Down to My Last Dollar

Have you ever found yourself completely broke?  Without a dollar to your name, or any money coming in?  Our Story Editor Alix shares a powerful modern-day fishes and loaves story of how when he was at the end of his rope - literally down to his last dollar - he prayed to God in thankfulness and received a financial miracle.

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.”  (John 6:11 NIV)

It was warm, early December afternoon as I walked through the entrance of In-N-Out burger.  In less than a few minutes I could be seen exiting those same doors, having found out that I did not have any money in my account and thus could not even buy a hamburger.

Read More

Food For Thought (Dan): “You’re Really Lucky”

Today I had to go to the County Recorder’s Office in East LA to pick up a copy of my marriage license, and when I got there the line was atrocious - person after person queued up and fanning themselves in the late summer heat.  I was frustrated by the wait, and my patience was really being tested because I’ve become an impatient person when it comes to wasting time.

After more than an hour in the long winding line inching forward ever so slowly (and a dozen or so checks to Facebook Mobile), I finally made it up to the service window.  After all the wait, my heart sank.  The teller at the window told me my Certificate would be mailed and they couldn’t give me a copy in person unless it had already been entered by the County Recorder.  She had to check for me.

At that moment, I prayed in full faith “Lord Jesus, I really need this certificate today so we can file our applications by our deadline.  Would you somehow make it ready for me?  I know you can do anything.”  Despite my prayer, I was still prepared for the worst.

The teller looked up at me with a smile.  “You’re really lucky, you know?  It says here it’s JUST been entered, so I can give you your certificate today.  It normally takes six weeks, but yours was somehow entered in only two.  You’re really lucky.” 

“Yes, I guess I am really lucky,” I said.  Walking back to my car, I couldn’t help but smile.

Pray at all times, pray for the impossible, and watch God move Heaven and Earth out of love for you.  Just believe!  “All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (ESV)

Food For Thought (Dan): Bible in a Year

So after almost two years, I’ve finally finished my Bible-in-a-year reading plan.  I guess that technically makes it a Bible-in-two-years plan, but I digress.  In any case, I can now say I’ve actually read The Word from cover to cover (even the Book of Numbers, which I’ve earmarked for future bouts with insomnia).

As I’ve reached the end of this journey, I took a moment to reflect.  I can’t say that I now know every verse by heart, or even the most famous ones - I’ll still hear verses quoted in church and have no idea where they come from or the slightest idea what they mean.  I can’t say that I don’t swear anymore (I try not to!), that I sold all my belongings and gave the money to the poor, that I have love and patience for everyone all the time (see e.g., LA drivers), or that when I open my mouth only pink daisies and odes of angels come out.

And yet, in those two years, a lot has happened that I just can’t explain or claim credit for.  In those two years, I’ve: paid off all my debt, gotten my dream job when I least expected it, kicked depression to the curb for good, forgiven the unforgivable, bared my soul and my life story in front of thousands of strangers who still recognize me on the street by name, somehow saved someone’s life from jumping off a bridge, started three blogs with people I met by chance and who are now like family, traveled to the ends of the Earth with Asian celebrities and pop stars for Christ, followed a Godly conviction on my heart to go to Asia on a whim and unknowingly met the girl of my dreams there who I am marrying in three weeks.  Coincidence?  I doubt it.

Two bible verses (that I can remember) I think summarize what this whirlwind journey has been like:

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
   out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
   and gave me a firm place to stand.” - Psalm 40:2 (NIV)

“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

My challenge to all of you, friends, is this.  What can God do with you and through your life in just three chapters a day?  If you are ready for your own God adventure to begin, just turn that first page.  And don’t say I didn’t warn you!