I have many long-time readers of Words for the Day. It’s hard to believe that in June I will begin my nineteenth year of writing it. Through it all I have received tens of thousands of letters; some that have made me feel wonderful and some not so good.
Yesterday I got a letter from one long-time reader who immigrated to this country some time back. Through years of hard work and determination she received her citizenship and it was a joyful day when she wrote and proudly told me she was now officially a United States citizen. It was an awesome day for her and I enjoyed hearing her write about it.
She’s worked very hard for many years and has had a very difficult time financially. Nonetheless, a couple of few years back she wrote and wanted to contribute to the Jesus Alliance on a monthly basis. I knew she surely couldn’t afford it and I wrote and suggested that she keep her money and I would personally make a commensurate donation in her name. She angrily responded that for me to do so would deprive her of her blessing and this was HER decision to make.
Ugh . . . I surely didn’t want to get between her and God, so I wearily told her to do as she was led. She has faithfully contributed every month since. So yesterday I got a letter from her that stated:
“Quick note letting you know I have been praying and asking God to help me do more financially for “The Jesus Alliance” and He blessed me with an extra $100 per month so it is with a joyful heart that I will bless your Ministry with it . . . Our Lord is SOOOO good!
Also, I needed prayers a few times and being able to go on the website and “chat ” with a believer who prayed with me . . . that was a very special experience each time and I really felt very blessed and touched by the compassion coming from the people I was chatting with.
You are doing an AWESOME job and I really appreciate your daily message too!”
I was stunned to receive this letter. It reminded me of the poor widow who gave what she could and Jesus remarked in Luke 21:1 – And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”
By United States standards this young lady’s wealth is low, but by God’s standards her wealth is incalculable. Her faith and obedience to God has resulted in blessings from her Father in heaven that surpass anything she could ever attain otherwise. Reading her words one can feel the joy that she has gleaned from an answered prayer. It belies the “wisdom” of this fallen world for someone to pray for an increase in pay just so they can give more to their ministry of choice.
How many people do you know that would do so?
According to the Bible she is full of wisdom. She will reap her reward not just in heaven, but here on earth. She is living the dream. She has a special relationship with Jesus Christ, and with that comes peace, joy, and love that surpasses human understanding that no amount of money can buy – Ask anyone who is super rich.
What a shame that so many people blindly run full speed chasing the idols of this world, and in their haste to find their treasure, run past the real pearl of life – serving our Lord.
Selah . . .
Proverbs 10:22
The Lord’s blessing is our greatest wealth.
May 10 2017 – Click here to listen