Treasure Hunters: Devotional 5 – Wisdom: The Ultimate Treasure

You know how people always say, “Knowledge is power”? Well, knowledge is good, but wisdom is on another level. It’s like knowledge’s wiser, older sibling! Wisdom takes what you know and shows you how and when to use it. In fact, wisdom is one of the greatest treasures we can store up in life, because it guides us in making decisions that last.

This devotional wraps up our look at Simon Obert’s message from this past weekend, Treasure Hunters. Simon shared how wisdom is like a hidden treasure, waiting for us to seek it out. And once we find it, it shapes everything—our choices, our relationships, and our view of what really matters.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” – Proverbs 3:13-14 (NIV)

Simon explained that while many people spend their lives chasing after money, success, or possessions, the smartest investment we can make is in wisdom. Why? Because wisdom helps us make choices that bring lasting value. It helps us see things from God’s perspective, not just our own.

But wisdom doesn’t come automatically. It’s something we have to seek out, much like treasure. God gives it freely to those who ask, but we need to be intentional about seeking His guidance in every area of our lives—whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal growth.

Here’s the deal: While chasing earthly treasures might give you short-term satisfaction, investing in wisdom will set you up for long-term blessings. Wisdom helps you know how to navigate life’s challenges, how to treat others with kindness and love, and how to live in a way that honors God.

Take a moment to think: Where do you need more wisdom in your life right now? Is there a decision you’re facing where you need God’s perspective?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the treasure of wisdom. Help me to seek it above all else and to apply it in every area of my life. Guide my decisions and show me how to live in a way that honors You. When I’m uncertain, remind me that You give wisdom generously to those who ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Wisdom is the treasure that keeps giving, guiding us toward choices that align with God’s plan for our lives.

 


Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Treasure Hunters: Devotional 4 – The Treasure of Relationships

Have you ever noticed that some of the most valuable things in life don’t have a price tag? Think about it—your best memories are probably tied to the people you love, not the things you own. Sure, we all enjoy new gadgets or a cool car, but at the end of the day, the real treasure is found in the relationships we build.

This devotional is a deeper dive into Simon Obert’s message, Treasure Hunters, from this past weekend. One of the key takeaways from Simon’s message is that our relationships with others are some of the most important treasures we can store up. And not just any relationships, but those that reflect God’s love and wisdom.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.” – Luke 6:45 (NIV)

Simon shared that the quality of our relationships shows what’s stored in our hearts. If we’re filled with love, kindness, and patience, that’s what spills out into our relationships. But if our hearts are cluttered with selfishness, anger, or pride, it can block us from building meaningful connections.

Take a moment and think about your closest relationships—your family, friends, coworkers. What kind of treasure are you pouring into them? Are you investing time, love, and care, or are you holding back, letting distractions get in the way?

Simon pointed out that relationships, like treasure, need to be nurtured. If you want strong connections, you need to invest in them—whether it’s spending quality time, offering a listening ear, or showing kindness in small, consistent ways.

And let’s not forget our relationship with God. He’s the ultimate example of love and commitment. If we’re not investing in our relationship with Him, how can we expect to build strong, meaningful connections with others?

Here’s something to think about: What’s one relationship in your life that could use a little more investment? What’s a small step you can take this week to show love or kindness to someone?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of relationships. Help me to treasure the people You’ve placed in my life and to invest in them with love, kindness, and patience. Show me how to build strong connections that reflect Your heart, and help me to keep You at the center of my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The greatest treasure we can store up is found in the relationships we build with God and others.

 


Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Treasure Hunters: Devotional 3 – Heart vs. Treasure: What’s Really Winning?

Ever cleaned out your garage or attic and found something you’d forgotten all about? It’s funny how things that seemed so important at one point can end up gathering dust. That old gadget you had to have, the collectible that seemed so cool—none of it really lasts. But here’s the thing: our hearts can be just like that cluttered garage, full of stuff that doesn’t matter. And it’s time to figure out what’s really taking up space in there.

This devotional is a continuation of Simon Obert’s message from this past weekend, Treasure Hunters, where we took a deeper look at how our hearts and our treasures are connected. Jesus makes it pretty clear that wherever we’re investing our time and energy, our hearts are right there along for the ride.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Simon pointed out something profound: Our hearts are like treasure chests, and whatever we value most, that’s what fills them up. So, if you’re constantly chasing after more stuff, more success, more recognition, that’s what’s taking up space in your heart. But what happens when all that fades? Where does that leave your heart?

Imagine this: You spend all your time investing in something temporary—like material things or even a career—and then it’s gone. What’s left in your heart? Is it empty, or is there something lasting there?

Jesus calls us to fill our hearts with treasures that won’t fade. Think about it: Love, kindness, patience—these are treasures that don’t gather dust. They don’t break, get outdated, or need upgrading. And the best part? They’re eternal.

Here’s a challenge: Take a good look at what’s in your heart. What are you storing up? Is it stuff that’s going to last, or is it something that’ll eventually disappear? The good news is, no matter what’s cluttering your heart right now, God can help you clear it out and make room for what truly matters.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see what I’m storing up in my heart. If it’s cluttered with things that won’t last, help me make room for treasures that reflect Your love. Teach me to value the things that truly matter—faith, kindness, patience—and help me fill my heart with Your eternal treasures. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Remember, what you treasure is what fills your heart. Make sure it’s something that lasts.

 


Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Treasure Hunters: Devotional 2 – Treasure Maps and Heart Checks

Do you remember playing hide and seek as a kid? Or maybe you were into treasure maps, imagining X marking the spot where some incredible loot was buried? It was thrilling to think there might be something hidden just waiting to be found. As adults, we’re still seeking treasures—maybe not with maps and shovels, but with goals, dreams, and ambitions.

This devotional is a deeper dive into Simon Obert’s message from this past weekend, Treasure Hunters, where we learned that God has laid out a treasure map for us. But here’s the twist: the “X” that marks the spot isn’t about material wealth or worldly success—it’s about something much deeper.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search it out.” – Proverbs 25:2 (NKJV)

Simon reminded us that God delights in giving us treasures to seek, not because He’s hiding them from us, but because the journey changes us. Just like a treasure map leads us on an adventure, God invites us on a journey to discover wisdom, love, and purpose in Him. But this search isn’t just about what we find—it’s also about what’s going on in our hearts along the way.

Think about it: when you’re on a treasure hunt, you can get so focused on the destination that you forget to enjoy the journey. In the same way, we can get so caught up in achieving goals or gathering stuff that we miss what God is teaching us along the way. So, let’s pause and do a little heart check.

What are you seeking? Is it wealth, status, or recognition? Or are you on the hunt for the things that God values—like love, patience, and kindness? The good news is, the real treasure isn’t buried deep where we can’t find it. God gives us clues all the time, leading us closer to Him.

Simon shared that God doesn’t make this hunt impossible. He’s not burying treasure eight feet under the ground. Instead, God is like a loving parent in an Easter egg hunt, placing treasures just within reach if we’re paying attention. He wants us to find these treasures because they draw us closer to Him.

If you had a treasure map for your life right now, where would it lead? And what treasures are you hoping to find?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the journey You’ve set before me. Help me to seek the treasures that matter to You—things like wisdom, love, and kindness. Open my eyes to see the clues You’ve placed in my life, and guide me to the treasures that draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The adventure isn’t just about what we find, but who we become along the way. Let God lead your journey.

 


Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Treasure Hunters: Devotional 1 – The Ultimate Treasure Hunter

Ever feel like life’s one big scavenger hunt? Maybe you’re searching for that perfect deal at the store or hunting down a rare find on eBay. It’s fun, right? There’s something exciting about the thrill of the hunt! But what if I told you that every single one of us is on a treasure hunt—one that’s way more important than any thrift store bargain?

This devotional is a deeper look into Simon Obert’s message from this past weekend, Treasure Hunters, where he talked about how God designed us to search for treasure. But not the kind you can hold in your hands—God’s treasure is way better. Throughout this series, we’ll explore how we can seek out the real treasure in life: the stuff that lasts forever.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Simon reminded us that while it’s easy to get caught up in collecting things here on earth (who doesn’t love a good bargain?), Jesus invites us to think bigger. Earthly treasures fade, but heavenly treasures last forever.

We all search for things that we think will bring us joy—whether it’s success, stuff, or status. But the question is, are we chasing after the right kind of treasure? What you treasure says a lot about what’s important to you.

Jesus wasn’t just talking about bank accounts when He said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He was talking about the things we value. If we’re chasing after the temporary, our hearts are probably in the wrong place. Ouch, right?

Here’s the deal: everything we collect here on earth—money, cars, the latest iPhone—will eventually fade. But the fruits of the Spirit (like love, kindness, and patience) are the treasures that will last for eternity. These are the things we can “take with us” and that really make a difference.

Simon joked about treasure hunters in real life, how some people dig up pirate ships or go on crazy quests. But the truth is, we’re all treasure hunters—just maybe without the pirate hat (unless that’s your style, then go for it!). The real question is, are we hunting for the right treasure?

Have you ever felt like you’re working really hard for something, only to realize it’s not that important? What’s one “treasure” in your life that might not last? What would it look like for you to start hunting for heavenly treasures instead?

Prayer: Lord, I know I sometimes get caught up in the wrong kind of treasure hunt. Help me to see what really matters. Teach me to treasure the things that last—love, faith, wisdom—and show me how to invest in the things that bring eternal joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

We’re all treasure hunters, but the treasures that last forever are found in our relationships with God and others, and in living a life that reflects His love.

 


Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.