Treasure for living
Luke 12:22-34
During the month of January, we’ve been looking at Treasure. We began by asking, what if there is treasure, just out of sight, waiting for us to discover, that could help us live life to the full? We then discovered this treasure contains real Wisdom to live by. Then we realised this treasure comprised jars of clay. cracked, chipped (a bit like us) and yet still full of heavenly treasure. Last week we saw that God this we are His treasure. Today, as we conclude, we’ll see this Kingdom treasure helps live life, as 
We worry about: how we look (dress to impress, what others think of us); what we eat (too much, too little. whether ‘this’ or ‘that’ are good for us this month); our health. IIf we’re not worrying, we worry we’ve overlooked something worrying.
Some worry is inescapable. When you have, literally NOTHING - no food, no health, no clothes - of course you’ll worry about you’ll survive.
Some worry is helpful for life. It protects us: That car coming towards us; that lump/ ache that’s not going away. Worry that drives us to positive action is good.
But excessive worry is not good for us: mentally, physically, spiritually. Jesus understood this, hence why He said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Luke 12:25. Luke is working up to say: seek “treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near.” v.34
Excessive worry is a thief, robbing us of the quality of life God wants for us , It “mugs us off”, with its tricks, lies, attacks. Those voices that tell us, “We’re no good, we don’t deserve
Sometimes it takes everything we’ve got just to get through the day, week, year… Surviving, existing. Maybe, the fact you’re still here, still going, despite what you’re dealing with, is just remarkable. Well done!
Jesus said He had come, not just to get us through, but to give us LIFE.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 How do we experience this life?
We worry about what has already happened in the past or what we fear might happen in the future. Mindfulness is a great mediative exercise to bring us back into the present.
Jesus says, we can learn a lot from birds, flowers, grass… Nature isn’t worrying about the past or future. It is focused on the present. Take a slow walk in the park, faff about in the garden… Be present.
But even greater, is knowing that the One who brought into being all the flowers and birds, is the same One who brought you into life. He knows you, He loves you, He’s WITH you.
Did you notice Jesus talked about a raven. Ravens were judged ‘unclean’. Leviticus chapter 11 has a big long list of what’s clean and unclean. And ravens were specifically singled out as being ‘unclean’, whereas a pigeon, duck or a chicken were clean. But remember, it was a raven that God-inspired Noah sent out after 40 days of flooding. Noah had included what the later Law designated ‘unclean’. Who says what God has made is unclean? Peter clearly heard God say, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 11:9 And YOU are even more valuable than a raven.
God knows you need food, drink, clothes, somewhere to live “But seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31
Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock.” He’s not being rude about their hight/ size. More, that he’s acknowledging their number. It’s a minority of people that choose God’s way/ path. Wide is the path… narrow is the path
When we seek first God’s Kingdom, we learn what it is to be content.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 
Philippians 4:11-13

Jesus was not saying it is wrong to own possessions
Jesus was entertained in Martha’s house
Jesus commended Mary into the home of His beloved
The disciples had money to buy food
Instead purse Treasure IN HEAVEN

07840 046020   DannyBrierley@ChesterRoadBaptist.org.uk