About the Book:
Book: Treasures of the Wise: 30 Devotions For Storing Up Heavenly Riches
Author: Tracy L. Smoak
Genre: Pictorial Devotional
Release date: December, 2024
Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word.
Join author and educator Tracy Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them.
Start your day off as one of the wise, who seeks after priceless insights offered by our Heavenly Father.
My Thoughts:
A couple of times a year, I like to sign up to review a devotional. Treasures of the Wise was one of my choices this year. For the last few weeks, I have read one or two pages from it each morning during my quiet time. Because the devotions are so short, it is easy to fit this into my day along with my regular Bible reading.
Each devotional includes a beautiful photograph of some sort with thoughts related to it on the left-hand page. The right-hand page includes a picture of a coin from somewhere around the globe with a picture that relates to the photograph, and a bit of information about why the author chose that coin. There is a paragraph of inspirational thoughts, a verse, and a prayer.
I didn’t feel like there was much depth to these devotions. I certainly wouldn’t recommend anyone replacing their personal Bible reading time with this book, but at the same time, it is a lovely way to find a bit of inspiration at the beginning of the day—and the book is beautiful!
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.
About the Author:
A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak contributes to Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.
She loves photography, and Treasures of the Wise is the third devotional with her original images. Living Water to Refresh Your Soul features tranquil lake scenes while Arranged with Love showcases floral landscapes.
Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home she leads small-group Bible studies.
More from Tracy:
Laying Up Treasures
The word “treasure” can send mixed messages. On one hand, that noun can bring forth images of pirates commandeering others’ gold and valuables. We all get a gleam in our eye from time to time and dream of great wealth.
The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?
Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).
To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.
“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).
To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.
To purchase your copy, click here.
To visit more of the blog stops on this tour, click here.
To enter a fun giveaway, click here.
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.