Matthew 6:19-21
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. -2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
When I was a child, my father and mother taught me the necessity of a daily connection with God. My father guided me by his example of living a godly life. My mother provided practical instruction by teaching my siblings and me how to pray, read the Bible, and memorize scripture. Each morning before leaving for school, we learned those disciplines while gathered around the kitchen table. Mother always told us it was a great way to start the day and reminded us to live for Jesus as we rushed to catch our bus.
One of the verses I memorized around the kitchen table has become more significant to me as an adult: “I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.” (Ps. 119:11, NRSVUE). The Hebrew word for treasure here can also be translated as store. This means every verse of memorized scripture is stored in my heart, making them available to me even years later to draw upon in specific times of need.
Reading scripture draws us closer to God. When we treasure scripture in our hearts, we are “prepared to do any good work” (2 Tim. 2:21), becoming living examples of faithfulness in the world.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of scripture. Help us to store your word in our hearts to strengthen us as we live for you. Amen.
Thought for the day: How do I connect with God each day?
David J. Childress (Tennessee, USA)
