What Do We Treasure the Most?

Matthew 6:20

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

It is getting cold outside. My wood furnace has been fired up a few times this fall already. I have wood stocked up and I’m ready. My wood furnace heats my whole house. I will fire it up again in the morning!

I had a funeral yesterday – and standing outside in the cemetery – people were shivering. I had to get out my heavy overcoat when I saw the temps for the day. My overcoat kept me warm – while others were shivering. I felt bad for them – but – they could have come prepared too. I didn’t keep them out there for long. Some didn’t even have jackets on – it was tough.

Speaking of getting the heavy jackets out – have you ever put on a coat or other piece of clothing that you haven’t worn for some time – only to be surprised what you find in the pockets? I have found money – lifesavers – mints – and other items I was missing – or thought was long gone. Finding money is a great surprise – right?

Don’t you just love when people – searching for something – say things like – it was in the last place I looked. Of course it was – if you kept looking after you found it- we’d have you carted off.

As Far As The East Is From The West

Psalm 103:12

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

My wife and I have worked our whole adult lives staying out of debt. We have been married for 37.5 years and we have tried to never be in more debt than we could pay off (paying off credit cards when they came due each month). Of course – buying cars and a home mortgage have been exceptions to the general rule until most recently. We have always paid off all of our credit cards each month when they have been due (which was hard when we were younger – trying to establish a home and staying within our budget or means). It has produced fruit as both my wife and I have great credit ratings – never really felt like we deprived ourselves – and have a good start on the next season of our life (retirement). We had a plan and we stuck with it! We paid back all of our debt. If we couldn’t for a short season – we worked hard to do so – at times holding down two and three jobs at a time. Hard work and good financial planning have produced good fruit. I understand some have had a plan and have not been as blessed. We have been blessed – even as we have worked hard.