"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Treasure hunts are always exciting. Every treasure hunt begins with a map giving directions and clues, telling you where to look for the treasure. Then, you set out on the hunt following the path given to you.
Excitement builds as you journey toward the treasure, but you encounter some obstacles along the way: a tall wall that needs perseverance to climb over, a lake that demands strength and courage to swim across. You continue on in your quest, focused on the treasure at the end of journey where X marks the spot. Finally, you come to the place where the treasure is. You can almost see it. Your heart is pounding, and your body aching as you remember the struggles it took to make it this far. You continue on, knowing that you are so close to the end, and the treasure awaits you. As you uncover the treasure, your heart bursts with joy and fulfillment as your expedition finally comes to a close.
Treasure hunts happen in real life, too. God has given us a treasure map to find the greatest treasure of all. The treasure map is the Bible. It helps us navigate through the obstacles of life, conquer difficulties that arise in our journey to find joy and fulfillment, and ultimately leads us to the greatest treasure of all: eternal life with God through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Earthly treasures can be stolen, broken, or destroyed. However, our heavenly treasure cannot be affected by any of those things (Matthew 6:19-21).
The questions God asks of you today are these: Are you willing to take up His treasure hunt and, with His strength, endure the obstacles on the journey to reach the final treasure? If so, which treasure are you reaching for? Is it one that will deteriorate and fall apart over time, or one that will be stored in heaven, lasting for all of eternity, beyond any treasure or riches known to this world?
Begin your journey today.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world offers so many things that might appear worth seeking. You alone, however, are the only One worthy of our attention. Keep us focused, Lord. In Your Name. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Lauren Paschke is a university student studying counseling in Adelaide, South Australia. She has a passion to work with at-risk high school students and enjoys encouraging friends and participating in youth events.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 43-44 Romans 8:1-21
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