Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Investment for the Future - Luke 12:33-34 - A Christian Devotional

from Phil Ware at Heartlight

"Sell the things you have and give that money to people that need it. The riches of this world don't continue. So get the kind of riches that continue. Get the treasure of heaven. That treasure continues forever. Thieves can't steal your treasure in heaven, and moths can't destroy it. Your heart will be where your treasure is." — Luke 12:22-34 (ERV)

Key Thought

"What are your primary investment strategies?" I can still remember a financial planner asking me that question. It wasn't his first question ... or second ... but on down the line, he got around to asking it. In a way, Jesus is really challenging us to face that same question in this passage. In the cycles of our national and world economies, there are "lean" times and there are times of "plenty." No earthly investment strategy is foolproof. Only when we invest in things that are eternal can we invest in things that are truly guaranteed -- things that can't be stolen, destroyed, or ruined. So what are you doing to invest in your eternal future? This question is vital, because what we value as our true treasure will be the focus of our hearts.

Today's Prayer

Father, help me build a portfolio of grace, marked by generosity to others and a commitment to things that are eternal. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Jesus said to his followers, "So I tell you, don't worry about the food you need to live. Don't worry about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more important than food. And the body is more important than clothes. Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest. Birds don't save food in houses or barns. But God takes care of them. And you are worth much more than birds. None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it. If you cannot do the little things, then why worry about the big things? Look at the wild flowers. See how they grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field like that. That grass is living today, but tomorrow it will be thrown into the fire to be burned. So you know that God will clothe you much more. Don't have so little faith! So don't always think about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don't worry about it. All the people that don't know God try to get those things. Your Father (God) knows that you need those things. The thing you should want is God's kingdom. Then all these other things you need will be given to you. "Don't fear, little flock (group). Your Father (God) wants to give you the kingdom. Sell the things you have and give that money to people that need it. The riches of this world don't continue. So get the kind of riches that continue. Get the treasure of heaven. That treasure continues forever. Thieves can't steal your treasure in heaven, and moths can't destroy it. Your heart will be where your treasure is.

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