become Christians, we might be tempted to cling to a false belief that our lives will be problem-free. But the truth is: everyone experiences suffering. However, when you belong to Jesus, you don’t go through painful situations alone. And whatever hardships you face, it’s not the end of your story.
God sees us on the best and worst days of our lives, but His love for us does not change.
He understands our deepest suffering because He experienced it Himself when He became Immanuel, “God with us.” When we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, God can show us how to find rest. When we give our burdens to Him, He can refresh our heavy hearts.
God can handle our pain because He understands our hardships.
He is trustworthy and faithful. Even when our circumstances feel dark and hopeless, we can trust that He will carry us through every situation.
Suffering is a part of being human, but we honor God by handing our hardships over to Him, and looking for the ...