Good Afternoon Everyone! Today’s devotional is written by Carrie Casey. Carrie serves as a campus minister with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at TCU! After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Carrie served on the FCA staff there for two and half years before joining the FCA staff at TCU. She has been with us since 2021. Carrie will tell you her ultimate desire has always been to reach people and see believers in Christ walking in victory and power while experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. She is such a wonderful addition to the FCA staff, and we are so glad she is here serving our students and being an integral part of their faith journey! May her words speak to you today and bring your hope and comfort as your Lenten journey continues.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
“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.”
Reflection: Is Jesus your greatest treasure?
Jesus was notorious for preaching a hard and convicting message that strikes the hearts of those who listened. This passage is so challenging for believers in a culture that is seeking the pursuit of happiness. It shows us the difference in valuing things of this world over the things of God. One is secure and one is not secure. Out of these two things you can value, Jesus is saying whichever one you treasure that is where your heart is really at.
The reality is when we seek treasures on earth it’s because we believe there is a greater promise in them. We believe that the things of this world can make us happy. If I could just have enough money I would be happy, if I could get the job I want I will be happy, if we win a national championship I will be happy, if I find a husband/wife I will be happy. We look to these worldly things to find fulfillment. The American Dream encourages us to climb the ladder and go after the desires of our heart, yet we have seen people make it to the top and the outcome is very different.
I will share this one quote from actor, Jim Carrey. He said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
The secret to happiness is not more but to find contentment. Mark 8:36 (NIV) “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” If you think about the span of our lives, we have a few short years, it is not worth it to live for the fleeting pleasures of this world and miss Jesus in the end.
God’s promise far outweighs what the world can promise us. God promises to give us life here on earth and eternal life with Him in heaven. The promise of God is we can have a relationship with the creator of the universe, and He loves us and calls us His children. The promise of God is salvation, an inheritance in heaven that can never perish, spoil, or fade. The promise of God is that for those who fear Him, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve but as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is His love for us. The promise of God is not in what you can do for him but in what Jesus has done for you. His promise is secure. The promise of Jesus is better than anything this world has to offer. It is worth giving up everything to take hold of this promise of eternal life with Christ.
1 peter 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
Let us pray.
Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for your continued goodness, grace, and mercy toward us. Thank you for the greater promise that we have in Jesus. Help us to not become distracted by the things us this world, but to fix our eyes on you the pioneer and perfector of our faith. Lord, help us to fight the good fight and to hold onto the faith until the very end. Lord, stir our hearts for you today. We love you and pray this in Jesus name, Amen.
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