- Joined
- Feb 9, 2004
- Messages
- 17,078
Lottery Winnings! - March 08, 2006
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2 (NIV)
As I woke up this morning, I remembered that I had purchased a lottery ticket yesterday afternoon for the three-hundred million dollar Powerball jackpot. And, being the "early to bed" girl that I am, I wasn't able to stay up that late to see if I was an instant millionaire or not.
Soon, unbridled thoughts wandered into my head about just what I would do if I had won even just a little bit of that big pile of money. Would I buy some new cars, a closet full of expensive clothes with shoes to match every outfit, or a membership to a snazzy, overly-priced country club? Or, maybe our family could finally go on that extravagant vacation we've always wanted. Then, my thoughts grew even more outrageous. Perhaps we could move into a mansion with a backyard filled with magnificent gardens, tennis courts, pools, saunas and a spa or two! Or, as reality set in, maybe I could finally get some new blinds for the house and replace the carpet that has grown unpleasantly dingy. Regardless, it was fun to dream big, if only for a moment.
As I wallowed in the thoughts of my newly-found opulence, I was immediately drawn back to the reality of today and my precious life in Christ Jesus. The scriptures tell us that, "foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Just think, there was no warm and inviting house that Jesus could come home to after a long and wearying day. No one was there fluffing his pillows and pulling down the covers on a bed that He could fall asleep in and dream the night away. He didn't have a servant waiting on Him hand and foot, rubbing his tired and aching muscles.
It was then that I knew that no matter what this lottery ticket would reveal, I was already rich beyond my wildest dreams with the copious lavishing from my heavenly Father above. Nothing compares to what God offers us daily. We have the abundance of mercy that awaits us each morning, and the stockpile of grace ready to be offered when we need it most. We have the treasure chest of love that God fills our hearts with for Him and for others, and just knowing pure JOY makes it all worthwhile! These riches surpass any material possessions that this world could give. This kind of wealth is eternal and will always satisfy, unlike the fleeting moment of a spending spree or a new house by the sea.
Remember, exceedingly abundant riches are given to us each and every day. Just ask and you will receive them. And, you don't need a lottery ticket to claim them!
Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on her first prayer devotional.
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2 (NIV)
As I woke up this morning, I remembered that I had purchased a lottery ticket yesterday afternoon for the three-hundred million dollar Powerball jackpot. And, being the "early to bed" girl that I am, I wasn't able to stay up that late to see if I was an instant millionaire or not.
Soon, unbridled thoughts wandered into my head about just what I would do if I had won even just a little bit of that big pile of money. Would I buy some new cars, a closet full of expensive clothes with shoes to match every outfit, or a membership to a snazzy, overly-priced country club? Or, maybe our family could finally go on that extravagant vacation we've always wanted. Then, my thoughts grew even more outrageous. Perhaps we could move into a mansion with a backyard filled with magnificent gardens, tennis courts, pools, saunas and a spa or two! Or, as reality set in, maybe I could finally get some new blinds for the house and replace the carpet that has grown unpleasantly dingy. Regardless, it was fun to dream big, if only for a moment.
As I wallowed in the thoughts of my newly-found opulence, I was immediately drawn back to the reality of today and my precious life in Christ Jesus. The scriptures tell us that, "foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Just think, there was no warm and inviting house that Jesus could come home to after a long and wearying day. No one was there fluffing his pillows and pulling down the covers on a bed that He could fall asleep in and dream the night away. He didn't have a servant waiting on Him hand and foot, rubbing his tired and aching muscles.
It was then that I knew that no matter what this lottery ticket would reveal, I was already rich beyond my wildest dreams with the copious lavishing from my heavenly Father above. Nothing compares to what God offers us daily. We have the abundance of mercy that awaits us each morning, and the stockpile of grace ready to be offered when we need it most. We have the treasure chest of love that God fills our hearts with for Him and for others, and just knowing pure JOY makes it all worthwhile! These riches surpass any material possessions that this world could give. This kind of wealth is eternal and will always satisfy, unlike the fleeting moment of a spending spree or a new house by the sea.
Remember, exceedingly abundant riches are given to us each and every day. Just ask and you will receive them. And, you don't need a lottery ticket to claim them!
Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on her first prayer devotional.
