As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. Job 5:8-9

What do you know about the Cincinnati Red Stockings? If you're like me -- not much.

Last week, I had to read an Associated Press article to find out the Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team in the United States.

That was interesting.

What was more interesting is the Red Stockings also had a baseball card. Bernice Gallego, an antiques dealer from Fresno, California, came across just such a card in a box of junk she owned. She put the card up for sale on eBay. The bidding started at $10.

Eventually, and on another venue, Gallego sold the card for more than $64,000. Now, that's my kind of junk.

When I read Gallego's story, I started to think why doesn't that kind of thing happen to me? How come all my junk is, well, junk?

That was my first thought. Thankfully, my thinking didn't stop there. In truth, I, like you, are extraordinarily blessed. As the book of Job says, we have a God "who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."

If we have nothing else, we still have a lowly manger. And in that manger we see our Savior, born true Man and true God. If we have nothing else, we still have a rough-hewn Roman cross. And on that cross hangs the Redeemer carrying our sins and dying our death. If we have nothing else, we still have an open and empty tomb. And at that tomb we see the risen Lord who gives us eternal life in heaven.

Should I go on? Should I speak of how each breath is a gift of God, each heartbeat a miracle?

Should we talk of all the accidents that don't happen or those simple pleasures that are too often taken for granted?

In truth, we do have a God who does things, marvelous things without number.

In thanksgiving we pray.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, some people are given valuable baseball cards; I have been given eternal life. Some people don't know the value of the things they have. I pray that may never be said of me. Move my heart to thank and praise, to serve and obey You. In Your Name. Amen.

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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 17-18    Mark 9:1-29

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