A tax assessor came one day to a poor pastor to determine the amount of taxes the pastor would have to pay. The tax assessor had to smile as he looked around the simple home and the bare furnishings. This wasn't a rich man's home by any means. He opened his book and almost smirking, he asked the pastor to describe his wealth

"Now, sir, just what property do you possess?" asked the assessor.

"Well, answered the minister, I have to say that I am a very wealthy man."

"Well.." the assessor perked up and asked, "Please tell about your possessions.."

"First, I have everlasting life according to John3:16.. And Jesus said it is worth more than all the world."

"Secondly, Jesus said in John 14:2, that he has prepared a mansion for me in heaven.  I can't give you the exact address but I know where it is.  It has to have great value.. just look at the location.. why that neighborhood's streets are paved with gold."

"Third and truly worth more gold and silver to me is.. Peace.. a peace that passes all understanding. A peace that fills my heart in the midst of every trial, every storm, every problem.. my friend you can read about it in Philippians 4:7.. what do you think that is worth?"

"Fourth, I have joy unspeakable.. Can anyone measure its worth?  It is priceless but you can get its description in I Peter 1:8."

"Fifth.. I have divine love which never fails.. Oh my, it's worth more than all the rubies and precious stones of the East to me.. it is found there in 1 Corinthians 13:8."

"Let me see, Sixth, I have a faithful, loving, Christian wife.. you can read about her virtue and great value in Proverbs 31:10."

"Hmmm, seventh, I have healthy, happy and obedient children.. They are certainly a treasure.. according to Exodus 20:12."

"Another item of great value, I must list, is that I have true, loyal and faithful friends.. they are better than diamonds.. that is found in God's word, in Proverbs 18:24."

"The ninth item of my great wealth.. I have songs in the night.. beautiful, lovely night songs of praise and peace.. you can read about them and their value in Psalms 42:8."

"Tenth, my most valued possession.. I have a crown of life.. it is truly priceless and worth more than anything in this world.. you can find its appraisal in James 1:12."

The tax assessor closed his book, he had a new appreciation for the simple pastor and for his life. As he turned to leave, he looked back and said, "My dear friend, you are truly a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."

Being Rich And Not Knowing It..

Sometimes, we get the wrong ideas about true wealth. We fall into the trap of thinking wealth is money, possessions, things. It is none of those things. I have seen people who had all the trappings of the world's ideas of wealth.. who were poor beyond measure. They would have traded it all for a little peace, joy.. love. Real wealth has to be that which gives us satisfaction inside our spirit."

The Pastor in this story had discovered the true value of a loving family, good friends and the life of joy and peace. That is true wealth.. to be able to walk through life and have the joy of knowing life is a rich adventure in the Lord! Real wealth is being able to lay down at night and sleep peacefully because you know that God loves you and That He will see through every situation and circumstance of life!

Real Wealth is a relationship with the living God.. rich in the His promises of peace, love and joy.  This is a wealth that comes from being a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You can have that wealth.. simply ask Jesus to come into your life and show you the way. The answer is found in Romans 10:9.. Acknowledging your need.. Believing on Christ and Confessing or receiving Him as Lord. Why not do it now. Just follow this link "Receiving Life Eternal."

Remember God loves you.. and so do we..