Gone In Seconds...

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
~ Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

Many of my California friends are affected by the raging wild-fires (although we don't know if they are truly 'wild'). Listing to the morning radio show on KFLR on my way to work this morning, the hosts posed the following question to their audience:

“With all of the coverage of the California fires, you have to wonder what you’d do if the situation were on your own front porch. You get a knock on the door at five in the morning from the fire department telling you to get out. You got the family out, the house is on fire, you have time to go grab one more thing: what do you grab?”

The question bounced around my head all day. I don't know how I would have answered it if I would have called in. How would you have answered it if you knew everything would be gone in seconds? One thing that kept running through my mind was God's word of Matthew 6. Jesus is telling His listeners on the mount not to store up treasures here on earth, but to lay up treasures in Heaven.

I think the same is true for us over 2,000 years later. Although I don't think (personal belief) that God frowns upon our earthly possessions itself, but I think we should not get too attached to them. All we have here on earth is a gift from Him – on a temporary basis. Our biggest Treasure is in Heaven waiting for us to welcome us home...

Back to the question from the morning show...I know I would be very sad if I would lose all the things we have accumulated over the years. Many have great memories attached to them. My Bible(s) and Bible study workbooks – they have my spiritual growth recorded. My books – I laughed and cried with the heroes and heroins. My pictures – childhood memories, my family, my friends. My CD collection – worship music that I enjoy listening and singing...it truly is hard to choose, isn't it? I still don't have an answer what I would grab. One good thing though; my valuable jewelry I wear every single day—don't even take it off at night *smile*.

Although my earthly possessions are valuable in some shape or form, I won't let them break my heart if I no longer have them. It would break my heart if I would loose sight of my Savior though...

“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank you for all the wonderful 'treasures' You have granted me this side of Heaven. Lord, help me to keep my eyes focused on the valuable Treasure I have in Heaven. Help me not to lose sight what truly is important. Grant me to share the Treasure of Heaven with all the ones that don't know Him yet. In the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ Amen.”

My sweet sisters (brothers?), please keep all people in California in your prayers that they might all stay safe and that their homes will not be destroyed.