NOVEMBER 1, Matthew 6:20

“Look, Max!” exclaimed Emma as she pulled a small, worn book out of an old trunk that had belonged to their grandmother. “This looks like a journal that Grandma wrote. She gave it the title “My Trophies.” “Cool,” said Max. “I wonder what kind of trophies Grandma won.”

“I bet they’re not for long distance running, like you’re hoping for,” said Emma with a grin. “Maybe she entered a reading contest and won a trophy like the one I’m trying to win.”

“Well, let’s look,” said Max, taking the book and opening it. He read aloud. “May 10. Thank You, Lord, for letting me talk to Abigail today and that she understood how much You love her. I’m so glad she accepted Jesus as her Saviour.” Max turned a few pages. “July 16. Today Jonathan left for India as a missionary. He had changed so much since he was saved, and now he’s serving the Lord.”

“I wonder who Abigail and Jonathan were,” said Emma.

“Let’s ask Dad.” When the kids asked their father, he smiled. “I think they were children Grandma led to the Lord,” he replied. “She worked as a children’s missionary for many years. Those kids became living trophies as they turned to Christ. It was the most important thing to her.”

“Yes,” agreed Mom. “Grandma didn’t have much earthly treasure, but she was rich in heavenly treasures. There are some verses in Matthew that tell us it’s important to lay up treasures in heaven.”

“There’s a good lesson here for all of us,” added Dad. “Each of us should ask ourselves, ‘Where am I storing treasure? On earth, or in heaven?’”

“But do I have to lead somebody to Jesus to get treasure in heaven?” asked Emma. “I’m not sure I could do that.”

“Maybe you’d be surprised,” said Dad. “Actually, I believe we lay up treasure in heaven whenever we do something for Jesus-whether it’s witnessing to someone, being kind, or maybe just willingly helping at home. If we do it for the Lord, He’ll reward us.”

Thought: Where is your treasure?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the lesson today. Remind me that in witnessing, helping others and being obedient to my parents and to God, I am laying up and storing treasure in heaven. And these treasures will last throughout eternity! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.