"I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."

Thought for the day

This comes from the file of "stupid criminals":

Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."

While we may not do anything quite that stupid (at least nothing that makes the national newspapers), there are times when Christians need to stop and reflect, coming to same conclusion Mr. Prendergast did: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."

From family and friends to material comforts (like electricity and running water), from our basic needs (like food) to luxuries other generations never dreamed of (like the computer you're sitting at right now), from the freedoms we enjoy to the jobs we hold, there is much that we have been blessed with that we take for granted.

Even beyond the physical blessings, there is so much that God has given us through Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)

Truly, I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions. "God, forgive me for taking so much of it for granted."

Verses

Romans 8:28

And we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose,

Proverbs 15:30

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

John 15:7

As long as you remain united with me, and my teachings remain your rule of life, you may ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.

Deuteronomy 30:9

The LORD your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the LORD will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.

Prayer

From the rising of the sun until the time that it sets I praise You, Almighty God! Your name is to be praised when the day is yet before me and as the day comes to an end. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, spreads throughout the earth, and is personally experienced in my life daily. Amen.