The Lottery

 

If you have seen any newscast or heard any news over the past few days, one of the things you’ve been told is about the lottery. It will be nearly 500 million dollars for today’s drawing. That is $500,000,000.00. That’s a lot of money. That’s an unimaginable amount of money.

 

IMAG1501I suspect the people who have purchased tickets for tonight’s drawing are seeking to become rich. The desire to have money and make life easier is the big draw. Oh, I suspect there are a few who believe just a little would be pretty good. And I also suspect everyone believes that what has happened to past lottery winners will not happen to them.

 

Perhaps today, someone will become rich from the lottery. But let me tell you about the riches that Jesus has promised for those who believe in Him.

 

Read Romans 2:4 (NIV). “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” God is rich in kindness, tolerance and patience. I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful for these riches that He pours out on me. Without these riches, I would have been lost long ago.

 

In Romans 9:23 (NIV), the Apostle Paul asks this question. “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory…” This verse shows God’s rich blessing of mercy over wrath toward us. And why did God make this choice? So that we might see His glory and be found glorious in Jesus. What more could we possibly want or need? No earthly treasure could compare.

 

Paul again tries to express the greatness of God’s rich grace toward mankind (and individuals) in Ephesians 2:7 (NIV). “…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in the kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” There is nothing to compare to God’s grace. Nothing. This grace reached down to us through Jesus. Through His suffering and sacrifice, we have received the rich grace and kindness of the Father. Of course it’s incomparable!

 

And finally, Philippians 4:19 (NIV) reminds us of where we find our riches. In Jesus Christ. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” All of our needs are met in Jesus. He fills every void, empty space and unfulfilled promise. Jesus fills every dream, need and desire. Jesus fills every disappointment, thought and craving. The riches we can have in Jesus are beyond what we can imagine. How rich we are as a believer in Christ.

 

“If only I had enough to pay off my home. If only I had enough to start my own business. If only I had enough to retire.” Financial worries and dreams draw people into playing the lottery. But if our complete trust is not in Jesus and the riches we have received through Him, no amount of money will bring us satisfaction. It will never be enough.

 

Today, I pray that you will bask in the riches of your heavenly Father. I pray that you will enjoy all that He has showered upon you. I pray that you will indeed be rich.

 

But I also pray that you will share God’s abundant riches with those around you who are hurting. God’s wealth was not given to you to hoard. It was lavished upon you to share with others. So, who do you need to spread the wealth with?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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