Sitting on top of riches Jim Bramlett Feb 15, 2009Dear friends: The other day I told the story of old Joe, a homeless man who lived under a bridge, but was worth $100 million and didn't know it. He was the major beneficiary in a rich relative's will and was never made aware of it. I compared old Joe with many Christians who are not aware of the riches they have in Christ and are living in spiritual poverty.Later I remembered a similar story told by the late Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade International, who went to be with the Lord in 2003. From one of his daily devotions, I will let him tell you about it himself....Jim________________________________________________________ Sitting On Top of RichesBill BrightDuring the Depression, a man named Ira Yates was living in poverty, unaware that he was one of the richest men in the world. He owned a large sheep ranch, and due to his poverty, he was in danger of losing it, because he could not afford to pay the interest on his bank loan and his property tax. One day an oil company gained Mr. Yates' permission to drill a wildcat test well, believing there was a rich reservoir of oil on the property. Soon they discovered the one of the largest oil pools in the world. Although he was a billionaire, Mr. Yates had lived for years in poverty. The day he purchased the land he received with it all the oil and mineral rights. It was all his, but he didn't know the oil was there, and thus he lived in great need. I do not know of a better illustration for the Christian. Like Mr. Yates, many Christians are ignorant of their rights and resources and as a result are living in spiritual poverty. Actually, there are two great tragedies in history: (1) that many have rejected God's Son and all the incalculable riches that accompany our adoption by God through Him; and (2) many have chosen to trust in Christ for their eternal salvation but live a life of spiritual poverty, ignorant of their inheritance, in this life and beyond. If you are a believer, don't be like Ira Yates and sit in ignorance on top of your riches in Christ, while living in spiritual poverty! Scripture: "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:3, 18; 3:8; Philippians 4:19; James 4:2-3; Prayer: "Thank you, Father, for the glorious riches we have in Christ, free to us but paid for with His own precious blood. He is worthy of all praise."