To ride out the economic hard times, let us encourage one another by filling up on God’s Promises.

As a little girl, growing up American-Chinese in the church, I wondered what it would’ve been like if Jesus were Chinese?  He could still wear a long robe, choose carpentry, and hang out with fishermen.  But, one thing would be different for sure.

Instead of saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone”,  Jesus would’ve said, “Man shall not live by rice alone.”

Rice to Asians is like bread is to white folks.  One whiff of it cooking, and all is well.  Especially if I had a hard day at school and the world was stressful, I could home to my sweet bowl of rice at dinner. My tummy would be happy and everything would be alright.

From childhood ’til now as a mommy myself, one of my favorite dishes has remained fried rice.  It’s sweet and chewy, with a different morsel of yummy with each bite.  Fried rice is colorful and easy to eat.  And as a mom, it’s so easy to cook.  One crack of an egg, chop up some left over chicken or ham, stir fry it with some veges, and voila!  Delicious fried rice. Aahhhhh…

During economic hard times like the one we’re in, the rice in our canisters somehow seem to run out quicker.

It’s time to refill.

And so it is with our manna from God.  We need to encourage one another to ride out the financial turmoil by filling up on God’s Promises.  As the Englishman says, “His word is his bond.”

Jesus answered, “It is written:  Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Matthew 4:4

Spiritual Fried Rice

So, here are some of hand-picked Bible verses from me to you — my spiritual fried rice, if you will — made up of peas from the Psalms, some eggs from Luke, and some chopped up morsels from the Epistles.

Sweet, chewy, and filling:

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“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”  Matthew 6:25

We are not going to be neglected by our Heavenly Father.  No way.

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“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  Luke 11: 11-13

We can always go directly to our Heavenly Father and simply ask! Even if we hardly had a thing, we’d still give our children whatever lint we had in our pockets (with tantrums and all).  How much more our Heavenly Father would do for us!

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“The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever.  In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.”  Psalm 37:18-19

It may seem we wilt in the face of trouble, but God’s got our backs.  We will not wither!

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“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.” Psalm 41:1

Let’s keep watching out for those around us who can use some help.  God won’t forget us when we need His.

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“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”  Proverbs 11:28

Money doesn’t promise us anything, anyhow.  But, having God in us?  We’re golden.

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“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

When we think we can no longer stand the hard times and fears that surround us, God will rescue us.  He won’t allow our circumstance to break us beyond repair.

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“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38

Tiny or big, it makes no difference to Him.  God will remember, whatever measure it is.
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“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

God will help us make it through, whatever it is you’re facing.

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And if you happen to be so fortunate to have extra, here’s a word for you:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.   Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:17-18

I hope you enjoyed your Spiritual Fried Rice.  I would love to add some of your own ingredients…

What are the Bible verses that are encouraging you during these economic hard times?

If you leave a comment sharing a favorite Bible verse for today’s Spiritual Fried Rice,  you may be chosen to receive a $50 Safeway Gift Card!

Safeway $50 Gift Card Giveaway

Thanks to our Giveaway Sponsor, Safeway, I may be sending you a $50 Safeway Gift Card, to shave off a week’s grocery bills.

To have a chance at being selected:

Take a minute to leave a comment.  Share a verse that has encouraged you in this economic downturn.

(Be sure to enter your email address on the comment form, so I can contact you, if your name is chosen!)

This Giveaway is free to you.  There will be no shipping or handling fee.

This giveaway ends this Friday, August 28th, 2009 at Midnight PST.   A random comment will be selected using the Random.org Number Generator. I will email the person who leaves the selected comment,  and the results will be posted here, on Monday, August 31st.

Eligibility:  United States residents only.

Enjoy, dear friends!