[EZMONEY]

Treasure That Does Not Fade"

June 19, 2009



Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21



Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour



Imagine a treasure hunt. As you search for the fortune, excitement builds. Along the way, you encounter some obstacles -- a wall to climb over, a lake to swim across. Conquering these, you continue your quest, focused on the cache at the end of your pursuit. Finally, you get to that place where the treasure is. Your heart is pounding, and your body is aching as you remember the difficult struggle it was to make it this far. You press on, knowing you are close to the end, and the long, sought-after treasure will soon be yours.

Imagine your disappointment when you break open the wooden chest and find -- not a horde of golden goodies -- but a heap of decaying rubbish, covered in flies, and stinking to high heaven.

Seek after the riches of this world and you'll ultimately encounter just such a treasure.

The point of today's text is that those things -- those earthly things you try to stockpile and keep polished and place faith in -- are really slated to go the way of all material things: right down the garbage disposal.

Instead, seek those things that are of God -- His truth, His love and, above all, His Son. God has already given us a treasure map (the Bible) to find these eternal treasures. With it we can sidestep the landmines in this world, conquer the difficulties that arise on our journey and, ultimately, through His grace gain the greatest treasure of all: eternal life with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The question God asks of you today is this: which treasure are you reaching for -- one that will deteriorate and fall apart over time, or one that will be stored in heaven, lasting for all eternity, beyond any treasure this world has to offer?

May God's Spirit guide you in all truth as you seek after His treasure.

THE PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, we pray for those who seek after You because that desire is born only of the Spirit. Remind us Your treasure is true; Your reward is everlasting, and Your grace alone is sufficient to save us from seeking after false gods and treasure chests full of junk. In Your holy and precious Name, do we pray. Amen.

Biography of Author: This devotion was written by Lauren Paschke, a volunteer with Lutheran Hour Ministries' office in Australia. Through production and distribution of radio and television spots, videos, cassettes, booklets, and press releases, the Good News of Jesus Christ is shared down under. For more information on Christian outreach in Australia, visit the Lutheran Church of Australia's Web site at www.lca.org.au/lutheranmedia/lca.