The orientation of your heart (Jim Twardowski)

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.” As we focus on prayer and fasting during this season before Easter and our Lord’s resurrection… What influences you? Is it the world around you or is it our Lord and His word? Do you spend time each day with Him? Or do you spend time trying to gain more for yourself? Each day we are influenced by the world and can easily get distracted and lose our focus on what is most important. It’s very easy to turn inward and our pride can take over and sooner than later we start to think that the things of this earth are better and we need to strive to gain them. We start to look forward to gaining wealth and making a name for ourselves like so many others we know. But even the most well-known people around us have a new and different perspective as their time here on earth comes to a close. I read the following about Steve Jobs the cofounder of Apple Inc. In 2011 at age 56, he died a billionaire of Pancreatic Cancer and here are some of his last words: "I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.” So, where is your heart today? Don't get wrapped up in the things of this world. I pray that you can focus on our Lord today and ignore the things of this earth. Remember we are part of His family and not part of this world, we live here but we are foreigners in this land. Our Heavenly Father, we praise you and bow before you knowing that you are truly awesome and you love us. The things of this world can certainly distract us and we can lose our focus on you. As we go through this day, I ask that you help us stay focused on the prize of heaven. Help us to be good servants of your word and share your love with those around us. We can be easily distracted and I pray we can remain strong and courageous for you in all we do today and store our treasures in heaven. Place on our hearts a desire to love others as you love us.