“Invest in the Eternal”

Luke 12:32-34

Today’s scripture continues to support the current sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount. This week’s focus is on Matthew 6:19-34 and the reading from Luke is very similar to Matthew 6:19 which reads as follows: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

When I read these verses the phrase “invest in the eternal” comes to mind. If we are walking in obedience to Jesus’ commands and recognize that our true citizenship is in heaven then investing in the eternal only makes sense.

So how do we do this? It occurs to me that only three things in this world are going to last forever – God, His Word, and people. Given this short list, a strong focus on growing in our relationship with God, studying His Word, and investing in the people God brings into our lives are logical priorities. In the gospels Jesus gives us examples of how to live this kind of life. He prioritizes prayer (relationship with the Father), He shows a firm grasp of scripture (the OT during His time on earth), and in today’s reading He puts a focus on people (helping the poor). Thanks be to God for Jesus’ examples and the opportunities we have at UALC to grow in our efforts to “invest in the eternal”.

I have lived long enough to see things in my life that I thought were “all important” (treasures) fade away. They didn’t last. But God’s love, the truth of His Word, and the people He loves (all people!) remain – forever!

Shhhhhh,.... Listen.

Acts 16: 6-15

As Paul continued on his journey, he followed the guiding of the Holy Spirit. As I read this, I couldn’t help but think, “Why is it that the messages from the Lord were so clear to Paul, and many of us continue daily, asking God what direction He wants us to take without so much as a nudge?” How awesome would it be to have a crystal clear understanding of what God wants of us!

Acts 16 tells of Paul and his companions being kept by the Holy Spirit from going to the Province of Asia. It also says that the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to enter Bithynia, and that during the night Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia begging him to come and help them. He was specifically guided as to what he should do, and what he should not do. It was very clear for Paul according to this scripture. If only our purpose and expectations were this obvious.

Perhaps Paul was more still and quiet, waiting for the Lord to speak to him than we are in our busy world. Maybe if we stopped to “Be still and know that He is God,” we would hear his whispers.

 I challenge you to quiet yourself, ruthlessly eliminate hurry, and listen. What harm could come of it? A task might go unfinished for a time, but just think of the eternal gift that could result. Our Lord waits for us to hear Him, but we cannot hear if we do not listen.

Read/Listen to Acts 16: 6-15

2 Corinthians 4:1, 5-12, 16-18

Living Well in a Broken World

I remember when my parents passed away. They left us only five months apart, and it was a very difficult time. There were many other things going on in life at the same time. We were raising our four children, one having a significant disability. I was working full time and my husband was managing a business which demanded extensive hours away and much computer time when he was home. His parents were aging as well, and our young twins were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Many days were very overwhelming and it seemed as though we were on our own to fight off the storms of life. Had we known then what we know now, it would have made things a bit easier to handle. Perhaps no lighter on the heart, but with biblical perspective we could have seen the purpose of our challenges more clearly. I trust you too have been in situations when looking at things from God’s viewpoint would have, or perhaps did ease the pain.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our trials are nothing compared to what Jesus endured for us.

Though some days seem unbearable, we will be alright.

Yes this world brings heartache and pain, but it will end and be glorious beyond imagine.

What is real and devastating now, will seem trivial when everything is all said and done.

Though this world wears us down, and our bodies weaken, when we lift our eyes to the Lord we are refreshed and strengthened. He is there for us with a promise of eternal peace.

Listen to Tenth Avenue North: “Worn”

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 4: 1
                       2 Corinthians 4: 7-18