TREASURES IN HEAVEN

January 28, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…
—Matthew 6:20

Heaven is a place in the future of every Christian, and I want to know—are you prepared? Are you really ready to go?

I don’t just mean, do you have the hope of heaven? That’s part of it. Trusting in Christ also means recognizing that your life on earth should count for something and you should lay up for yourself treasures in heaven.

Every thing you have on earth will be left behind. But Jesus told us if we were wise, we would “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 6:20–21). This means as Christians we will one day receive rewards for our faithful service to the Lord.

What are you doing for Christ? Are you using the gifts He has given you? Are you serving Him?

I have found the best way to live the greatest life in this world is to be more concerned with the next one. C. S. Lewis said, “Aim for heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

So as I aim at heaven, as I am thinking about fellowshipping with the Lord, earth will be thrown in. I can have the greatest life on this earth—not because I am trying to obtain happiness or fulfillment, but because I am trying to walk with God and please Him.

The fringe benefit of living life for the next one is I can have a happy, fulfilled life doing it. (By Greg Laurie)

BITTERNESS

January 27, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”Hebrews 12:15

As we grow in grace, we are sure to grow in
charity, sympathy, and love. We shall, as we
ripen in grace, have greater sweetness towards
our fellow Christians. Bitter spirited Christians
may know a great deal, but they are immature.

Those who are quick to censure may be
very acute in judgment, but they are as
yet very immature in heart.

He who grows in grace remembers that he is
but dust, and he therefore does not expect his
fellow Christians to be anything more.

He overlooks ten thousand of their faults,
because he knows his God overlooks twenty
thousand in his own case. He does not expect
perfection in the creature, and, therefore, he
is not disappointed when he does not find it.

When our virtues become more mature, we shall
not be more tolerant of evil; but we shall be more
tolerant of infirmity, more hopeful for the people
of God, and certainly less arrogant in our criticisms.(By Charles Spurgeon)

GOD IS THE CHAMPION

January 26, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“–they declared all things that God had done with them.”(Acts 15:4)

We hear a lot of talk about “great” men of God and the “great”accomplishments of man, but we miss the point. Only God is truly great. It is what He does through us, not what we do for Him, that matters most.

One man used to play tennis quite a lot. He wasn’t very good, but he was always open to anything that could help him. One day he was watching a match on TV, and saw a commercial advertising the Wilson T-2000 metal racquet. It showed Jimmy Connors making a lot of fancy shots while a hidden narrator said, “If the Wilson T-2000 could win Wimbledon and Forest Hills, it could certainly handle my little matches.”

So he played with one all that summer. And he lost all summer. That racquet didn’t do anything for him. The truth is, the Wilson T-2000 didn’t win Wimbledon or Forest Hills. Jimmy Connors did—using the Wilson T-2000. When the fans walked away from the match that day, they didn’t talk about what a great racquet the Wilson T-2000 was; they talked about what a great player Jimmy Connors was. And the prize check was made out to Jimmy Connors and not to you-know-what.

Now in tennis, a racquet is essential—but it isn’t the racquet that wins. It’s the champion who wins, using the racquet. In the doing of works and greater works, Jesus is the champion and we are the racquet in His hands.

REGARDLESS

January 25, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

Regardless of where I am——-

I did not get to this place by myself, nor by accident. It is the providence of God that brought me here. And, regardless of my circumstances, the challenge I face is not bigger than the God I serve.

Although I am confused, He isn’t. He knows absolutely everything about me and my situation. I see no benefit in my trial, but I know God will use it for some good. He has promised.

Even though others have not responded to my need, I know God will. When I feel nobody cares, His Word and His Spirit assures me that He does. He knows and He cares.

Weak am I, unable to bear up under this heavy load, but it is no burden to God. He is all-powerful. My problem is no problem for God. I am His child and He always takes care of His children. I can always depend on Him. He knows–He cares–and He can help!

This day is a gift from God. This moment is the only moment I have for certain to serve and glorify Him. I will honor Him by trusting Him—knowing He doeth all things well. Regardless of what this day holds I know I can make it because my Father knows, cares, and helps. With His help you can make it too–regardless!

IS IT WORTH IT ?

January 24, 2009 By Pastor David Stone

“…and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”–Matthew 6:18

One day the great Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo happened to overhear a group of people admiring his Pietà, a statue of Christ on His mother’s knees after His death on the cross. One man attributed the work to another sculptor, much to the chagrin of Michelangelo, who took particular pride in the Pietà. Returning to the sculpture after dark that evening, Michelangelo carved his name on it so that no similar mistake would occur in the future.

Sometimes it’s hard not to want the recognition and admiration of those around us. Whether our gift is preaching or teaching, writing or singing, evangelism or leading, we must keep a Godly perspective and motivation in everything we do. During His earthly ministry, Jesus certainly knew how to keep himself from becoming entangled in the praises of men; He gave all the credit to His Father, for He knew His reward was waiting on the other side of the cross.

If we fall into the trap of working or performing for the rewards of men, we are bound to miss out on our rewards in heaven. Is it worth losing eternal praise from God himself to have but a moment of earthly glory? (From Turning Point)

He who merits praise he never receives is better off than he who receives praise he never merits.—-Unknown

TREASURES IN HEAVEN

BITTERNESS

GOD IS THE CHAMPION

REGARDLESS

IS IT WORTH IT ?

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