Category Archives: Faith Matters

God moved some mountains for us recently.

1. He fixed a sidewalk through the Men’s Ministry of the church I attend. My mother’s balance is not as good as it used to be, and any time she walked on our old sidewalk I held my breath. I knew it needed replacing, but I didn’t have the resources to do it. God did. The men used what they could from our old sidewalk, and placed new slabs where needed. They took out the two steps and sloped the sidewalk at a slight grade. It is more like a ramp now and much safer to walk on. The men also fixed a spot in our driveway. All this was done at no cost to us–the Men’s Ministry took up collections at their meetings. Any time I look out the door, I see God’s work through the Body of Christ. God said, “Here is a blessing for you and your mother.” Every day it is appreciated. It is such a relief to have it done!
2. I have a job now, and I believe God opened the door. I walked into the local supermarket as a customer, and walked out with an informal job offer! I didn’t see a product I like on the shelf and wondered when it would be in. I saw two managers talking and asked them about it. In the course of the conversation, I mentioned that I used to work in retail. One of the managers said, “Well, if you ever want to get back into retail…” I replied that my legs hurt; I need to sit a lot. The manager said, “If you get a letter from your doctor stating that you need to sit, you can work as a cashier and we’ll provide you with a stool.” That is the way it worked out. This, after I looked for work and ran into roadblocks. Then, I walk in as a customer and walk out with a job practically handed to me!

Some Scriptures: “Now to Him Who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!…” (Ephesians 3:20, 21, ESV)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

Recently I realized (again) that I have a problem with–I call it “lust”–the kind where I see a product, I want it, and I want it now, and I buy it now. The impetus for my realization was when I walked into a dollar store and spent almost $20 on facial soap and deodorant, and most of it was for me, me, me. I did want to stock up on certain scents of a certain brand of soap that don’t set my allergies off, but $20 was a bit much–especially when I bought a couple new brands and I don’t know if they will bother me or not! LOL!

Later, I had a conversation with the Lord about it. I asked Him for help with my problem. He said He was pleased I owned up to it, and that I asked Him for help. He said He’d be glad to help me. I know with the Lord helping me, I’ll have victory over the underlying outlook which leads to the problem. It may take awhile, but I’ll have the victory.

For me the goodness of God shows in His attitude: an earthly parent could easily have been angry with my confession, but God, Who has every reason to be angry (given the warnings in the Bible about lust, greed, and covetousness) was not angry. His attitude buoyed me up, and continues to do so.

Some Scriptures: Psalm 130:3, 4; 1 John 1:8, 9

P. Booher

1. “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”(Psalm 103:8, NIV)*

2. “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:5-7, NIV)

3.”But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, NIV)

4. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” (Titus 3:4, 5, NIV)

5.”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

6.”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23, NIV)

*NIV means New International Version of the Bible

P. Booher