God is honored through prayer because our will and strength are intentionally given to His glory. Our first love is remembered because the “eye” is focused on Christ. As the believer prays, peace, joy, and satisfaction, that is only found in a close relationship with Jesus is evoked. Through prayer, it is recalled how Christs’ worthiness, humility, and holiness on the cross places Him in a class all by himself.
Because of His infinite perfections, greatness, and worth, when prayers are uttered, the level of faith is increased, divine insight is given, God’s truth goes forth and His covenants and promises are guarded in the heart. 1 Chronicles 14:14 says, “so David inquired of God again, and God answered him…” Prayer acts like a soldier, the warrior never quits, the mind of Christ is kept and instructions are given to handle situations or tasks.
Even when it is unknown what to pray, Romans 8:26 NIV says, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” It is important in prayer as said in Mark 11:24 NIV “to believe that you have received” “through God’s wisdom, understanding and not forgetting or turning from them” Proverbs 4:5 NIV. Lastly, to accurately discern and pray the Word, “we must abide in Him” John 15:7 NIV and “…forgive” Mark 11:25 NIV.
In an effort to raise money, many states have adopted a clever, but legal, plan that tantalizes people to pay just a little amount of money for the chance to win a lot of money in return. In common cases, the winner of the prize money must produce a specific combination (which is usually a numbers combination) to claim the prize money. But if no one comes forward with the winning numbers, more and more people continue to invest with the hopes that they will be the winner and pot grows. Just recently, in California, the pot to be claimed reached over $1.6 billion (that’s with a “B”). Amazing isn’t it? With no effort, no work, and no skill, you can instantly become a billionaire!
People who are having money issues may see this as a chance for them to get back on their feet. I mean, they don’t have to win the whole lottery; just winning a small portion can be life-changing. Well, if you don’t know, buying lottery tickets is a terrible, terrible idea. It is so bad; I don’t think it can even qualify to be considered an investment. The ticket buyer has absolutely NO control over the outcome and the chances of winning are almost zero. It is an absolute waste and a sure guarantee to lose your money.
But, do you know what is even worse than losing money in the lottery; developing a mindset that causes one to chase after the “winning lottery ticket”. What do I mean? Well, in the case of the lottery, I’m speaking of a mindset that starts with desperate people thinking the right combination of numbers, will instantly make their money problems disappear like magic. They think the right combination will be the “quick fix” to all their money problems. It’s just a matter of finding the right combination. So they forgo good judgment and Godly stewardship principles in search of the quick-fix magic lottery ticket.
I’ve noticed, as people, we love the spontaneous and the sensational. It’s exhilarating! Think about it. In sports, the most exciting plays are the big plays that change the momentum of the game in a few seconds. In baseball, everyone loves the home run. The tide of a game can be changed with one swing of the bat. In football, it is the long run or deep pass for a touchdown. It gets everyone out of their seats. Well, the same goes for money situations. We are drawn the lure of the immediate; even us Christians. We Christians do the same thing except we tend to use more “holy” words. For example, instead of searching for a combination of inputs or numbers for a winning lottery ticket, we will try a different combination of prayers. But a fallacy is a fallacy, irrespective of the language in which it is spoken.
If we want the blessings of God, we have to be willing to do it God’s way. And His way is outlined in His Word. When it comes to honoring God we cannot rob Him of what is His (Mal. 3:6-10, Proverbs 3:9-10). When it comes to our debt, we should try to get out of debt ASAP (Proverbs 6:2-6), and plan carefully to avoid debt (Luke 14:28-30) because we become servants to our creditors (Proverbs 22:7). When it comes to managing our money, we have to pay our bills (Romans 13:7), save for that proverbial “rainy day” (Proverbs 21:20), and carefully plan our next money move (Proverbs 21:5). And when we are ready, when we have paid our debts, we can then invest (Ecclesiastes 11:2-4). It’s not enough to just tithe and expect God’s blessing to dwell over our finances; there is so much more to God’s financial plan for our lives than just tithing. If you want ALL His blessings, you have to follow ALL His instructions. And I can guess what some of you are thinking. You are saying to yourself, “It will take me years to get where I want to be financially. I don’t have time to do it that way!” Well, it may take you years. But when are you going to trust what God has outlined in His Word? His way is better than you praying for the magic lottery ticket. Your way isn’t working. Aren’t you tired of doing the same things and seeing no results (Deuteronomy 2:3)? If you want to see a change, you have to change. It may take time. But you need that time. Why? Because the financial character you need to manage the wealth God has for you is forged in time. Time is expensive, so the process is not cheap. But nothing of any real value is cheap. It will cost you more time and probably some frustration as you break some bad money habits, but it’s worth it. Take God at His Word and do it His way. Your blessings are on the other side of your obedience. God Bless.
As the longest shutdown in U.S. history continues, furloughed and government workers wonder can they be evicted? Can their lights be disconnected? Will their water service be shut off? Unfortunately, all these things can legally occur. But don’t fret, legislation is being introduced to protect said workers from the legal consequences of being unpaid. Nevada Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson submitted a Bill which would provide federal employees and their families with protections from foreclosures, evictions, repossessions and credit defaults during a federal government shutdown. This legislation will prohibit landlords and creditors from taking action against federal workers or contractors who are hurt by the government shutdown and unable to pay rent or repay loans. The Bill would also empower federal workers to sue creditors or landlords that violate this protection against landlords, utility companies and creditors during a government shutdown. Prayerfully the shutdown will end before voting takes place.
In the meantime, many nonprofits and businesses have stepped up to help affected workers.
** Workers can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), which is a government assistance program. You can apply online at dwss.nv.org or call 800-992-0900.
** Federal employees can grab a free meal and nonalcoholic drink at Beer Park Las Vegas in Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South during the shutdown. The Beer Park is open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.
** Romano’s Macaroni Grill is offering federal employees a free plate of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs with spaghetti for as long as the shutdown lasts. Employees can get the dish for free by showing a valid federal ID.
** Federal workers can get a sweet treat from the Milk Bar at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The dessert and coffee bar is offering a free coffee or Cereal Milk soft-serve ice cream to federal employees.
** Federal employees can collect food or get meals from food banks across the valley. Pantry program and community meal locations, as well as distribution days and times, can be found on Three Square’s website. Locations distribute food at various times and are open on differen
days of the week.
** Street Dogz, a nonprofit that distributes food for homeless pets, will give cat or dog food to any furloughed government employee with a federal ID. Distribution sites and times are listed on the group’s Facebook page.
** Federal employees can ride Regional Transportation Commission buses for free by showing their federal ID to the bus driver. The free rides will last as long as the government is shut down.
** Wells Fargo will automatically reverse federal employees’ monthly service and late fees on deposit accounts, waive late fees on credit accounts and will not apply late charges for mortgage and home equity customers for up to 90 days.
** NV Energy will protect furloughed workers’ accounts during the shutdown by waiving late fees and other penalties. When the shutdown is over, workers will have time to pay the outstanding balance. Workers affected by the shutdown can call NV Energy for more details at 702-790-7777.
** The city of Henderson is deferring water and sewer bill payments for furloughed federal employees who can present a furlough letter or pay stub showing they work for the government. Federal workers can submit a request online at Contact Henderson or by calling the Department of Utility Services at 702-267-5900. Henderson residents also can defer payments at the city’s recreation centers by showing their federal ID or calling 702-267-4000.
** North Las Vegas is also deferring utility payments, allowing federal workers to pay what they can during the shutdown and then pay off the balance interest-free after the government reopens. Workers can contact the North Las Vegas utility department at 702-633-1484.
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