“Well over a hundred years ago,” Stan began, “a man who became a bank robber was born. His name was Willie Sutton.”
Continuing, he said, “It is reported that when Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he said something like, ‘That’s where the money is’.”
“So?” I replied.
“I was thinking about that,” Stan replied, “in connection with a question I was asked the other day by one of my neighbors.”
“What question was that?” I responded.
“He wanted to know why I spend so much time reading the Bible and studying God’s word. I told my neighbor about Willie Sutton’s statement and told him that I consider the Bible as being where God has put all of the wealth that I need in order to know Him.”
“And,” Stan added, “I like to think that God has placed His Holy Spirit in me as a deposit for me to gain the further wealth of knowing Him. Further, of course, there is all of the whole wealth that comes from praying to seek what is on God’s heart.”
“In addition,” I responded, “I guess I could look at what Christ did on the cross and my acceptance of His redemption as opening the door to the magnificent wealth of all that heaven promises.”
“That, my friend,” Stan replied, “is a good way to look at it.”
“Lot’s of true and lasting wealth available. Jesus talked about it as laying up treasure in heaven. Paul called it the riches of Christ. Available for all. We just need to look in the right places!”
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To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the wealth and riches you have provided for when I step into eternity to spend the rest of it with you. Thank you, too, for the riches and wealth of knowing you on this side of eternity through your word, your indwelling Holy Spirit, and the opportunity to know you through prayer. I confess that too often I do not pursue all you have available for me because I want to do what I want to do apart from you. Please forgive me. And please help me to follow your lead so that I want to know you and all you have for me on this side of eternity while I wait for the train to glory and all of the unfathomable riches that await me. Please, Father, open me to being who and doing what you intend. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 