You shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. Deuteronomy 8:2 WEBIt was a hot day in the summer and I was helping an elder at our church fix the roof on his house. He was a hard working man in his seventies and had worked at the local grocery store for about thirty years. At noon, we went to the hardware store for more supplies, and a neighbor's boy who was about four years old, rode along with us.
While we gathered what we needed, the little boy imitated us and picked up a tiny pack of nails without us noticing. We paid the bill and drove back to the house, not knowing that the boy had walked out of the store with his own pack of nails that no one had paid for.
When we arrived back at the house, the elder saw that small pack of nails the boy had in his hand and in a near panic said, 'Oh God, we didn't pay for those!' So we jumped back in his truck and hurriedly drove the five miles back to the hardware store to return that fifty cent pack of nails. I was impressed at his integrity, for I was not sure that I would have done the same, at least that quickly.
It was not the nails that worried him. After walking with the Lord for decades, he recognized immediately that his character was being tested, and he would not compromise his character over a small pack of nails.
One night at church, everyone was praying for the Pastor's wife who had developed stomach cancer. When this grocer reached out to pray for her, something that looked like static electricity shot out of his hands and into her body, and she was instantly healed. The cancer left her body and never returned. A simple, honest man, with great faith. James told us: "The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective' (James 5:16).
God will use little tests like this to prove your character or faithfulness. He that can be trusted with a little, can also be trusted with a lot. Often in life you will be tested to see what you are really made of, like someone giving you too much change back at a cash register. When this happens, do not trade your integrity for a shortcut. Turn the test into a testimony and don't fall for the trap. For who you are when no one is looking, is who you really are.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for bringing me this far. Please give me the grace to get through this day and to walk in integrity. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide my steps. Help me make the right decisions, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: For those who are participating in our Creation Photographers theme of the week: Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." - Our next fun theme will be 'Friendship' and is wide open for creative interpretation as always. You are also encouraged to post anything else inspiring as well. My photos this week reflect some pretty awesome friendships we have. Have a blessed and amazing week everyone, don't forget to smile, it just might be the blessing someone needs! Here is the link:
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Amen
Amen! Oh how God sees right through us, nothing is hidden. Praise Him!
Amen Lord
Amen!!
Amen!
Amen! How can one have a testamony with out a test? Thank You Lord!
Amen
Amen! Great Devotional!
Amen!!
Amen!!!
Amen,fill us with your holly spirit God.Give us strength to live for your glory.
Amen Lord
Lord, may I always "Turn the test into a testimony" so that Your Name would be praised!
AMEN!
I pray I will always make the right decisions that please You, Father, Amen.
Dear Father I thank Your loving care for me a sinner, don't let go of me and always protect me from the snares of the devil. Help me to be closer to Your commands and be a man of integrity. Test and lead me oh Lord, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Great message and reminder Pastor, God bless you.
Father LORD help me to always be true to you and to make decisions that will please you regardless of what other's may think or say. This I ask in the name of Jesus AMEN
Lord help me to always do the right thing in jesus name amen
Amen! Oh Lord, my God, please help me to always walk upright in Thy sight, create in me a clean and pure heart, convict me by Thy Holy Spirit of all the sins that so easily beset me and please help me to be a blessing to others in all circumstances, in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Amen!
HALLELUJAH
Amen.
Amen
I believe! It is worth it. Our son had a problem taking things at the grocery store when he was young. We'd see him get a rush (mood change of laughter) that made him smile because he thought he was getting away with something. My husband would go to him & take him to the manager for our son to return the item to him. This occurred often. Whether he chooses to not steal or not at 37 we know he was trained up in ways of the Lord. God is always watching! If any think on this story please remember our son who now is a Meth Addict. We wait to see how God will deal with him. His girlfriend is pregnant with our grandson & the other grandson comes here here to visit for the day twice a month. Thank God this is his matter to deal with so we pray the Lord will wake him up in time before it's too late.
The Lord will make a way, dear Cheryl, I believe that with all my heart, just keep on praying and knocking at His door!!! Praying (h5)