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Ask God: Everyday we add or substract to our Heavenly Treasures. Most believers are well aware of earthly treasures and strive to add more treasures to their account. Jesus teaches that the heavenly treasures are more important.

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Good Evening Reader,

I hope you are well. I am thrilled to bring this study of God's Word today. God loves you and desires that you prosper and be in health.

May we glorify God with our words and deeds.

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Fix Your Eyes on the Heavenly Prize

The focus of this study is to examine motives in the heart. Why do you give, pray, fast, and seek treasures? Are you doing these things to impress people, or are you doing them for the glory of God? Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

What do you treasure? We receive certain rewards here on earth for the things we do. We will also receive rewards when we get to heaven for what we did while on earth.

Jesus encouraged his followers to fix their eyes on the prize believers will receive when they reach heaven. Many people (including believers) are so focused on the possessions they have accumulated during their short time on earth that they forget to make deposits into their heavenly accounts.

This study comes from the sixth chapter of Matthew and is a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The hearers of Jesus' words were shocked at the radical way Jesus looked at people and events on earth. Jesus took the long-term view of life. Life on earth is a brief time compared to eternity.

Jesus had a lot to say. Let's look at the topics He taught in the sixth chapter of Matthew.

How to Give?

In Matthew 6:1, Jesus teaches the proper way to give. He addresses the motive of giving.

"Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven." Here, Jesus cautioned his followers about their motives for doing good deeds. Are you giving to glorify God or to impress the people around you? Not only will there be rewards while we are on the earth, but there will also be rewards given in heaven. Impressing people with your giving will be your reward on earth.

How to Pray?

Then Jesus instructed His followers about how to pray. Are you praying to be seen or to give glory to God?

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:5-6).

In your room, you can open your heart to God and experience an oneness with God. Prayer is coming to God to express our love for Him and to seek answers from Him. God hears prayers that are based on the Word of God and offered in faith by a person in a right relationship with God.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. In verses 8 through 13, Jesus gave His Model Prayer, also known as the Lord's Prayer.

How to Fast?

Fasting is for the glory of God and not for public show. "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Verses 17 and 18).

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

Some may not understand what Jesus meant by "treasures on earth" and "treasures in heaven." It really comes down to "Who are you doing deeds for, man or God?" Anything you do for recognition from man is a "treasure on earth" and is short-lived, temporary. The recognition you get from man is your "treasure."

Jesus also refers to material wealth, possessions, status, and all the temporary things people often chase in this world. These could include money, luxury goods, power, fame, and other things that seem valuable now but are ultimately perishable and insecure. Moths could destroy fine clothing, rust could ruin metals, and thieves could steal valuables. In other words, earthly treasures are temporary, vulnerable, and ultimately unsatisfying because they don't last and can't provide true security.

On the other hand, if your deeds are for the glory of God, they are "treasures in heaven." They go into your heavenly bank account, where they will not rust or be stolen by thieves.

"Treasures in heaven" are eternal rewards that come from living according to God's will. These treasures aren't material but spiritual—things like righteous character, good deeds, acts of love, generosity, faithfulness, and obedience to God. They are imperishable, secure, and eternally rewarding. Storing up these treasures means investing in what matters to God: serving others, advancing His kingdom, and cultivating a heart aligned with His purposes.

Again, look at the motive in your heart? Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Verses 19-21).

Jesus' Heavenly View

Jesus wasn't condemning wealth itself but warning against making it an idol. The point is about priority and heart allegiance. Suppose your heart is set on accumulating and clinging to earthly things. In that case, you'll always be anxious and spiritually empty because those things don't last. But if your heart is set on spiritual things, you'll experience a more profound sense of peace and purpose that lasts beyond this life.

Our words and actions reveal the things we store in our hearts. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Jesus really wanted His disciples and us to examine our hearts to understand what is valuable to us. Are they short-term treasures or eternal treasures?

Whether you are giving, praying, fasting, or performing deeds, do them for the glory of God. Make BIG deposits into your heavenly bank account. You will be eternally grateful!

Elvin

Heavenly Treasures.

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net

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