Ephesians 4:2 NIV —- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Have you ever thought about God hanging your name on His door? Click here to hear us talk about that idea and wrap up our week together with today’s See You Saturday video.

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV — Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let’s go back to how we began our week together. Have you assessed the treasures you are storing? Has your focus changed? How has God spoken to you or convicted you this week?

As we finish out the last 8 weeks of 2023, let’s finish strong! Let’s work hard each day to focus on Christ’s example and how you and I can become more like Him. Let’s run with perseverance and endurance toward our heavenly home and work each day to store our treasures in heaven.

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me to stay focused on You and Your work. Remind me each day of ways I can store treasures in Heaven instead of on Earth. Give me the resolve to finish strong. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV — Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

This week we have examined our focus by pondering what treasures we are storing. Yesterday, we walked on water with the help of Jesus. How did it go? How far did you make it on the water? My guess is that none of us went very far before sinking. Sometimes we lose our focus, while other times we lose our courage. God’s word assures us that today is a new day with new mercies and another chance. Christian living is not a one-day event. Christian living is not a sprint. Christian living is a marathon. Today, give yourself some grace. Pull yourself up out of the water. Dry yourself off and climb back into the safety of the boat. Reassess your focus and call on Jesus. Spend time in prayer and devotion binding yourself to Christ. Then, step out of the boat and try walking on water again. Don’t give up. Keep trying. Keep your eyes on Christ and the heavenly treasures you are storing up.

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for Your love and that your mercies are new each morning. Give me new resolve and commitment today to walk on water in Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Click here to read about Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33.

This week we have been pondering our treasures. Yesterday I encouraged you to read Jesus’ Sermon On the Mount which is a blueprint for Christian living. Today, let’s consider walking on water.

Last week Julie focused on salt. She encouraged us to be salty just as Jesus did in His sermon. Today, I encourage you to choose one of the areas of Christian living that Jesus spelled out in the Sermon On the Mount to challenge yourself. Click here to read the sermon again, if needed. Choose an area that you feel you are less successful and less comfortable. Do you struggle with your anger, loving your enemies, judging others, or giving to the needy? How can you step out of your boat today and walk on water in that area? Allow Jesus to walk with you, guiding and directing your path. Stay focused on Him as you add another treasure to your heavenly bank.

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me to step out of my boat of comfort and walk with You on water. May I feel Your loving arm guiding and directing my steps as I walk beside You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

What do you long for? What is your focus? Do you think a lot about what new item/items you want to purchase? Are you consumed with your finances and how to make more money? Do you spend your time working for earthly treasures? 

Each day this week I have challenged you to think about your treasures and your focus. In other words, I have asked you to examine your heart. What does your heart long for? Is your focus on money, fame, influence, success, or power? How can you build treasures in Heaven?

Click here to read the entire Sermon On the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. While it is a longer read than the usual scripture we share, it is a synopsis of Christian living. Living as Christ directs us in this sermon will equip us to store treasures in Heaven.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the Sermon On the Mount and the examples Christ set for me. Help me to be more like Christ each day so I will be building my Heavenly bank. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.