Passage of the Day:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 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. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money, Matthew 6:19-24.
Reflection:
Christian retreats are designed to take a break from your busy life and withdraw into the wilderness to spend time with the Lord. As someone who was always excited for retreats in highs school and college, these times away at a camp, in the mountains or a quiet setting gives you a chance to do a spiritual evaluation of your life. In the middle of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes a break by asking those in attendance, “where is your heart?” Or from a more practical sense, what are your priorities and where does God the Lord rank on your daily to do list?
Prayerful Action:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Restoring Your Heart:
Jesus appears to be addressing this question, “where is your heart?” to anyone in the crowd who is currently trusting in their wealth rather than the Lord. Jesus uses human eyes as a visual aid to illustrate this important message. Perhaps, Jesus was referring to individuals who tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Eve was the first to fall prey to this temptation, choosing to satisfy her own earthly desires rather than obey God, Genesis 3:1-6. If you want to restore your heart, use the momentum of a new year to trust God with your whole heart.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As a former perfectionist, I know how it feels to constantly beat yourself inside for making bad choices and decisions in life. May the dawn of a new day help you to see the big picture that faith is a journey of ups and downs. May today’s devotion prompt you to take steps to trust in the Lord.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 