Today’s Scripture Passage:
Luke 12:13-34
Key Verse:
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 (NLT)
I believe “cloudy with a chance of rain” days are for taking a quick walk someplace close. That’s why we chose to walk the Matthew’s Hill Loop Trail last week.
We stood at the top of the hill and admired the beauty surrounding us. That’s when I noticed the hay in the field across the way. Seeing those giant hay blocks stacked beside rolls and rolls of hay reminded me of what Jesus said in Today’s Scripture Passage.
All that hay had me thinking about the focus of my daily choices.
LORD, what motivates my choices? Am I trusting You to take care of my needs? Is my mind fixed on the things of the Spirit or the things of the flesh? Am I rich in my relationship with You?
Now, please don’t misunderstand. I believe the owners of the field should reap the benefits of their hard work. A workman is worthy of his wages. The LORD brings increase by blessing the work of our hands. He shows us His goodness in the land of the living, and absolutely everything we have comes from Him. He wants us to enjoy it and be generous with it!
No, as I thought about all that hay, I began to feel the LORD calling me to set aside some extra time with Him; a time other than our standing morning appointment together.
This was a special time set aside for a specific purpose: to seek the LORD’s point of view on what I’m gathering, stacking, and storing away. This was a time to let Him take out my daily activities and reveal the motives behind each one. A time to ask if my riches are temporary or eternal treasures in His sight.
The encounter was both sweet and salty. My relationship with Jesus was strengthened and enriched. It was a time to be savored, but it also left me thirsty for more of the living waters of Jesus. I was humbled by His gentleness in revealing the answers to my requests with such clarity. I was encouraged to be diligent in seeking His full exposure of my heart more often.
I learned much of what appears eternal is not.
and
Not everything I consider temporary is.
George took this picture so you could see what we passed on our way over to Thornberry Loop Trail — the very next day! We’ve passed this barn a zillion times since moving to the area ten years ago.
Now it’s become another constant and gentle reminder to store my treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy.
Yes, Jesus has a great sense of humor. His word tells us laughter is good medicine. I think He pointed this corn field, silo, and barn out to me, so I would laugh with Him. Reminding me of His presence and soothing the sore places of my heart.
I encourage you to set aside a special time with Jesus. A time to ask Him to let you see the treasures of your heart. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!
LORD, we’re so thankful to be citizens of Your Kingdom. We’re thank You for the privilege of being your representative in the foreign land we live in now. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, so we will represent You well. Give us compassion and courage and teach us to love those around us as You love them. We want to love as citizens of Heavens and not citizens of this world!
Digging Deeper:
Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 6:24-34 & 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.