Noah Part 2

July 7, 2017
Worldly Stuff

Francis (not his real name) is a good Christian brother who shared his life verse about finances early this week:

One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper;
Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
--- Prov 11:24-25

Ever since Francis learned of this verse when he turned 17, he has never been in debt and almost always pays in cash. He retired in his 50s and then later worked caring for elderly gentlemen. For most of his life he was only earning minimum wage yet he has (and continues to) support 8 orphans (used to be 10 until he retired again). Amazingly, he managed to buy cars for his 2 brothers who were in need (paid in cash). He earned more than enough for his retirement. He lives simply and drives an old car without AC. With his inheritance money from land from his native Philippines, he is giving it away to his house helper who became a full time minister.

Francis is single. He was never blessed with a woman and children to care for. He said he has suffered loneliness but his loneliness has pushed him closer to God. And God has been faithful. I jokingly asked if singleness was his secret, but he quickly pointed out single friends who are in debt. No, it was God blessing his stewardship of the finances entrusted to him.

When I asked him how difficult it would be for someone already in debt to follow his example, he reminded me of the woman who gave all she had (Luke 21:4). When you believe that everything you own comes from a powerful God who loves you and wants the best for you, worldly logic takes a back seat to allow God to will a miracle.

Francis has blessed me and I hope he has blessed you too. I wish I could take a leap of faith like that. I know it's hard. But I realize if it were easy, it wouldn't be called FAITH.

TGIF people!

Noah Part 2
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

In the year 2017, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in America and said:

"Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: "You have 6 months to build the ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard --- but no ark.

"Noah!," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the boat inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.

"My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood by-laws by building the ark in my backyard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local Planning Committee for a decision."

"Then the local Council and the electric company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it."

"Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls ---- but no go!"

"When I started gathering the animals the ASPCA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space."

"Then the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that I couldn't build the ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

"I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew."

"The Immigration Dept. is checking the visa status of most of the people who want to work."

"The trade unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with ark-building experience."

"To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species."

"So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government beat me to it."

Senior Shock
Contributed by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

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