June 16, 2025
Don’t store up treasures here on earth… Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.—Matthew 6:19–21
There are some things that seem so important on the surface, and money is one of those things. And in reality, money is the currency of the world that enables people to purchase their basic needs. Most people wish they had more of it—whether for good reasons, to assist their families and to support those in need, or for self-seeking purposes of accumulating material wealth and seeking fulfillment in it.
The desire for wealth and money are common temptations, and it can be enticing to feel that you could do so much with it and serve Me and others better if you had more of it. When I was in the wilderness for forty days, one of Satan’s temptations was to offer Me all the kingdoms of the world and their wealth (Luke 4:5–8). But My kingdom is much greater than any earthly kingdom!
In order to fulfill his calling, Moses forsook being the prince of Egypt and he chose the true riches of heaven over the fleeting wealth of all the treasures of Egypt. He chose to be mistreated with his people rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:23–26).
So many people in the world who seem to have material wealth and stability are empty on the inside, in desperate need of answers to the deepest questions of life. As their lives draw to a close, they are faced with the fact that all their wealth and earthly achievements will be left behind.
You have discovered eternal riches that will last forever—My love and truth. Continue to be faithful to freely share with others the true riches that you freely received (Matthew 10:8).
Do not love the world or anything in the world. … The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.—1 John 2:15–17
If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet or are concerned about whether you will have enough money or material goods, remind yourself that you possess wealth beyond anything the world can offer. Many people who are rich in the goods of the world are some of the most impoverished people spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
You may not have everything that you want, but I have promised to supply everything you need (Philippians 4:19). You have a storehouse of wealth at your disposal and are laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20). The world and all its earthly goods and desires will pass away, but you will live on forever in My kingdom. I am preparing a place for you which moth, decay, thieves and economic downturns cannot destroy, where your faithfulness to Me will be greatly rewarded (John 14:3).
One day you will dwell in a place of beauty and comfort to which nothing on earth can compare. The world’s riches are temporal, here today and gone tomorrow, but My riches are eternal.
Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.—Matthew 11:28–30
I know that it takes a bit of effort to lay down your many responsibilities and the concerns on your mind to spend time with Me—to seek Me and to learn from Me. But it is a game-changer when you do, and it will give you strength, inspiration, and peace for your day and the challenges before you.
If your day seems dreary or things just aren’t going well despite your best efforts, take a pause to cast all your burdens on Me (Psalm 55:22). Remember that My burden is light. You don’t have to carry the weight yourself.
Start your day in My presence, in communion and taking the time to read My Word and receive My guidance. My Word is perfect and radiant and more precious than gold that perishes, and it will refresh your soul and make your heart joyful (Psalm 19:7–10). So come to Me and find rest for your soul and faith for the journey.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.—2 Timothy 2:15
Picture in your mind an aid worker who is preparing to carry food to people in a remote village who are facing dire need—a village so isolated that it can only be reached by foot. It will be a very difficult journey, and the aid worker will only be able to take with him what he’s able to carry on his back.
To ensure that he is able to endure the journey and go the distance, the worker needs to ensure that he is healthy and well-nourished himself. When he arrives, he needs to have the strength to pass out the desperately needed supplies to the people he has come to serve.
Likewise, if you are going to share My life-giving words with others, it is important that you continue to faithfully read and learn from My Word, so that you will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). Each one of you has a role to play in sharing and teaching My Word and helping others to grow in their faith—and it starts with your personal times of study and growth.
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.—1 Corinthians 9:22–23
I want to use you to reach people in the world around you who are in such great need of My love and truth. Many people struggle just to get through the day and to understand the purpose and meaning of their life. When you give of yourself, your time and your resources to reach them, I will more than repay you (Luke 10:35).
As you make an effort to walk in other people’s shoes, to understand their situation and experiences, My love will empower you to speak their language and reach their heart. I know that some people can be difficult to approach and to share a witness with. Some people may have a tough exterior and appear unlikely to be receptive to the message. It can take courage to walk up to them and offer them a tract or start a conversation about faith.
Whenever you feel hesitant or intimidated, remember that you have something that they don’t have—and that they desperately need. When you approach people with conviction and sincerity, motivated by a concern for them and their eternal destiny, My Spirit speaks to their heart, whether they receive it at the time or further down the road.
You may be that person’s only opportunity to hear the gospel before their life ends. Your willingness to reach out to them and walk alongside them to share My love with them will help to save those who choose to receive Me into their lives.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.—Matthew 6:34, 33
When you look back on the story of your life, you realize that much of it was a mystery to you and you didn’t know how your future would unfold. I know that you have questions about the future. You see the instability of the world around you and it raises questions about your financial stability and what conditions will be like as everything changes around you at a pace never seen before.
I know that the uncertainties of the future can be concerning, but remember that I am the author and the finisher of your story. I know what’s ahead in every chapter of your life. So stay close to Me; commit your tomorrows into My hands and rest in My peace.
Take one day at a time and remember that no matter what happens, there will be a happy ending. Everything will work together in the end and all the pieces of your life will fit together to form My masterpiece and fulfill the purposes I planned for you long ago (Ephesians 2:10). So take heart when you face challenges and rejoice in the end of the story and the place I have prepared for all those who love Me.
Originally published in 1999. Adapted and republished June 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by John Listen.
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