Daily Devotionals

Pressure Point Week 9: Thursday

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21

Whether we realize it or not, the things we value and treasure gives us a bird's eye view into our hearts. For example, if we value money and possessions, it is clear that wealth and material possessions are what we value over most other things. On the other hand, if we are generous, it is clear that giving and caring for people is one of the aspects that we value most. As a result, we must take a few minutes to evaluate what we treasure most to understand what is occupying our hearts. 

Jesus taught about the importance of examining our hearts in Matthew 6. In this chapter, he taught listeners to store treasures in Heaven rather than on Earth because treasures in Heaven will last forever (verses 19-20). Then Jesus made a profound summary statement: "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." This is the crux of the matter. The things we treasure reveal our hearts. They reveal what is most important to us and what our hearts desire most, for better or worse.

The things occupying our hearts and attention and affection impact everything. The writer of Proverbs 4 said, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" (verse 23). Our hearts determine the direction we will go in life. If we want to go in the direction of God and His kingdom, we must guard our hearts in every area, including our finances. When we guard our hearts, we can be sure that our desires are aligned with God's. 

Friends, the things we treasure or prize give us a window into our hearts. They reveal what has captured our hearts, minds, and attention. The question we have to ask ourselves is, what does our treasure reveal about our hearts? What has been capturing our attention and affection? It is time to confess that to Him if it is anything but God. Let's tell Him that we know that our values need rearranging. He is worthy of our hearts, attention, and affection.

Moving Toward Action

We can refocus our priorities by attending our weekend services. Our services give us the opportunity to worship God and set our hearts and minds on Him and His kingdom. So please plan to worship with us this weekend and bring a friend! We can't wait to see you there.

Going Deeper

Proverbs 4:1-27

"My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2 for I am giving you good guidance.
Don't turn away from my instructions.
3 For I, too, was once my father's son,
tenderly loved as my mother's only child.

"Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don't forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown."

10 My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom's ways
and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won't be held back;
when you run, you won't stumble.
13 Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.

14 Don't do as the wicked do,
and don't follow the path of evildoers.
15 Don't even think about it; don't go that way.
Turn away and keep moving.
16 For evil people can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day.
They can't rest until they've caused someone to stumble.
17 They eat the food of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence!

18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don't lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.

24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.

25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil."