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.