Who's on My Throne?

Jeremiah 17:5

This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts from the LORD."

Hosea 6:6

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 19:21

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."

It seems better to me to have my treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Maybe it's easier for me to say that since I don't have a lot of possessions. And yet, as I take a look around me...my yarn, my laptop, the couch I'm sitting on, the home I live in...would I be willing to give all this up for Jesus?

That is a hard one. I'm beginning to understand why the young man went away sad. However, if I can keep an eternal perspective, then it seems more do-able. It seems much better to have treasures in heaven where I will have eternity to enjoy them.

Matthew 16:26

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

Matthew 6:19-21

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Jesus, help me to hold only loosely to the things I own. Don't let them own me! Help me to be content with what I have but not to treasure anything or anyone here on earth more than I treasure you. Help me to be ready and eager to share what I have so that I can store up treasures in heaven.

I think it was Louie Giglio who first said it, but Pastor Danny often quotes this:  "You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your loyalty. At the end of that trail you'll find a throne; and whatever, or whomever, is on that throne is what's of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship."

Jesus, I want you to be the ONLY one to occupy that throne!