Back in my mid-20's I made the decision to take God literally. That is, to live Biblically and trust Him to meet my needs. Clearly, He had asked me to give full time to winning and discipling men. Shortly after responding to His "calling," I was severely tested by the Enemy. Amidst the spiritual struggle, I got down on my knees and held my Bible in the air to God, claiming Matthew 6:25,33: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Following are four measurable illustrations of how God specifically honored His word over these many years: #1 In 1963 when Ruth and I met and fell in love, I was in an intensive Christian training program, living on a few dollars a week. After a number of months of secret letter-writing, (she had moved from Colorado to California) it became apparent that I should go and visit her. I asked God for the necessary funds to make the trip and determined to tell no one of my need. In the following weeks, inexplicably people began putting money into my mail box, under my pillow, etc. When I made the trip, the necessary funds were at hand. #2 In 1970 Ruth and I returned from overseas missionary work , and needed funds to purchase a house to began a ministry among university students. We had not mentioned our needs to anyone. One morning in my devotions I felt God laid a verse on my heart from Psalm 107, assuring me the necessary funds would be forthcoming. Later that morning when I opened my mail, there was a check for several thousand dollars which covered the down payment on the purchase of a house. #3 In 1973 while preparing my income tax I found a misplaced stock certificate. When I mentioned it to Ruth, she informed me that the couple next door were filing for bankruptcy in two days. So we went over to their house and signed over the stock certificate to them. When we specified the stock's value, the wife let out a scream and broke into tears. The amount was exactly what her Christian mother two days earlier had asked God to provide them. Within days both the husband and wife received Christ. #4 When our children were studying at the university, unexpectedly I incurred a whopping tax bill. Shortly thereafter, I paid a visit on my 90 year old uncle. Without explanation, he handed me six envelopes totaling the amount of the tax bill. We had not discussed our need with anyone except the Lord. Over the years, we have wonderfully experienced the reality of Jeremiah 33:3 and Ephesians 3:20, 21: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (He) is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within. (See Psa. 25:14; 50:15; 91:15; Jn. 10:10; 1 Tim. 1:14; Psa. 37:25) Can God be trusted? Can He be taken literally? From my 50 years of walking with Him, my answer is a resounding and unequivocal "Yes!." From: THE FACTS OF THE MATTER Nov. 5, 2001 Sent in by George S....Thanks!!! (Timely too!)