And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

The unnamed 20-year-old Italian boy had a problem.

It appears the Ferrari 458, which his father had given him, was not the year and model car he wanted. Sure, his super-rich dad had given the lad the ability to drive any of their 14 other high-end vehicles, but that wasn't what the boy wanted either.

Frustrated, the boy went to the Ferrari dealership to find out what his current car might be worth in a trade. It was another sad moment in his life. He was disappointed to be told his vehicle was valued at a paltry $193,500. It was hardly enough for him to purchase the newer model he wanted.

Even worse, with a miserly $5,000 to $10,000 monthly allowance, he knew it would take too long for him to save up for the new vehicle. The lad was confused and unsure how to proceed. The answer to the boy's dilemma was provided by the Ferrari salesman who suggested the young man set fire to the car and use the insurance money to buy the vehicle of his dreams.

The lad thought it was a grand idea. He recruited two of his friends, paid them a few dollars, and poof! -- the car was a charred wreck.

Now you may be surprised to find this out but insurance companies don't like to fork up a few hundred thousand dollars when a supercar burns up for no apparent reason. Their men investigated, the police assisted, and the arson plot between the boys was uncovered. That evidence was backed up by a security video, which clearly showed them setting fire to the car.

The court put all the fellows on probation.

When I read that story, I thought here is a boy that needs to read Colossians 3:17. He needs to hear, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Then I thought, maybe I need to hear Colossians 3:17.

You see, there are far too many times in my life when I fail to give thanks to the Heavenly Father for the many blessings He has given me. Most certainly I ought to always be appreciative for the gift of a Savior whose life was offered up to forgive my sins and offer me salvation.

But my words and actions ought to show I am thankful for some of the smaller, less-mentioned gifts God has bestowed: you know, things like cell phones and microwave ovens and a car that starts on a really cold morning. I should be thankful for shoes that fit and Rocky Road ice cream and -- here you can fill in an item or two: _____________. I should give thanks because a grateful heart is proper when you have a Father who has given you so much.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may my speech and actions show to the world I am thankful for Your innumerable gifts of love. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 4-6    2 Corinthians 1

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