Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

Here we go again. Although it is nice to have the summer off, I prefer my husband to be employed. I used to worry about running out of money, but not anymore. We’ve had remarkable experiences in seeing God provide for us. This is our fifth occurrence of unemployment with no idea where the next job will be. And God has been faithful to us every time.

Many years ago, we read in the Bible that God wants us to tithe and to trust that He will take care of our needs. He even told us to test Him – so we did. The result was a confirmation that our Lord is completely trustworthy. When we tithe faithfully, give cheerfully to special causes (offerings), and believe that God is in control, we will be amazed how He comes through for us when the circumstances are unfavorable. In every time of unemployment, God provided enough money to pay our bills and gave us another job before we had to withdraw from our meager savings.

Remembering how God has taken care of us in the past encourages us to depend on Him in our present. I have learned that money doesn’t buy happiness and that you cannot out-give God. Our Lord is the giver of all good gifts, even joy and peace during difficult situations.

While we hope for local work, we’re also looking nationally. Once again, I fear moving away from our church, home, and friends. Whatever God has planned for our lives, I trust Him to supply all of our needs and continue to provide for us financially…just like He has in our past. I’ve wondered why we seem to be in this position so often. Perhaps the Lord is giving us yet another opportunity to witness about His power and provision.

Do you trust God with your monetary and material needs? How has He demonstrated His faithfulness in your life?

Cindy Rooy is the author of a six-week Bible study, Trusting God Through Trouble & Tears, and a contributing author in several devotional books, including Faith & FINANCES and The Upper Room. A wife and mother of three grown children, Cindy is a religion columnist for three newspapers and an inspirational speaker. For more information, visit Cindy’s website at www.cindyrooy.com. Read Cindy’s devotions

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:5 NIV

Before I was saved, I was pregnant. Before I was an adult, I was a fatherless daughter. The land of “I want’s” was a place I visited far too often, only to be told I didn’t belong there. Many of my classmates had the designer labels and the proud stance of not wearing hand-me-downs or low-cost clothing. My mom, a widow at the age of 45, raised three teenagers on her own, on one income. I never knew exactly how hard it was for her, what difficulties she must have gone through. She was a strong woman who relied on the Lord to get us through. She still is, and her faith permeates through her children and grandchildren.

Unfortunately, having run the rebellious race, I find myself in her shoes, being a single parent to my now teenage daughter. While many of her friends are planning summer activities and live in a two-income household where vacations are the norm, she and I have learned to trust our Heavenly Provider for our daily needs. We are not afraid to ask Him for sweet treats. Knowing that we can’t but He can, turns our hearts toward God and lessens our longings for material items. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God does not promise to give my daughter the new car we’d love. He promises to put into our hearts those desires that, in turn, cause us to delight in Him. Suddenly, that new car isn’t such a big deal and we see the real importance–family.

When I find myself lonely and overwhelmed at the day’s end, I’m reminded to be thankful for what I do have. I write out my to-do list and give it to God. More often than not, leaving those items for my heavenly head of household to take care of gives me great rest and comfort, as well as miraculous results. I praise God for being the best father and husband any of us could have.

Jo Mason lives in Southern California with her daughter. She has a long span of writing; having been published as a youth in children’s magazines and later winning awards for publications in college. Now a full-time worker and mom, she spends her free time writing devotions and short stories. Read Jo’s devotions

Who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this?  Esther 4:12b NIV

When my husband, Rod, and I planned a vacation to Ireland, September 2001, we didn’t know that we would be overseas on one of the blackest days in the history of the United States. Yet as God placed Esther in a Persian harem for a purpose, so He used us in the aftermath of 911.

We were eating lunch in an Irish village when we heard the tragic news. Occasionally, I have questioned the truth of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” My doubts were never greater than they were that day.

Subsequent situations convinced me that God had a purpose for us to be in Ireland at that time. Several of our tour group turned to us in the crisis. That night at dinner, although it hadn’t been done at prior meals, the tour guide asked Rod to pray. Ireland declared a national day of mourning, emphasized by a minute of complete silence. When our group gathered for that tribute, the guide looked at us, and said, “Does anyone want to say anything?” My husband and I prayed audibly, as did a retired Methodist missionary who traveled with us. My husband started singing, “God Bless America,” and the others, through their tears, joined the singing.

During the remainder of our visit, we comforted those who were concerned about their families at home. Others sought us out to talk about things of the faith. And even the guide who was not a Christian questioned us concerning our beliefs. Without doubt God placed us in Ireland at that time so that we could encourage some of our fellow travelers, whose faith was weak or nonexistent. While we were helping others, our faith was also strengthened. Our experiences confirmed that God will use us as His chosen vessels when we’re obedient to His leading.

Whenever incidents come into your life causing you to question the wisdom of God, remember that He’s also called you to be His witnesses “to the uttermost part of the earth.”

Bring them here to me, he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:18-21

The inevitable had arrived. I’d put this off for weeks There was no more time to delay. I stared at the black ledger poking from a slot in my desk, then dragged it out along with my calculator and the giant stack of envelopes. Bill after bill dropped from the cover of the ledger. I shook my head …electric bill-$86, car loan-$200, car insurance-$75. The more envelopes I opened, the angrier I became. I’d seen enough. I slammed the pen on the desk and walked outside.

My wife had been sick for weeks and out of work for months. My vacation pay ended weeks ago as the hours were spent at her bedside. My boss graciously allowed me to take personal time off, but how would I pay these bills? I barely scraped enough money together to add gas to my car.

God, I’m at the end of my rope. I can’t do this alone but I don’t want charity either. Please send help.

After a walk, I found my way back to my desk with a cooler head and began the chore of sorting through the bills, prioritizing the payments. As I reached the bottom of the stack, there were three envelopes with no return address. Upon opening the first, I discovered a twenty dollar bill. The second contained another twenty dollars. My hands shook as I tore open the last…five more twenty dollar bills!

I picked up the phone and called my mom. “Mom, you know I will not accept charity. I am bringing this money over to you right now.”

“What money?” she asked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

For the next two months, my anonymous donor continued to send provision. My bills were paid as my wife’s body slowly healed. God provided.

God’s perfect love trickles through his servants. Through two fish and five loaves, about five thousand people were fed. We find God’s love seeping through the lives of skeptics when miracles occur. We see God’s love through the hands of missionaries building shelters or feeding the needy. Later on, I discovered my mystery donor was my grandma. She loved me so much, she took the opportunity to share what little she had to send me mystery money.

I now look for those opportunities God reveals to give back. When I see someone in need, an envelope with provision finds its way to the mailbox. Are you in a position to share God’s provision as a mystery giver? Give.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years and they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show, Christian Devotions Speak UP!  He is a 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference Devotional Winner.
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Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

“You are only as safe as your weakest link.” I grimaced as I read that quote in an article on how to protect one’s finances and identity. Just this morning we were victims of identity theft for the fifth time! Over the years, my car and purse have been stolen; our credit card number has been used overseas; our account number has been made into a plastic credit card and used across the country; our mail has been stolen from our mailbox; and, once again, our bank account was used in another state. How frustrating. We locked down our identity and finances, taking extreme measures, and still this type of crime and fraud perpetuates.

Our money has been used to buy gas, shoes, fast food, clothing, and pay bills — to name a few. What is our weakest link, we asked? We take as many precautions as possible. Personal information is readily available on the internet; it’s easy to misuse this information if the motive is there. It angers me to be thought of as a target and tool—not a person.

That’s how the enemy sees us —  easy targets. Our weakest spiritual links are not as protected as we think, rather they’re tainted with sinful habits; open invitations to Satan who studies our patterns and knows exactly where we’re unguarded. He is devious and calculating, and strikes without notice…his goal, total annihilation.

God provides us warnings to watch. Do we heed them or, in denial, do we think that nothing bad will ever happen to us? Tell that to our neighbors whose garbage was stolen for their personal information.

Put on the armor of God for protection. The enemy is looking for the chink in our armor. Be wholly committed to Christ. Seek God’s will and know His Word. Whether financial or spiritual, watch as well as pray. Let Him protect you so you are not devoured.

Kristi Buttles is a freelance writer and photographer and has been published in the book Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust. She is an elementary school teacher and is involved in several ministries in her home church. She has written fiction, non-fiction, a Bible study, and a children’s book which she also illustrated; all of which she hopes to publish soon. She has also designed her own line of unique greeting cards that combine her love for words with her passion for photography.
<Read Kristi’s devotions.

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

I’d become a civilian again. After serving a hitch in the Navy, I returned to my hometown to find a job and begin my life as a civilian. My friends were giving themselves lengthy vacations between the time they were discharged and the time they went to work by drawing unemployment checks. With a wife and baby, I knew that wouldn’t work for me, so I went to find a job.

The interview clerk filled out a couple of forms and asked, “I suppose you want to sign up for your unemployment, don’t you?”

“No ma’am,” I said.  “I don’t want any unemployment—I want employment.”

She almost fainted, then went to work giving me a list of companies that were hiring. I went to each one, completed applications, and waited. A week or so later, one of the companies called me to work. I worked there for 13 years and was blessed. I moved my way from one of the dirtiest, lowest-paid jobs in a steel plant, into management.

Work is good. God directs us to work and blesses us when we do. It’s the first step toward financial success. Labor is an honorable activity and no one is too good for the task. Some spend their time waiting for an ideal job or at least one as good as their previous one. Sad to say, but for most of us that won’t happen.

When I left the Navy, I was a skilled aircraft electrician and instrument technician. My problem as a civilian was, no one needed one. Steel was not my first choice. It was my necessary option.

Today, thousands of people are out of work, however, God can and will open doors. He commands us to work not wait. Be honest, dependable, work hard, and keep a good attitude. Who knows–your necessary option may turn into your ideal job.

I challenge you to quit waiting, quit worrying, and go to work – even if it’s not the job you anticipated. See for yourself how God will bless.

Dr. Bob Wilkerson is a native of Alabama. He has had sermons and articles published in several Christian publications: The Southern Baptist Convention’s Award Winning Sermons, Vol.4; Proclaim Magazine; The Alabama Baptist; The Rocky Mountain Baptist; and the Alabama Christian Life Commission Report. In addition, he writes a devotional column for a local newspaper. Read Bob’s devotions

Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
Proverbs 20:11

During my son’s first year of piano, I regretted letting him learn to play. He begged me to let him take lessons but, after awhile, he lost his initial enthusiasm. There were many times when I wanted to say, “All right, that’s it! We’re stopping.” But I didn’t.

We had a good relationship. Now that relationship was being tested. I dragged him to lessons and daily nagged him to practice. Joshua would either ignore my request, make excuses, or argue with me. So why was I putting us through this source of stress?

Was it always going to be this way? I wondered. Lord, please give me wisdom, I prayed.

Then I suggested that he ask his instructor to teach him to play the songs he liked, along with the pieces in his lesson book. The songs Joshua heard in music class at a Christian school became the key to a turnabout in his attitude and behavior towards me and the piano.

And so began Joshua’s journey on the road toward making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Our one-half hour lesson each Monday has become a blessing.

Why didn’t I think of this before? I reproved myself. Music lessons are no longer a chore.

Joshua brings to his session a “religious favorites” book and is learning a new hymn each week. His instructor has become familiar with these beautiful hymns of the faith, and he especially enjoyed the Easter music. As Joe teaches my son these pieces, God alone knows what impact the words of these sacred songs will have on Joshua and his teacher. I’m so thankful that my son has a heart for the Lord and is honoring God’s name through his love of hymns. He, too, is an instrument in God’s hands.

We can have the assurance that our Heavenly Father knows our child’s mind and the intentions of his heart. God knows that, as parents, we need guidance and patience while endeavoring to instill Godly behavior. We have only to ask for it.

Pat Davis is a homemaker and writer living in Philadelphia, Pa. Her essays, stories and articles have appeared in The Lookout, GRIT Magazine, The Mennonite, Renewed and Ready, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Blessings for Mothers, God Answers Prayer, Woman Alive, Woman’s Touch. She has completed an inspirational historical novel. www.patjeannedavis.com
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Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

I was giving to God from my last amounts—what was left, not my first (what He gave me). I was giving him some, not all, of my tithe. That changed two months ago after I read Faith & Finances: In God We Trust. Not only do I tithe a full 10%, but I ask God with each paycheck, who He wants to bless. Sometimes it’s my church or a charity, sometimes it’s others in my community.

After tithing and paying my bills, I had just over $22.00 to see me through for two more weeks. I found a $10 bill in a pocket, but then I found receipts I had forgotten to account for. We were down to $0.79 and my paycheck was just 12 hours old! My daughter and I prayed for God’s providence. We blindly trusted He would not let us fall. The next day, an unexpected check came; enough to buy the necessities we needed.

God recently asked me to give my tithe to a friend in answer to her family’s prayer. She was stunned. The gift was an affirmation and answer to us both that God is so very personal.

Later, my finances were exceptionally tight and tithing was a struggle, but I know God is always faithful, so… I took that leap. I ended up with two NSF charges on my checking account. One I could account for, but two? The teller couldn’t explain the second fee, so she reversed them both, leaving me enough money until the next payday. I was able to put $15 into savings.

I learned to turn my paydays into tithing days. God gives so freely to us and He continues to provide the necessities. How could I begrudge others, even when things were hard for me? God doesn’t. He blesses my efforts.

I no longer have “paydays,” I have “tithing days,” and I can’t wait for each one as God continues to show His glory. Change your thought process from what can I have to what can I give. Make each day a tithing day.

Jo Mason lives in Southern California with her daughter. She has a long span of writing; having been published as a youth in children’s magazines and later winning awards for publications in college. Now a full-time worker and mom, she spends her free time writing devotions and short stories. Read Jo’s devotions

For the love of money is the root of all evil . . . I Timothy 6:10

Money is the root of all evil—true or false? While many will say “True,” the Bible tells us it’s the love of money that is evil and destructive. When money becomes our focus it hinders our walk with God, because it puts Him in second place.

Is money necessary? Absolutely. Will it solve all our problems? Absolutely not. In The Word For You Today, Bob Gass puts it this way: “Money will buy you a bed, but not sleep; books, but not brains; food, but not an appetite; a house, but not a home; medicine, but not health; luxuries, but not happiness; image, but not character; and religion, but not salvation.”

The Bible is filled with instructions about how we are to use our money and it lets us know that attitude, along with obedience, is key. God is our provider—the source of everything we need. Blessing and provision come to us when we put God first, establish a covenant with Him through our faithful giving, and become good stewards with whatever He gives us.

When we place our trust in money instead of the One who supplies “all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” we miss the mark.

I have learned that the less I worry, the more peace I possess. The more I give, the more is given back to me. The more I honor God with my “stuff,” the more He takes care of whatever I need. He even gives me the “desires of my heart” when I take delight in Him.

God is faithful. He loves us and promises to take care of us. All He asks is that we trust Him.

Will you trust Him today?

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

In our family, I get paid once a month and my husband gets paid on commission. Do we have to rely on faith when it comes to our finances? Absolutely. We have struggled for years; sometimes it may be from a mistake we have made but most of the time it is the obvious problem of cash flow. Through the years we’ve attended the popular classes and seminars to help us manage money. We’ve realized you have to have money to manage. Here is where faith steps in.

We’ve had to realize God is our provider, not man. The problem is not in the knowing but in the believing. We’ve learned to take God’s Word to heart. We believe that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” We try to please God in many things we do, but do we please Him by having faith for our finances? If we truly want to please God, we must believe He will provide during difficult situations, even regarding our money.

People pray and have faith for health issues, travel safety, protection for family members, comfort in the death of a loved one, help in finding employment; but when it comes to finances, we think we are on our own. We think it is something we must do, perform, or manage. If God is in complete control of our lives, we need to let Him be in control when money is there and, especially, when it is not.

If you are financially well with no issues, praise the Lord for this blessing and continue to honor God with what He has given you. If you are not financially well, put your trust in God, believing that He is your provider. Have faith, “being sure of what you hope for (provision) and certain of what we do not see (provision).” What may seem like a hopeless situation to you is an opportunity for God to show out, because all things are possible with God.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leads a variety of Bible Studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions.