An Imperishable Inheritance
1 PETER 1:3-5 

Human beings have a fundamental need to feel safe and secure. But anytime we base our sense of security on the things of this world, we can expect disappointment. This is especially true when it comes to our finances. We are living in very uncertain times of high unemployment and diminishing retirement accounts. Our money can quickly fly away no matter how carefully we plan and guard it. At times like this, we need to remember our eternal future.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that believers have an inheritance in heaven that never depreciates and cannot be stolen? It was given to us when we placed our hope in Christ and will never be taken away because it’s reserved and protected for us in heaven. Someday, when we see Jesus face to face, we will enjoy all the riches of God’s grace and receive the fullness of our inheritance.

But did you know that every day we live on this earth, we have an opportunity to build up that inheritance by investing in the things the Lord values and credits to our account? That’s what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Whenever we live righteously in obedience to God, we’re laying up good works and adding to our inheritance.

Are you more concerned with investments in this life than with everlasting riches? It’s easy to let daily demands and responsibilities overshadow the importance of building our eternal inheritance. Take time each day to refocus your mind and heart. Then start sending up some heavenly treasures

Not an Option   –   Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!

Psalms 66:2

It is not left to our own option whether or not we will praise God. Praise is God’s most righteous due, and every Christian, as the recipient of His grace, is bound to praise God from day to day.

It is true that we have no authoritative text for daily praise; we have no commandment prescribing certain hours of song and thanksgiving: But the law written upon the heart teaches us that it is right to praise God; and the unwritten mandate comes to us with as much force as if it had been recorded on the tables of stone or handed to us from the top of thundering Sinai.

Yes, it is the Christian’s duty to praise God. It is not only a pleasurable exercise, but it is the absolute obligation of his life. Those of you who are always mourning should not think that you are guiltless in this respect or imagine that you can discharge your duty to God without songs of praise. You are bound by the bonds of His love to bless His name as long as you live, and His praise should continually be in your mouth, for you are blessed in order that you may bless Him-“the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise”;1 and if you do not praise God, you are not bringing forth the fruit that He has a right to expect from you.

Do not let your harp hang on the willows, but take it down and strum with a grateful heart, bringing out its loudest music. Arise and declare His praise. With every morning’s dawn, lift up your notes of thanksgiving, and let every setting sun be followed with your song. Surround the earth with your praises; circle it with an atmosphere of melody, and God Himself will listen from heaven and accept your music.

E’en so I love Thee, and will love,

And in Thy praise will sing,

Because Thou art my loving God,

And my redeeming King.

The family reading plan for

September 30, 2011

1 Kings 2 | Galatians 6