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Fatherless Daughters – Jo Mason
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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

Tithing Days – Jo Mason
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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