Laying Up While I was studying music at the University of Denver, guitar masters were brought to the campus. Though part of their purpose in coming was to perform for the pleasure of all who attended their concerts, what really made their presence special was the master classes held sometime after the performances. This was the opportunity for aspiring guitarists to play for the masters and receive more than just an impressive performance from them. Thoughts and methods were presented, allowing for an understanding of music and technique that enabled emulation of their incredible musical expressions. While there was a great treasure in what the masters could do, what really magnified their value was their ability to share those same abilities in their disciples. Our God is an incredible Master, performing the most amazing demonstrations of power in the ability to create, heal, and provide. While these performances are of worth far greater than anything in this world, what really makes an encounter with Him invaluable is the communication of His thoughts and methods that enable that same nature in His disciples. Though the fame of His performances is beyond compare – all of creation, parting the sea, raising the dead, healing the sick, and redeeming all of mankind – what He Himself has elevated above His established Name is His Word. It’s by His Word that His thoughts and ways can become more than just observed and enjoyed. His very nature can be received and emulated, but only by the expressions of His heart through His Word. In coming to Him, there is an opportunity to take on the victory of His very nature and likeness by revering and responding to His Word as an unequaled treasure. His hand will always draw to what is there in powerful demonstration, but it’s by His Word that that same power can operate in and through the one who treasures it by following and adhering to it in reverence and fear. Notes Laying up decides the heart’s direction Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV) 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What can be laid up above gold? Psalms 19:7-11 (NKJV) 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Treasuring the Word = Treasuring Jesus John 1:1-4 (NKJV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. In the Name – value from Performance Praise/Thanksgiving Hope secured in ability In the Word - value from Character (thoughts/methods) Confessions/Declarations Hope secured in personal promises Performance vs Character Psalms 138:2 (NKJV) 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Laying up the Word establishes the heart’s belief John 15:7 (NKJV) 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. To lay up the Word is to submit to its working Isaiah 55:9-11 (NKJV) 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Laying up His promises of salvation, healing, and provision establishes His nature 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT) 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. Overview: What we’ve been given by the grace of God is of unlimited worth. We access this treasure by laying it up above the cheap things of this world. Where our treasure is laid up is where our heart is set for the actions of belief. In praise of the Name of the Lord is acknowledging His ability based on who He is and what He’s done. In the declaration of His Word is treasuring His commitment to His promises. God Himself has magnified His Word above His Name – declarations above performances. To treasure His Word is to treasure Him – His goodness and faithfulness. There is great reward for both now and eternity in laying up treasures where they cannot fail. Prayer: Father, I am drawn to the wonder of Your works and Your faithfulness to Your Word. Fill my soul with hope as I lay up heavenly treasures in Your praises and declarations of Your Word. Flood my heart with the magnitude of Your power and the security of Your promises, equipping me with faith for victory in every circumstance for Your glory.