Lost Treasure

READ: Isaiah 33:2-6

Few things were more devastating to the ancient Israelites than a swarm of locusts. Farmers who had invested months of labor and spent many evenings gazing upon their fields at what was certain to be an abundant harvest were in moments brought to tears as they watched their toil come to nothing, their families reduced to poverty and probable starvation. 

This is what will become of the treasures of the kingdoms of this world when the God of justice makes his power known.

Will you be among those suffering great loss on that day?

Seriously, consider it. 1 Corinthians 3 says that those who build on the foundation of Christ will have their work tested by fire. Build wisely, receive a reward; build foolishly, suffer great loss. Yes, all in Christ will pass into life, but some as ones escaping through the flames.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He goes on to tell a parable about a rich man who stored up his wealth thinking he would have many years of leisure to enjoy it only for God to prematurely take his life, separating him forever from the fruit of his labors.

I too once lived like this man, working hard to earn more and more money, saving and investing, only to see much of my wealth wiped out by a sudden reverse in the stock market. My efforts felt so futile then, but I learned the wisdom in Christ’s instruction: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Asset Management

READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Stewardship is not synonymous with giving money. Why would it be? We have a veritable holy trinity of assets we can use to glorify God and love others: our time, our talent, and our treasure.

Time. I have twenty-four hours today; how about you? Same? I thought so. Though, according to Peter, it’s quickly running out. Be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. Practice hospitality to one another without grumbling. Remember that your time is a gift from God, given that you may glorify Him and love others.

Talent. Use whatever gift you have received to serve others. If you speak, speak as one who speaks the very words of God. Your actions and your words are who you are to the world. Be who God designed you to be: We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Cor 6:19)? What a gift!

Treasure. It’s more than money: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21). The one who spoke the world into being does not need your money; He needs your love, for Himself and for His children. So, above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Let us render unto God what is God’s - our time, our talent, and our treasure, which all came from Him!

It's Not About The Money, Money, Money

18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Mark 4:18-19

Last week I highlighted this passage and talked about how scripture should be our highest authority.  It should be the first thing we go to when trying to discern God’s will for our lives.

What are some things that get in our way from allowing scripture to take root.  Our passage today mentions some things such as the worries of life, the desire for other things, and what I want to highlight today is, “the deceitfulness of wealth”.

How can wealth be deceptive.  It gives us a false sense of security.  If we have wealth we tend to think we can control whatever comes our way.  

Scripture warns against this ideology. Our passage today says that if we are deceived by our wealth, scripture will be unfruitful in our lives.

Having wealth is not a sin.  Placing our security in wealth rather than God, is.  Don’t let anything hinder your walk with God.  Put your trust in him and not your bank account.  Look for peace in the pages of the bible rather than the bottom line of your retirement plan.  And instead of following the money trail, let the word of God guide you.

Read today entire passage here. Mark 4:15-20

It's Not About the Money

Do you worry about money?  A lot of people do.  I googled sayings about money and many familiar ones popped up.  Are any of these familiar to you?  Money makes the world go ‘round, it’s all about the Benjamins, she works hard for the money, money talks, a penny saved is a penny earned, money doesn’t grow on trees, time is money… I could go on and on.

There have been countless books written on how to make money.  You can attend seminars, listen to podcasts or CDs all telling you how to make money.  Why does making money consume our focus?  The answer is obvious isn’t it.  When we have money, we feel secure to take care of ourselves.  We can pay our bills, feed our family, put a roof over our heads, and plan for our future.

Money and wealth are hot button topics. Our scripture today warns against the LOVE of money, and praises the efforts of hard work.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Vs. 10

The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
    whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
    permits them no sleep. Vs. 12

Taking care of ourselves and our family is different than loving money, but I think it can be a slippery slope when we look to money and wealth to solve all our problems. I love what verses 18 and 19 say,

“¹⁸ This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 

It is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor… I love that.  Working hard and enjoying the fruit of our labor is not a bad thing, but it would be good for us to all remember, it’s not about the money.

Read today's passage here

Giving from the Heart

Today's scripture keeps our focus on generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 talks about what happens when we live generously. Living generously cannot be merely an act of obedience.  True generosity is a matter of the heart. It is not always something you can plan.

I love how The Message interprets this passage. Verse 9 says,  “As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon.”

Have you ever thrown caution to the winds? It’s fun to do if we think of going on an adventure, but when we think of giving our resources we definitely tend to be cautious.

We say we are being a “good steward” with what God has given us when really our hearts don't want to give.  While I don't think God wants us to waste our time, money or talents, when I read this passage I can't ignore where it says God wants us to give with, “reckless abandon” so that people will come to know Christ through our generosity.

Last weekend my family and I were out in a really poor neighborhood, that our church has adopted, knocking on doors seeing if there are any kids we could provide Christmas presents for.  While we were out one of the residents, an elderly woman was taking out her trash.  I told my ten-year-old to run over and take the bag of trash to the garbage for her.

She insisted that he didn't need to do that for her, but I just winked at her and said please let him give her his time.  My son was extremely happy to be able to help in some way. The woman was touch when she saw how he really wanted to help and allowed us to stay for a bit and talk.  Before we left we were able to pray with her.  

Generous living isn't just giving your money.  It is giving what is needed recklessly and with abandon if need be. “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.”

Ready today's passage here 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Matthew 6: 19-21, 24-34

Stewardship and the Kingdom of God

What is really going to matter 100 years from now? I used to teach with an amazing man who has gone to be with the Lord, but while here, Jim was always a calming force in my life. My father lived in another state, and though he loved me and shared his wisdom with me from time to time, Jim was my dad away from dad. As a young teacher, I would sometimes get upset about things and go to him. Jim would remind me of the importance of staying calm. “The only two things worth getting worked up about are birth and death,” he would say. Though he never referenced the bible, probably because we worked in the public school setting, I discovered at his funeral how his life was driven by God’s word. No wonder he had such peace about him, even though he was often dealing with very significant issues as an administrator.

Matthew 6 reminds us of what is truly important as well, and that worry is futile. If we value that which is eternal rather than the things of this earth, we will be at peace, awaiting our heavenly home. Our birth offers us the opportunity to live for the Lord, and our fate upon death is determined by what we do in between birth and death.

 Jim was so right.

Verse 19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Verse 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hateone and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Verse 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

Verse 27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Verse 33 “But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul includes these verses, as he ends his letter to the Philippians; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 6:19-34