LOVE APRIL 15th and TAX TIME-NOT!

Tax Day…… makes me shiver; literally. JESUS was asked towards the end of his earthly existence by a Rabbi about paying taxes to Caesar. It was actually a question that was supposed to trick HIM but of course it did not. HIS answer was basically, whose face was on the coin? The reply is of course “Caesar’s face”. And then JESUS replied, give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to GOD what is GOD’S.

Tax collectors back then were considered the lowest. Some view them today that way. Sometimes, I too am guilty of feeling that way, but truly, the tax collectors, federal IRS employees, etc… are doing their jobs. JESUS wants us to love GOD and love everyone else as ourselves. And yes, that means the good ol IRS.

The bible verse that sticks in my head is this: James 1:2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, (Count it all JOY)

It has been a bit of a rough day for me. I have not been feeling great myself, my husband is dealing with a possible cancer reappearance, I have tax and IRS issues at work along with my normal day to day stressors (I do thank GOD for my job and I do love my job) but it just makes April 15th a bit harder to deal with than it already is.

Count it ALL joy!

I know that GOD is holding me. I also realize that I am just a person with feelings, anxiety and worries. HOWEVER, the tough stuff does not have the impact it once had on me. It is so trivial considering the life and the after-life that JESUS provides. I CAN count it ALL joy because it is not IT! There is more to life than the tough times. I am richly blessed! Today a little more than yesterday, I keep my eyes upon HIM… and for that reason, I CAN Count it ALL joy. 

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