Money

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal...Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."


I've heard these verses so many times that they're rendered meaningless. So I stop and remind myself:


Jesus Christ is speaking them. He is plainly saying Do not store up wealth. Trust me that I will take care of you.


Lord, I look around me, and here's what I see: Rich people taking care of themselves, and (somewhere off in the distance) lots of poor people struggling. How are You in this? Why should I trust You that You will take care of my finances? The answer seems to be that I won't know unless I take risks financially and see what happens. Also, being generous with my money is the right thing to do.


How do You want us to move forward financially? I long to pay down our debt. Lee is less concerned. 


I am Lee's helper. I make suggestions, express my opinions, point him in the direction of our budget advisor. But then...is it OK for me to step back? Lord, I hate that I need a secret decoder ring to figure out what Your will is. The Bible says, "The borrower is servant to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7) This means that You discourage debt. I want to get out from under our debt, and You would seemingly agree. But You also say that wives were created to be helpers. I was created to be Lee's helper. 


Here's what I pray: That You will show Lee what needs to be done. I will concentrate on my role as helper, and I will leave this with You. This seems right. I've prayed, You've heard me. Now I can focus on loving and supporting Lee.


I would like to drop out of BSF and join the neighborhood bible study group. But the group meets from 9 am to 10 am, and I have to drop Lily at school at 9:30. This won't work.


Lord, please show me what You would have me do. 


I pray for Sara, that she would have an experience with Jesus by February 5. I pray that You would show me an opportunity to write a book that glorifies You by September 2011.


In your son's name I pray, 
Amen