“Is God still talking to us today?” was the question I got the other day. I shared that there is no doubt that He is still talking to us, but perhaps the better question would be, “Are we listening”
I remember hearing a story once (and forgive me for not being able to cite it) about a man who was invited out to dinner by his employer. This particular employer was enormously wealthy. His financial status soared far above that of the employee.

When the day of the dinner finally arrived the employer met the employee near the entrance to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the area. Following a formal greeting, the two of them proceeded toward the door with the wealthy employer leading the way. After a few steps the employer stopped in his tracks and appeared to be quietly staring at the ground in front of him.

After nearly bumping into the man, the employee stopped short, wondering what may be wrong. After a few seconds the employer bent over, picking up a single penny which lay on the sidewalk. He brushed it off, placed it into his pocket, and continued toward the door. They were quickly seated and their order was taken.

As they waited for the food to be served, and, in an attempt to relieve an obviously tense atmosphere, the employee jokingly commented, “I noticed that you didn’t walk past that penny on the ground outside. Is that how you have become so wealthy?”

The employer smiled kindly, reached into his pocket, and brought forth the redeemed penny, laying it on the table-top.

“Read what it says.” He asked.

The employee leaned forward, reaching for the penny, and pulled it closer.

“In God We Trust” read the employee.

Then the employer explained that he didn’t become wealthy by picking up pennies. He picked up pennies, and any other lost coins because of those words. He explained that God’s Name is holy. If we shouldn’t use it in vain we should also make sure that it is not walked upon by passers-by. But, he also explained another reason for pausing a short time before retrieving the penny from the ground.

“It is as if God has dropped a message into my pathway and He wants to remind me to keep my trust in Him.” He told how he always said a short prayer of thanks, as a reply to God’s loving message. The employer went on to explain, as they enjoyed the dinner and the evening together, that a single penny can become worth more than gold or silver in strengthening our relationship with our Heavily Father.

That’s the story, in so many words, that caused me to pick up pennies from off the ground. I doubt that it will ever make me wealthy but I know it will make me richer. And I want my relationship with the Lord to be as rich as possible.