Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.




Store up riches for yourselves in heaven. Matthew 6:20 (TEV)




Like many people, I sometimes worry about how we are going to survive the current economic situation. In tough times, we may turn to possessions for comfort and enjoyment; sometimes in order to feel better we even spend money that we don't have.

I was reminded of that recently in church when I noticed a stranger in the pew ahead of me. He was dirty and unkempt, and he listened intently to the sermon and sang the hymns joyfully. When the offering bag came around, I saw him drop a few coins. He gave without hesitation.

Often we who are more fortunate than that man don't tithe, don't spend time with God regularly, don't give of our time or money to help the poor and homeless. Too often we don't offer a kind word to a stranger, take time to chat with a lonely person, or spend an hour a week to help at a soup kitchen.

I have decided to stop using so much of my time building up treasures on earth so that I can more faithfully live out God's word.


Prayer: Dear God, help us to carry out your word faithfully, for the benefit of those you love. Amen.


Prayer Focus of Day: Newcomers


Thought for the Day: When we serve in Christ's name, we store up riches in heaven.


Story shared by: S. McHardy (South Africa)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 8/3/11