Devotionals

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After church, a member told the pastor, "That was a wonderful
sermon. You should have it published." The pastor replied,
"Actually, I'm planning to have all my sermons published
posthumously." "Great!" enthused the church member. "The
sooner the better!" Oops.

I just heard from a friend who lost his job. Others of you have or
are going through the same thing. This has to be one of the most
trying times in a person's life. The total uncertainty of the future
can tie your stomach in knots.

For the Christian, there is always the hope that out there some-
where, God has something better waiting for you. This happened
to us some years ago when we needed to change organist/choir
director positions. Within one week of leaving a former job, God
gave us another opportunity which has turned into a total blessing
for us.

In trying times, trying God's way can turn turbulence into triumph.
It's the waiting that can give us ulcers, but it is important that while
we are waiting we are also vigorously looking for better oppor-
tunities. We can't sit back and say, "OK God, dump it in my lap."
The old saying, "God helps those who help themselves," is not in
Scripture, although many think it is. But it's a valid concept. If
your wife waits for the Chuck Wagon to run through the kitchen
before fixing supper, you'll go hungry. There are some things that
are our responsibility.

There is an interesting verse in Prov. 12:27 (nlt), "Lazy people
don't even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of
everything they find." Let's get out and scratch!

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