Unaware of Our Relative's Assets

Carrie Hodousek/MetroNews
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Gary Cohen was shocked when he received a call

out of the blue from West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue's office informing him he was receiving a check for $169,000.

His father had owned stock in a pharmaceutical company and it was liquidated after his death and the proceeds placed into the Treasurer’s unclaimed property program. This program actively seeks to find and inform West Virginia citizens of such unknown resources available to them. Upon learning of this money, Gary determined to use it to help his daughters pay off the mortgages on their homes. We see the joy in the faces of Cohens in a photo as Treasurer Purdue performs what must be his most enjoyable duty – presenting the check to Gary and his daughter. They had no idea of this wonderful inheritance that was available to them. One statement in the interview with the Treasurer stands out: “A lot of people are unaware of their relative’s assets”.

The Bible tells us that as children of God we "heirs of God, and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). Yet how often are we as Christians "unaware our relative's assets" as we experience discouragement, anxiety, or defeat in our lives. Paul wrote the letter to the believers in Ephesus (and to us) to inform us of our "unclaimed property". He lists many of the spiritual blessings God has given us in Christ. Then he urges us to live in light of all that is ours because of our relationship with Him.

This is the theme of this week's interim Bible study at the West Virginia capitol as we once again have the opportunity to share the Word of God and minister to our leaders as they gather in Charleston.

Please pray that many legislators, elected officials, lobbyists, and staff might come to realize all that God has provided for them through Christ.

Prepping that Endures

“Prepping” has become a serious issue for many in our communities. In our own area the Derecho with its resulting power outages and the loss of water during the Elk River chemical spill have caused many to consider the importance of preparing for such emergencies. They spend a great deal of time and effort stocking up on food and other supplies that will last until needed. While it may indeed be important to prepare to care for our physical needs, it is vital that we consider preparing for our eternal, spiritual needs.

We seek to provide Bible studies and ministry in the Capitol so that our leaders might find spiritual nourishment and strength during the difficult days of the regular session. We want to point them to the only source of spiritual life, Jesus Christ! This is certainly the focus of this week's Bible study as we consider Jesus' statement, "I am the Bread of life". It is only in Him that we find life, spiritual sustenance, and that which truly satisfies.

• Please pray for our studies which meet each Thursday during the session.
• Pray that leaders will be convicted to work for that which endures forever (John 6:27).
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will work that many might find eternal life in Christ.
• Pray that believers might find spiritual nourishment and strength as they serve.

Seeking Guidance from the Highest Court

 If you are following West Virginia politics you are certainly aware that the big issue at the beginning of this legislative session is the replacement of the state senator from Wyoming County. Just before the start of the session, the senator resigned to take another position. Normally the party to which the member belonged would nominate three candidates to replace him from which Governor Tomblin would choose one to serve the rest of his term. The issue with this case is the senator was elected as democrat but later switched parties and resigned as a republican. Both sides believe the replacement should come from their party. It has been determined that all involved must seek the State Supreme Court’s guidance and ruling as they determine how the state constitution applies to this situation.

This might remind us of our desperate need to seek guidance from God, the Greatest Judge, as to how His Word applies to the challenging issues we face in our daily lives. This is especially true for our leaders facing challenging issues and difficult days during the regular session.

This is why it is such a joy to provide the Capitol Bible studies where leaders can take time to focus on God and seek His guidance to apply God’s Word to their lives. This week’s Bible study focusing on Jesus’ claim to be “I AM” in John 8:58 helps to see why Christ indeed has the right to rule over all things in our lives.

• Please pray as we meet each Thursday and for this series of studies that so clearly points to who Christ is and all He has done for us. 

• Pray that leaders will indeed seek God’s guidance as they serve in the statehouse.