Welcome to Friday, July 30th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Accumulating Treasure!

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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Welcome to the Friday, July 30th Cross Talk Daily Devotional.

This is Pastor Swanson.

May these words and thoughts bless you and provide you with ideas to think about as you live out this day!

Today's episode is titled:

Accumulating Treasure

One of my most prized possessions or treasures is an antique cast-iron U.S. mailbox bank that my grandfather purchased for my father in the 1930s. He, in turn, gave it to me in the early 1960s when I was quite young.

My father said that he would be given a penny once in a while to put into his bank. It made him seem rich each time he could drop another coin into the bank. Then, once in a while, he would be allowed to remove a couple of pennies and spend them on candy.

The idea of finding treasure interests all of us. If we are honest, most of us have a secret wish of finding or winning a great jackpot treasure. Amateur treasure hunters often find great treasures around the world.

My wife could tell you that I sometimes tell her that I would love to win one of those big 300 to 400 million dollar lotteries. This is especially true on those days when I would love to retire.

However, my wife takes all of the fun out of my wish by reminding me since I do not buy lottery tickets, the odds of winning one is rather slim.

However, you and I already possess more treasure than we could imagine!

Matthew 6:19-21 NAS95

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  [20]  "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  [21]  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

These are the words of Christ in which He expresses His concern that we guard against making earthly possessions and treasures the center of our lives.

Everything on this earth ages or decays and wastes away; it is not lasting.

As a pastor, I have officiated at several hundred funerals over the past three decades, and I have yet to see anyone take any earthly treasures or belongings with them!

How might we define the word “treasure?”

We hear this word used within various contexts, such as Treasure Island or Pirate’s Treasure.

A treasure is that which has value and is worth something to someone.

Is there anything wrong with acquiring earthly treasures? The simple answer is “No!” However, if they dominate our lives over our spiritual perspective, then it is a problem.

Why are we so caught up in acquiring earthly treasures? For one thing, we can see and handle them. We can look at our spreadsheets or handle our gold and silver coins. 

However, the need for laying up heavenly riches is a critical admonition for all of us, both believers and unbelievers.

Jesus goes on to say:

Matthew 6:24 NAS95

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

In the end, every man and woman has either committed their lives to the things of this world or the things of God. Their energies are directed toward one or the other. We cannot serve two masters.

Make sure that your true treasure is being stored in heaven.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We often are captivated by the shiny things of this world.

Help us to heed the admonition of Christ in these verses.

Help us to make any necessary corrections in our lives.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!