A Lesson In Faithfulness

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

 

After an extremely long period of financial uncertainty and instability, the past two months brought rebirth, renewal, reflection and a spiritual awakening to God’s presence in my life. I have worked consistently for the past twenty years, but like many today, found myself without a job or the ability to buy the things that I wanted. I felt lost and empty. Weeks and months passed. Limited finances forced me to downsize to live on my unemployment check.

 

As I searched the scriptures and prayed for a job, nothing happened. God, where are you? Every time I started to panic, I heard His still small voice say, “I did not give you a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). God was saying, “Trust me, I got you.”

 

Day after day I made a gratitude list. It included a place to stay, food, a car, gas, family and friends. Although my prayers for a job had not been answered, all my needs were being met. I realized then that I had made my job, career, money, and things my idols.

 

After I repented, miracles began to happen. My son got the job that he applied for more than six months before. I have been interviewed a least once a week and was offered part‑time employment. I believe, and trust God for the increase.

 

Father, thank you for my period of unemployment. Now I understand that “great is thy faithfulness.” As I pursue employment opportunities, keep me humble and grateful. You are my Source. Your grace is sufficient. Amen

 

© 2013 Wanda Currie

Zig Zag Prayer

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)

“I don’t know how to do that,” four year old Louis announced to the Sunday school class when it was his turn in the prayer circle.

“Well Louis,” Mark, the teacher, replied, “praying is just talking to God.” 

Mark reminded Louis about the picture the child had created early in the class session. Louis had sketched his family and across the page he had drawn a zig zag line.

“Remember what you told me Louis? You said that line was you telling God thank you for your mom and dad. Praying out loud is like that. It’s just you talking to God.”

Louis was ready to take his turn to prayer. He bowed his head and in a voice that was that of a confident four year old boy,” he said, “God, I don’t know how to do this so I’m just talking.”

Years have passed since Mark experienced that sweet encounter with innocence and faith. When someone shares about an illness or one of life’s other problems, Mark is always willing to pray for that concern. However, remembering Louis he will also share with the person that they can pray themselves. After all, it’s just like talking.

It is the intent of our maker that we share our lives with Him. He would have us speak to Him rejoicing, praising, asking, thanking, grieving, requesting, and worshiping. He seeks love and sincerity not eloquence.

Dear Lord, Thank you that you actually seek our fellowship. What a privilege and joy to be able to communicate in our simple earthly language with the Savior and King of the universe. Amen

© Christy Struben 2013

DREADED INCOME TAX TIME

Cast your anxieties on Him for He cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 (RSV)

Last year I thought I would have to pay a lot of taxes. That thought consumed me.  After submitting my tax information with the accountant on Monday, I fretted all week.

 When her secretary called on Friday to make an appointment to come in and sign the paperwork, I asked.  “Do I owe?”

She replied, “Let me check.  “Mmm-mm Yes, you owe $1,176.00 to Federal. Can you come in Monday to sign the forms?”

Needless to say, I worried all week-end. Where I was going to get the money. What could I sacrifice, or where could I rob Peter to pay Paul. How am I going to do this?

I prayed, “Dear Lord, my times are in your hands. I know You are my Provider. Please show me the way. Amen” Immediately peace filled my heart and I knew it would be alright.

Monday finally arrived, and with peace I was ready to surrender my life to the IRS.

Arriving at the accountant’s office, I sat down and said, “I’ve been upset all week about owing $1,176.00 to the Federal government.”

“Yes, you do owe Federal, but you get back $1,200.00 from State,” she answered brightly.”

Jesus tells us not to borrow a sorrow from tomorrow because each day has enough for that day. I wish I had taken that advice, but I did experience His peace and I was thankful I didn’t have to pay. The Peter and Paul turned out to be State to Federal.

Income tax time is around the corner. There’s nothing the Lord and I can’t handle together. Come and get me, I’m ready!

Dear Lord; Thank you everything worked out perfectly. Forgive me for falling so short. Amen

©2013 Lois Gosley

Boston Tea Party

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19b (NKJV)

December 16, 1773. Boston officials refuse to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain; colonists board the ships, throwing the tea into Boston Harbor. This event was significant for America’s road to freedom. Colonists toiled under heavy taxation as “Englishmen,” but with no true representation in England. They had no one to fight for them.

Today the world taxes us in other ways, like pride, deceit, hate, and slander. These things take a toll on us; we pay in greed, guilt, loneliness, depression, and cruelty. But do not forget: we are not citizens of this world. We are citizens of Heaven. How long did our forefathers tolerate injustice before taking a stand? How long will we endure the yoke of sin before escaping its cold grasp?

We need not carry that yoke. We can relinquish it in an instant. Unlike the colonists, who had no one to speak for them, we have an advocate. He paid our debt, and we are free. When we sin, He says, “no condemnation.” When Satan accuses, God says, “mercy rejoices against judgment.” When the world calls us unlovely, He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” And when situations declare, “you can’t do it,” He says, “my grace is sufficient.”

April 15, 2013. This year, as tax time rolls around, don’t fret. Have your own Boston Tea Party. Throw those besetting sins and attitudes of this world overboard—into the sea of forgetfulness—and walk with your heads high. You are children of the King and royal citizens of Heaven.

Father, thank you for your Son, who paid such a high price to make us free.

© 2013 Katherine A. Fuller