work

Believe it or not, there was a time when jobs were posted in a newspaper. A newspaper is a set of thin papers with black ink printed on them, which came off on to your hands, and the paper contained news, ads, and was the social media of the day. One would pour over the listings and usually circled the jobs with red ink which looked promising.

These days, jobs are posted online by individual companies or via websites that advertise opportunities to work. Even with the new ease of finding whose hiring, it can still take a lot of effort and energy getting noticed, in the crowd, and getting your foot in the door.

I have worked 46 years of my life, and I have never had any trouble finding a job. The longest I have been unemployed is four months. One time, after moving to a new city, I found a job in two hours. So am I just lucky? Maybe, but I contribute my success to one simple thing:

Tithing

My first tithe was 10 cents. I was eleven, and had earned a dollar. My parents and my church taught, lived, and preached about tithing. In case you don’t know what tithing is, it is this:

Returning to God the first 10% of your paycheck. It is important to pay the tithe first, and then live on the rest. Yes, it can be difficult to do, especially if times are extremely tough, but I assure you it is worth it. You are returning to God what is his anyway. Tithing tells God, “I trust you.” and a loving father likes to be trusted.

⁸“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. ⁹You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! ¹⁰Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. ¹¹Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for your sake… Mal.3:8-11 (AMP)

You cannot out give God!

Tithing, and being happy to do it, thrills God, because He loves a cheerful giver. You give the tithe to your local church, or to the ministry where you are getting fed spiritually. Then, if you want to give above your tithes it is called an “offering”.

It all starts by going through the “Help Wanted” section of a newspaper, or website. By asking God for a job isn’t that what you are saying to him? “God, your help is wanted.” Then, when He answers, what better way to thank him every time you hold that paycheck in your hand, but to return back 10%. Come to think of how times have changed, I guess we no longer hold paychecks in our hands either. I miss holding that document that expressed the fruits of my labor. “Thank you God, for your love and faithfulness to provide for me all these years.”

Jerry R Brady After my father passed away, recently, I reflected on his life, and realized there were a lot of gifts, “life lessons” he gave me, but today I want to share the 5 biggest ones.

5. My father taught me how to fish. You see, he is the greatest fisherman I have ever met. I realize I will never be as good as him, but I learned the sport of it, the joy of being in nature, and taking on the challenge. Go fishing, and take a young person with you.

4. My father taught me how to be a good worker. I can only count maybe 10 days my father missed work, other than weekends and vacations. He taught me; at work, look around, there is always something to do. Be loyal, and work hard.

3. My father showed me, you can talk to anyone. My father was funny, and even a few seconds after meeting a stranger, a friend, or a loved one they would be smiling. Spending time with someone is a gift. Be generous.

2. My father taught me how to plan, be organized, and resourceful. A greater gift than I ever realized when I was young. This lesson, has saved time, helped me be prepared, and in general, made life easier. Be ready for your next event.

1. My father (and mother) took me, and my sister, faithfully to church where I fell in love with the most amazing God. I accepted his free gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. I grew in knowledge of God, and dedicated my life to living for him. I have not always gotten it right, but my loving Heavenly Father has understood, has forgiven me, and has helped me to move on. This was the greatest gift my father and mother ever gave me. It’s the greatest gift you could ever give anyone. Share God.

Dad was ready for his final event as well. Dying. I hope you will be too. I pray if you have never made that decision to accept God’s greatest gift, you will right now. Just say, “God, I accept your Son, Jesus. I ask him to forgive me of my sins, my wrong doings in life, and to come into my life and show me how to truly live.”

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. (Phi 1:3 AMP) I love you Dad!