Morning Devotional 090125 Unopened Gifts

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

September 1, 2025

Matthew 6:19-24

19 “Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. 20 Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. 21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how terrible that darkness will be! 24 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Good Morning! Let your light shine for all to see!

Years ago, I met a fascinating person while on a trip. It was one of those chance meetings that come along. We sat and talked at a table outside a local cafe. We discovered we shared a love of music and playing the piano. She invited me to come to her house, which was a block away. 

I was young, so off I went without thinking that this might be dangerous. We entered her lovely home, and I was immediately mesmerized by the beautiful piano that sat in a prominent place in her front room. I asked if she would play for me. Unexpectedly, she replied, “Oh, no one plays this piano!” 

When I asked why not, she responded, “I don’t want to damage it. It is very old, and pushing the keys might cause a string to break.” I thanked her for showing me her home and continued on my way. 

As I walked, I considered the great loss of a piano, meant to produce beautiful music, sitting unplayed out of fear of damaging it. While the piano itself is a man-made instrument, the music it was meant to create is a heavenly gift. This gift, which brings joy to both the player and the listener, was left unfulfilled in its potential. 

I was saddened by this adventure, both for the owner of this marvelous instrument and for the unimaginable joy that countless people have missed because the piano sat quietly over the years. Music is one of my spiritual treasures of infinite value. Praise God for blessing me with music. 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Sometimes we waste the gifts that you present to us. Help us use them to glorify you. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Spiritual treasures have eternal value.

Unwrap your gifts from God! Pastor Liz