A Christian motel owner had an idea…partly to bless, partly out of curiosity. In each motel room, he placed a $20 bill inside the Gideon Bible in each nightstand drawer, precisely on the page of John 3:16. He also included a note explaining the reason the money was there, and to let the reader know that he or she could have the money as a gift.
Periodically, he would go in and check the Bibles. More often than not, the money was still tucked inside; but occasionally, he would smile when he’d find the money and note missing, for he knew then that someone had opened the Bible to read it.
One day, he went inside a vacant Room 165, opened the drawer, and turned the Bible’s pages to find a startling surprise. The money was still tucked inside the pages of the Book of John; but there was also a hundred dollar bill along with it and a note which simply said, “I will give you the wealth that is stored away and the hidden riches so you will know I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.” (Isaiah 45:3 NCV) Apparently, some soul seeking wisdom was so touched by the gesture of the motel owner, that he decided to join in and increase the reward!
I wonder, how many times people seek answers, blessings, satisfaction everywhere else but within the pages of God’s Word? Would more people crack open that Bible if they knew money were tucked inside its pages? Of course they would! How sad…they don’t realize that wealth beyond their comprehension lies in the words themselves. Those pages contain the solution to every problem known to mankind! Oh, that we would seek the wisdom of its pages each and every day. That we would realize, when we delve into the Sovereign Word of God, we are mining for treasures unending.
When we become hearers of the Word, readers of the Word, and—equally important—DOERS of the Word, we allow God to take charge of our decision-making. He will lead us in ways that bless us, bring peace, and yes, even prosperity. These rewards are not the sole goal of obedience, but they are the by-product of it.
I urge you, if you’re perplexed about a situation…or even if you’re just sitting in a motel room, bored and needing to pass the time…pick up that Bible and search its pages. You may not find a money prize hidden inside, but you will find something more valuable instead—you will find GOD.
“Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:3-4)
CALL THOSE THINGS 