Treasure that Lasts Forever
Every human learns from an early age that we prefer comfort over discomfort—pleasure over pain. We discover that it's easier, and often more enjoyable, to have plenty than it is to have little.
Material possessions can certainly create comfort in our lives—the new cars, the bigger houses, 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 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 treasure 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 forever.
Everything we own was actually given to us by God—in His grace.
We can break the habit of amassing treasure on earth by seeing all of our material possessions as something given to us 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? To reminding yourself and others that He is the real treasure? What has God given you that you can share with others to make a difference in their life? Take some time to pray about these things.
Truth Changes Everything
Think about the best news you've ever received in your life. Maybe it was a doctor walking into a waiting room and saying, "The surgery went perfectly." Maybe it was a phone call that said, "You got the job." Maybe it was two lines on a pregnancy test you'd been praying for.
Good news changes everything.
But none of those moments, as incredible as they are, even come close to the truth delivered on the first Easter morning:
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
Jesus had been crucified publicly, brutally, and officially. He was wrapped, sealed in a tomb. There was no question. Jesus was dead. It was true.
But when His followers Mary and Mary Magdalene arrived to grieve? The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And an angel met them with the most stunning announcement in human history.
But the angel doesn’t just tell the women the truth. He invites them to look for themselves. To step inside. To experience the...