Today's reading

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... –Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

February 6, 2023

Treasure Hunt

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... –Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

If you’ve ever known someone who has lost everything in a house fire, tornado, or hurricane, you know that their story can be heartbreaking. They often lose every tangible item that gives them joy. They have to rebuild their lives from scratch and start all over again.

But tragedy often leads to clarity; and from such situations, one thing rings true. If something can be taken from you, it’s not really yours. In this world, everything is up for grabs. If you die tomorrow, everything you’ve worked for will pass on to someone else. Even as you are living, your money, your car, and your identity can all be stolen. You never really own anything; you’re just a steward of it. 

However, there is something that no one can take from you; it’s a treasure that nothing can destroy. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  If your heart is set on earthly things, you’ll be disappointed. But if you make Jesus Christ your true treasure, if He’s the one thing you value most, you’ll be forever joyful. Material things won’t matter on your last day of life, but a relationship with Jesus will. 

prayer focuses

Lord, help me to recognize opportunities today to store up “treasures in Heaven.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing love and for an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:4 NIV).

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about the

Author

Brenda Beattie

Brenda Beattie is a retired letter carrier and an active Chaplain for the USPS. She and her husband retired to Bradenton because they loved their church, Bayside Community Church. She has self-published two books, "Finding Sacred Ground In The Daily Grind," and "The Case Of The Missing Letter." She is also a repeat author for "Chicken Soup For The Soul." Her articles appear monthly in the "Mountaineer," a postal publication. Her hearts desire is to encourage and to give hope.