Thursday 5 January

A: Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus commands us not to store treasures here on earth where they are susceptible to ‘moth’ and ‘rust’ destroying them, being stolen by thieves. In heaven, our treasure cannot be destroyed or stolen. ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ The crucial truths Jesus is speaking here are how destructible earthly treasures are in a sinful world. If we’re concerned with treasures on earth, it’s where our desires will be. We’ll focus on accumulating treasure to our detriment seeing earth is temporary whereas heaven is eternal. Hymn #632 Until Then goes ‘The things of earth will dim and lose their value If we recall they’re borrowed for awhile’ Verse one says ‘A heartache here is but a stepping stone. Along a trail, that’s winding always upward, This troubled world is not my final home.’ These words tie in with this lesson.  

The quarterly states laying up treasure in heaven means using our resources to advance God’s kingdom and bless others.  

Abraham – friend of God (James 2:23) was blessed and called to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2,3)  

‘So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.’ (Galatians 3:9 NIV) 

A: My heart tells me I want to do good with money. Admittedly wealth is appealing, I like shopping and do need to exercise self-awareness and self-control. Overall, I’m content with having the necessities in life while treating myself from time to time. Giving to others is more joyful compared to the often quick passing excitement of fulfilling a want of mine. After getting it it’s like now what?