Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a joy to gather together today, unified in our faith, bound by love, and ready to receive from our generous God. As we gather here, let's remember that our faith is not a stagnant pond, but a living, rushing river, always moving, always alive, always life-giving.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of Matthew. As we open God's word, let's remember that it is not merely ink on a page, but the living, breathing word of God, given to us as a gift of love and a guide for our lives.

The great Christian author, J.I. Packer once said, "The Bible appears like a symphony orchestra, with the Holy Ghost as its Toscanini, each instrument has been brought willingly, spontaneously, creatively, to play his notes just as the great conductor desired, though none of them could ever hear the music as a whole." So, let us listen with eager hearts to the divine symphony that God has prepared for us today.

The Scripture passage we will be focusing on today is from Matthew 6:19-21, "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."

This passage invites us to consider where our hearts truly lie. Are we consumed by the temporary treasures of this world, or are we investing in the eternal treasures of Heaven? Are we living for today, or are we living with eternity in mind?

As we reflect on these questions, let's open our time together in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word, for it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we meditate on Your word today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds, that we may understand Your truth and apply it to our lives. Help us to trust in Your triumph, to treasure Your things, and to transcend through our expectation in Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Trusting in the Triumph of God

When we look at the world around us, it's easy to see the chaos and uncertainty. The news is filled with stories of war, poverty, and injustice. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different perspective. We are called to see beyond the temporary troubles of this world and to place our trust in the eternal victory of God.

This is a trust based on the evidence of God's faithfulness throughout history. We see His triumph in the creation of the world, in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We see His triumph in the lives of the saints who have gone before us, who despite persecution and hardship, held fast to their faith and finished their race with joy.

But trusting in the triumph of God is also about looking forward to what He has promised to do. The Bible tells us that one day, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. God will make all things new. This is the triumph that we are waiting for. This is the triumph that we are trusting in. This trust in the triumph of God includes actively participating in His work. It's about aligning our lives with His purposes and using our resources for His glory.

When we use our time, talents, and treasures to serve others and advance the kingdom of God, we are storing up treasures in heaven. We are investing in things that have eternal value. We are participating in the triumph of God. And as we do this, we find that our hearts become more and more aligned with God's heart. We begin to value what He values. We begin to love what He loves.

Trusting in the triumph of God also means trusting in His timing. God's ways are not our ways, and His timing is not our timing. Sometimes, it may seem like God is slow in fulfilling His promises. But the Bible assures us that God is not slow as some understand slowness. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

So, as we wait for the triumph of God, let's be patient. Let's not lose heart. Let's not give up. Let's continue to trust in God, to serve Him faithfully, to store up treasures in heaven. And as we do this, we can be confident that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. For in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.