The Faithful Messenger for September 2011

Recently, we discovered a shortcut the builder took in the making of our home that is what I consider poor craftsmanship. We contacted the insurance company to see if they would cover the damages. The roof overlooking the front of our home no longer had reliable support, and something had to be done! Our insurance company contacted us back, after the inspection, to inform us that the damages would not be covered by our insurance policy. I was devastated!

A neighbor of ours had come over to show us their newborn son. He was a proud father! You could see it in his eyes. We talked about the issue with my front porch. He works in building and interior construction. I shared with him the results from the insurance company. He too shared with me how business had been slow, and with the newborn baby his wife would not be working for awhile. With the winter coming on, his business was bound to slow down. He was concerned. Of course we prayed with him, over his finances and ours. But he had something to say that I really feel was straight from the throne room of God! Wisdom .... from the mouth of a young man less than half my age!

He said, "You know, its only money! We really don't have to have it. God can do it! That's all we need, really." He went on talking about how the money is not really ours but God's, and how we should be thankful for what we have at all stages. But what he said ran me to the core, with red hot wisdom! "It's only money! We don't really have to have it!"

The next time you are facing an issue that seems impossible ... because the "money" is not there, STOP! Do you not serve the CREATOR of all of Heaven and Earth? And do you think that God, THE Creator, is not able to fix your situation?

I had to ask myself, "why do we worry so over finances?" Does all of this worry fix the problem, or bring in extra funds? If so, I can rent myself out and worry about other people's problems ... for a fee! No, worry is a total and complete waste of our time! All it does is rob us of our strength, and of our joy, and it instills "fear" in our hearts - fear over impending doom and failure. But wait! If we truly "believe" God, then why are we expecting failure? Sounds like a slap in the face to God from where I sit.

So, while I'm here repenting for walking in fear and allowing the devil to get me to "worry", you take this note and read it. Read it to your spouse! Together, the two of you go before God and ask God to (1) forgive you for doubting Him, and (2) help you to walk in "faith", trusting Him for ALL your needs. We don't really need money! All we need ... is God.

Make me proud!

-pastor rich-

01-September-2011

P.S. Thanks Shawn, for a "good word" ...