July 10

All of us would like to prepare for future difficulties by saving some extra money. A little nest egg tucked away in a savings account or invested in property makes the future look brighter. We can accept a broken washing machine or a leaky roof much more easily if the money is available to replace it. We are all being encouraged to make adequate provision for our retirement using personal or "stakeholder" pensions. Retirement looks a whole lot better when we have something stashed away to help us enjoy it. Our earthly investments help us to get through unforeseen difficulties and to enjoy more fully our times of relaxation and leisure.

Looking ahead to the future is a profitable thing. But how far ahead do we look? Do we stop looking ahead when this life ends? In the Bible, Matthew one of the disciples of Jesus records these words: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21).

There is no greater possession than treasure in heaven, for such treasure never perishes. It lasts well beyond retirement. It’s ours long after our life on earth ends. To gain it, we must increasingly direct our entire lives to the work of God and the everlasting reward with which God promises to crown that work. In short we must live and follow Jesus Christ. Saving our cash may see us through retirement, but discovering the love, forgiveness and grace of God, and sharing our discovery with others, is something that will last much longer.

By Rev Tony Musgreave. Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene.

On behalf of Churches Together in Dewsbury.

Churches		Together	in	Dewsbury

July 10	All of us would like to prepare for future difficulties by saving some extra money. A little nest egg tucked away in a savings account or invested in property makes the future look brighter. We can accept a broken washing machine or a leaky roof much more easily if the money is available to replace it. We are all being encouraged to make adequate provision for our retirement using personal or "stakeholder" pensions. Retirement looks a whole lot better when we have something stashed away to help us enjoy it. Our earthly investments help us to get through unforeseen difficulties and to enjoy more fully our times of relaxation and leisure. Looking ahead to the future is a profitable thing. But how far ahead do we look? Do we stop looking ahead when this life ends? In the Bible, Matthew one of the disciples of Jesus records these words: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21). There is no greater possession than treasure in heaven, for such treasure never perishes. It lasts well beyond retirement. It’s ours long after our life on earth ends. To gain it, we must increasingly direct our entire lives to the work of God and the everlasting reward with which God promises to crown that work. In short we must live and follow Jesus Christ. Saving our cash may see us through retirement, but discovering the love, forgiveness and grace of God, and sharing our discovery with others, is something that will last much longer. By Rev Tony Musgreave. Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene. On behalf of Churches Together in Dewsbury.