We frequently receive notices of great prizes we have won. All we need to do is accept the prize and return the card signed on the dotted line. Of course an order of some product must accompany the card. What a scam! If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

The world dreams of big winnings, sudden windfalls, winning the lottery or finding a hidden treasure in the backyard, but the world doesn't realize riches can vanish in a flash. I have watched the news of celebrities who seemed to have everything, yet when the fortune was lost nothing was left but loneliness, depression and even suicide. How tragic and sad, all due to misplaced priorities.

There is a real treasure however, only One. All of the money in the world cannot buy peace, health or lasting happiness, but there is a treasure that surpasses them all. There may be those who envy the wealthy, but at the end of life it is the child of God who inherits the real riches.

Affluence can rob one's trust in God. "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch" (Proverbs 11:28 KJV).

Our possessions are not ours to begin with. Serving others in their needs become our "riches." God blesses so we can bless others. Blessing others frees one from the slavery of "possessions possessing the possessor." Taking people to heaven with us is worth more than all the riches of this world

The workaholic spends endless hours amassng financial security only to leave it to someone who didn't earn it. "For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others" (Psalm 49:10 NIV).

"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV).

The way we live our lives today affects our descendants. Those who honor God are leaving untold spiritual wealth for their children and grandchildren. My grandfather didn't leave me money, but left riches that money cannot buy. He left me an inheritance of love, faith and righteousness. Contrast that with Jehoiakim's legacy for his children and grandchildren. The Lord said in Jeremiah 22:30 concerning Jehoiakim's rebellion:

"None of his offspring will prosper." (NIV)

Joshua, a faithful and obedient servant left a beautiful heritage for the people of God. In Joshua 23:8, Joshua is leaving them with an admonition to "hold fast to the Lord." Joshua lived this example before the Israelites. What a gift to leave to posterity!

In a materialistic world of "he who has the most toys wins," a dangerous concept prevails. Trusting in "things" is an exercise in futility. Job came to that understanding and whether in prosperity or adversity, he ultimately came to an unconditional trust in a sovereign God. (Job 1:20-22) Unconditional trust in God leads to peace and restoration. Job loved God for who God is, not for what God could do.

God can be trusted for our everyday needs. We are so blessed. Every day blessings become riches in our lives. I invite you to pray my prayer every morning:

"Thank You, Lord, for each new day, the sunshine and the rain. For all Your ways are good and blessed be Your name. Keep me in Your loving care and guide my every thought. May I focus on gratitude for blessings You have brought."

I throw my prize notifications away. I will trust and invest my time in the "real prize."

So please world, don't waste all that paper, time and money sending me prize notices.

I'm already a winner.

His name is Jesus!