Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

8 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 6:19-34

 “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.

 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

–Matthew 6:19-23

     Matthew 6 is a prime example of why I felt led to read through the New Testament this year rather than the entire sixty-six books of the Old and New as I did last year.  There is so much to unpack here!  It’s like trying to drink from a fire hydrant if too much is read at once.  The Apostle John wrote, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”[1]  This is why each day I choose just a small portion and reflect upon it with you.  None of my observations are exhaustive and that is part of the wonder of Scripture.  It’s like holding up a diamond to the light.  Every time you gaze at it, you see a different aspect of its beauty and depth.

     Money is one of the most written about subjects in Scripture and it is a vital part of our everyday lives.  God wants us to handle it His way.  It isn’t meant to be hoarded selfishly, but rather used to care for our families,[2] shared with those in need,[3] used as a tool to advance the Kingdom of God upon the Earth,[4] and invested wisely.[5]  The ironic thing is that if we give generously of our treasures on Earth, with righteous intent, our treasure in Heaven will increase. 

     We underestimate the influence of music, media, sports and other entertainment on our moods, how we make decisions and the formulation of our worldview.  If these influences did not amount to much, there would not be multi-billion dollar industries built around them.  There is a song that I learned when I was very young, but I believe that every adult, including myself, needs to be reminded of it.  “Be careful little eyes what you see, O be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down with love, so be careful little eyes what you see.” 

Part of spiritual wellness is guarding our hearts.  The eyes are gates to the inner man and so we need to be mindful of what we allow in.  If we allow our eyes to feast on gratuitous sex and violence, then those images will be stored inside of us and cause us spiritual sickness and grieve the Holy Spirit within.  Take care of yourself and protect your heart.  Keep it sensitive so you can easily sense His promptings and guidance.  You are loved and cherished.

“God, thank You for Your wisdom that You share with us liberally with us in Your Scriptures, illuminated by Your Holy Spirit.  Help us to put Your precepts into practice.  May we share the abundance You’ve blessed us with others and may we be more discerning in what we choose to allow our eyes to see.  In the Name of the Savior, Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen.”

 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

–Ephesians 4:28

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[1] John 21:25

[2] I Timothy 5:8

[3] Proverbs 19:17, Hebrews 13:16

[4] Philippians 4:14-20

[5] Isaiah 48:17, Proverbs 13:22, Luke 16