Where Your Treasure Is
OPENING PRAYER:
God, search my heart and show me what I am really trusting. Amen.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that what we treasure reveals what we love most. Later, when a woman from Bethany poured expensive perfume on Jesus, the disciples called it a waste, but Jesus called it beautiful.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV); see also Mark 14:3-9
REFLECT:
Around 1989, Pastor Todd was a young student pastor at a church camp when he met Tony and Donnie, two worship leaders whose van was falling apart. He and Cris had saved about $7,000 for a down payment on their first home, a huge amount for a young couple in ministry. During worship on the last night of camp, God brought to his mind the woman from Bethany pouring out her perfume, and Pastor Todd sensed Jesus saying, “Take your jar of expensive perfume... Everybody else will think it’s a foolish thing, but I’ll think it’s beautiful.”
He went home and tried to forget about it. Then late the next morning the phone rang. It was Tony and Donnie: “Our van broke down, and God told us to call you.” Pastor Todd and Cris gave all of their down payment money. He said it felt like losing his life, and at the same time it felt like walking on water. About two years later, God provided over $35,000 for a down payment on the home they still live in.
Pastor Todd said, “You really never know if you trust Jesus until He asks you to do something or give up something that you love or something that gives you security.” God was not after his money. He was after his heart. The same is true for us. Whether you have never given before, you are in a windy season and wondering how to finish your All Things New commitment, or you sense God inviting you to something new, the question is not really about money. It is about what we trust for our security and happiness.
APPLY:
Ask yourself honestly: besides Jesus, what gives me security? Then prayerfully consider your next step in generosity, whether that is your first gift, persevering to complete your All Things New commitment, or a new step of trust. You can give through the Pathway app or pathwaychurch.com/give
I WILL STATEMENT:
“I will trust Jesus to take a step out of the boat.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, You do not want my money as much as You want my heart. Help me hold what I have with open hands and trust You more than anything I own. In Your name, amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.