I'm so grateful that God knows things far beyond what I know, and that he can see the future he has planned for me. When it's too easy to think I'm forgotten or left behind, or even that I have missed the mark and no longer qualify to serve the Lord, this reminder from Pastor Richard is so important! God has significant spiritual life for me, planned in advance for me. And all he needs is my “yes” in order to bring that plan to fulfillment.

When you think about storing up treasures, what pictures does that bring to mind? Do you see dragons? Pirates? Imagine pursuing heavenly treasure with as much passion and dedication as a pirate pursues gold. A pirate would leave his home and family—if he had one—to sail the seas and find hidden treasure. Think of being that dedicated to your treasure stash in heaven, where the treasure never tarnishes or fades!

Today Pastor Richard discusses the early church and the way they lived with an intense expectation of Christ's imminent return. Maybe for us, the 2,000 years since then has dulled that fervor. If we kept the reality of Jesus' return in front of us all the time, would it change the way we make decisions? I think we would become fearless. We would not be looking for what makes us comfortable. We would be free to follow the crucified Christ.