Household Treasures

Daily Reading: Proverbs 15

Scripture Focus:  In the house of the righteous there is much treasure… (Proverbs 15.6)

Devotional Thought: "Retirement" life is different from the life of a pastor.  I am just as busy as ever - writing books, preparing sermons, praying for and encouraging others - but I am home much, much more.  And to my great delight, Lana is always (or most always) there.  There is much treasure in my house!

“In the house of the righteous there is much treasure.”  It seems a bit presumptuous to apply this verse to myself.  Then I remember that it is not my righteousness, but Christ’s, of which I boast.  He is my “righteousness, sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1.30).  So, this verse does apply to me!

Your treasure may look different from mine, but there is treasure in your house as well.  Each of us has life and at least some measure of health.  Each of us has the joy of the Lord as our strength.  We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, a peace that passes understanding.  We have the family of God.  We have the love of God poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.  We have the promise of eternal life.

Yes, there is hardship and heartache in every house.  Sorrow or sickness may be our experience at the moment. If so, remember that in all things God is working for your good.  That is a treasure to hold tightly!  Let’s stop and thank God for the treasure that we do have; let’s appreciate those in our lives that we are given to love and to love us.  If we will do that, then I believe the treasures in our houses will increase!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the righteousness that is ours in Jesus Christ.  We have been given a place in the family of God.  And then, God, you have lavished your love upon us, filling our hearts and houses with treasure.  Thank you!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 9.7-12

7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,

8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!

12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.