Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
Lent is all about Jesus. It reminds us of our mortality, and points us to the blessed hope found in Jesus as he journeys to the cross.
As we prepare for this 40-day period of fasting and prayer, it challenges us to reflect, focus on Jesus and his sacrificial death, and turn our hearts to repentance.
How do we do that? Where do we start? We start by remembering Jesus’ teachings and looking inside ourselves.
For one thing, Jesus tells us, “Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is” (Matthew 6:19-21, CEV).
What captures your attention most? Your home. Car. Family. Job. Finances….
From Jesus’ perspective, our treasure is that which we value most, that which seeks and commands our undivided attention, that which we guard with life and limb.
Surely Jesus is not asking us to take a vow of poverty when he decries amassing earthly possessions, but he is warning us against the type of greed that is so prevalent in our society. He also warns of the unhealthy obsession with “things” rather than the Word of God.
Being enamored by material possessions, social status, and a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude leaves no room for the values that really matter.
When things matter more than people, and when people matter more than God, then we have willingly allowed ourselves to be shackled by the stocks and bonds of the world.
So the question is: “Where’s your heart?”
It is so easy to be distracted from the vows we make to God. So easy to speak with our lips and not with our hearts. So easy to look around at others and make plans to “have what they have…” So easy…
Why? Because we live in a society that places top value on wealth, on self-promotion, and outward success. And while there is nothing wrong with being successful or having wealth, when success or wealth strangles our dependence on God, it becomes a tool of the enemy.
Jesus, our omniscient Savior, tells us how to avoid this trap.
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, CEV).
God’s Word is our treasure, and our response should be to apply it to our lives and share it with those around us. When we treasure God’s Word, a natural response is humility and obedience in the presence of an awesome God who loves us more than we can ever imagine. God proves it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place.
When our hearts embrace Jesus, God blesses us richly and the things we value will become aligned with what God desires for us. Take time to self-reflect during Lent, and pause to consider the question, “Where is your heart?”
PRAYER: Lord, you are our treasure. Help us push away the world’s distractions and keep our hearts focused on you and your Word. We are beyond grateful you know the things we need, so we have no reason to worry. Forgive us when we do, and help us to trust you in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
©M©dytations 2025
Wednesday’s Word
Where’s Your Heart?
March 5, 2025
Lent is all about Jesus. It reminds us of our mortality, and points us to the blessed hope found in Jesus as he journeys to the cross.
As we prepare for this 40-day period of fasting and prayer, it challenges us to reflect, focus on Jesus and his sacrificial death, and turn our hearts to repentance.
How do we do that? Where do we start? We start by remembering Jesus’ teachings and looking inside ourselves.
For one thing, Jesus tells us, “Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is” (Matthew 6:19-21, CEV).
What captures your attention most? Your home. Car. Family. Job. Finances….
From Jesus’ perspective, our treasure is that which we value most, that which seeks and commands our undivided attention, that which we guard with life and limb.
Surely Jesus is not asking us to take a vow of poverty when he decries amassing earthly possessions, but he is warning us against the type of greed that is so prevalent in our society. He also warns of the unhealthy obsession with “things” rather than the Word of God.
Being enamored by material possessions, social status, and a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude leaves no room for the values that really matter.
When things matter more than people, and when people matter more than God, then we have willingly allowed ourselves to be shackled by the stocks and bonds of the world.
So the question is: “Where’s your heart?”
It is so easy to be distracted from the vows we make to God. So easy to speak with our lips and not with our hearts. So easy to look around at others and make plans to “have what they have…” So easy…
Why? Because we live in a society that places top value on wealth, on self-promotion, and outward success. And while there is nothing wrong with being successful or having wealth, when success or wealth strangles our dependence on God, it becomes a tool of the enemy.
Jesus, our omniscient Savior, tells us how to avoid this trap.
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, CEV).
God’s Word is our treasure, and our response should be to apply it to our lives and share it with those around us. When we treasure God’s Word, a natural response is humility and obedience in the presence of an awesome God who loves us more than we can ever imagine. God proves it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place.
When our hearts embrace Jesus, God blesses us richly and the things we value will become aligned with what God desires for us. Take time to self-reflect during Lent, and pause to consider the question, “Where is your heart?”
PRAYER: Lord, you are our treasure. Help us push away the world’s distractions and keep our hearts focused on you and your Word. We are beyond grateful you know the things we need, so we have no reason to worry. Forgive us when we do, and help us to trust you in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
©M©dytations 2025
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