Tuesday, October 25th, 2022

We're all familiar with Jesus' teaching not to store up treasure on earth, but instead store up treasure in heaven, by which he means to, in faith, focus our minds and hearts on eternal treasures in heaven versus what is only temporary here on earth. But God is also our provider while here on earth, Paul writing to the Philippians, "By my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Today, it is sometimes hard to see, let alone trust, God to provide all we need, especially in times such as these. And truthfully, it can become frustrating at time to see only our needs met and no abundance or reward. In these times, Satan thrives because he can bring earthly rewards -- money, sex, power. What recourse of faith do we have then to combat such temptation? See God as not only your provider, but your rewarder. Sometimes these earthly rewards will be monetary, other times in relationships, and others in opportunity. These can appear similar on their face to Satan's temptations, but there will be a key difference: the Lord's rewards will be given as a result of faith, not stumbled into by luck, coincidence, or faithlessness. The rewards given in our earthly lives (blessings) will always have the markings of the Spirit upon them: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and will enable us to show more of these qualities. Most importantly though, eagerly await the rewards of heaven for a life lived by faith and spiritual fruits given freely. Followers of Christ do not follow for earthly comfort. Today, decide to see God as your provider and rewarder, seeking more of what He has and rejecting what may come from solely earthly sources.

“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.” Matthew 6:19-21

“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23