Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 6:16-24
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Old Testament -
Proverbs 12:15-28
Nehemiah 9
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Matthew 6:19-24
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Insight:
Life does not consist of the abundance of possessions. Security is not to be found in things, even lots of things. Worry about things can lead to misplaced priorities: obsession with self; blindness toward the needs of others; disregard for righteousness; failure to recognize the real beauty of today; and distorted values. My pursuits and treasures indicate whether my perspective toward life is temporal and false, or eternal and true.
Response & Action:
I want to live with the eternal values and perspectives of the kingdom of Christ. I want to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. I want my faith in Christ, my pursuit of his righteousness, and my submission to his authority to shape the way I live and the choices I make. I do not want my faith in self or the pursuit of things to shape my relationship with Christ. I want to seek Jesus, his ways, and his priorities more than anything else. I will put first the things that last.
O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Shape my love for others by the grace and work of Christ in my life. Give me the wisdom to recognize what is true and what has eternal value. I trust you to provide for my needs as I put you first. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Colossians 3:1-3
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Resources:
The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty
by Albert Y. Hsu
