Category: Provision

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Hills Make A Difference

The weather has been perfect lately so Dave and I have been out walking. Monday we took a 3.1 mile walk out on BLM land. The dirt road had a few potholes in it from the rain but it was flat. Yesterday our walk was a bit more strenuous and a little bit shorter. It was 2.7 miles but went down into the canyon and back up three different times. It took a little longer than Monday’s walk and we were certainly more tired and sweaty when we got home. (Today’s image is our last descent into the canyon and the road out in is the background.)

The hills make a difference.

They make a difference in life as well. Just ask the cancer survivor or the one whose spouse has died. Talk to the parent who has lost their job or the business owner who has had to file bankruptcy. Their daily lives before these hills/mountains sprang up may have been tiring but it doesn’t compare to the struggle up this mountainside.

I think this was King David’s point of view when he wrote: “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. 3-4 He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep. 5-6 God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke. 7-8 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” Psalm 121 MSG

The mountains don’t provide our strength, they drain it. It is God, who walks beside us, that provides us with strength. Life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. It can be both exhilarating and exhausting but we keep going. We’re not in it alone. He guards us now, He guards us always.

The Apostle Paul said: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 MSG

These are good words – don’t turn back.

The last hill out of our canyon is always the toughest. It’s a long steady incline. I’ve walked it many times in the last six years. The only way home is up. One step at a time; muscles aching and breathing hard we make it to the top. Next time it won’t be as bad, we’ll be in better shape, we’ll be more prepared.

Little victories prepare us for bigger challenges. As we acknowledge God’s faithfulness in the smaller areas of our life we grow in faith and are able to face the larger circumstances with confidence.

The Bible is filled with examples of people who faced physical and spiritual trials. I think of a widow woman who was living through a three year famine. She only had a little oil and flour left, everything was gone including her hope. She decided to make one last cake for herself and her son to eat. Then she was prepared to die. BUT GOD…sent a prophet with a miracle. Here’s her mountain, the prophet asked her to give him the cake she made.

Her dilemma, her hill – give the cake to the prophet or her son. She gave it to the prophet and that’s when the miracle came – her oil jar never ran dry and her flour canister never went empty. These are the testimonies we can hold on to in difficult times.

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:1-3 ERV

This is a mandate for us. Don’t quit, keep our eyes on Jesus. When the mountains and the hills are before us, God is beside us!

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We Need A Bigger Boat!

Do you remember that classic line from the movie Jaws? Roy Scheider had just seen the shark and he called to Robert Shaw, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat”. Great line.

Have you ever been on the water in a storm and felt your boat might now handle it? I have. We were out for ride on the Mississippi, in a pontoon boat about ten years back. We actually had two boats; it was a break from work. Picnic on the beach type day. But, as the clouds began to gather we knew we had to get back up stream to the docking area. Lightning was flashing, the wind was blowing, the water was choppy and the motors on the pontoons were running full speed and still they were struggling to get us to our desired end.

I was praying!

Don’t consider the boat or the waves!!!  It was a struggle but we finally got back safely. I felt like I was living a story from the Bible.

Jesus had just learned that his cousin and dear friend, John, had been beheaded. He wanted to go somewhere to be alone so he got in a boat with his disciples and crossed the Sea of Galilee. The people heard where Jesus was headed so they ran ahead on the shore and were waiting for Him when He got out of the boat.

Jesus didn’t consider his own sorrow but instead was moved with compassion for the people – He healed them and taught them God’s word. What a terrific way to handle a tragic situation! Satan had used Herod to kill John the Baptist and Jesus approach to the situation was to go out and heal people and set them free from Satan’s oppression. (That’s another lesson for another time).

The people stayed late into the day. The disciples told Jesus to send them away so that they could go eat. Jesus said, no you feed them and then we have the miracle of the five loaves and two fish feeding over five thousand men and their families. Another great miracle!!

After the meal, Jesus told his disciples to get in the boat and head home. He would come later. Jesus sent the people away and then He went up into the hills to pray. Out on the sea it was turning into a scene from Gilligan’s Island. What should have been a couple hours on the water had turned into an all night adventure and they still weren’t to shore. Now these disciples were seasoned fisherman and they knew how to handle a boat in a storm but they were having no success. The Bible says it was about the third watch of the night, between 3 and 6 am, and Jesus came walking to them on the water.

The disciples were very frightened when they saw Jesus and thought that He was a ghost. He said something to them that He repeated many times during his time with them, “Fear not”. Jesus knew that fear, considering things other than God’s word and God’s way, will overpower faith if it is allowed to run unchecked.

So Peter looking at Jesus, said “Peter said, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14: 28. Now what was Jesus to say – “No Peter it’s really not me but just your imagination” or “Peter, it’s me but you can’t handle this so don’t come.”  No, Jesus response was one of faith. “Peter, come.”

Peter “considered not” the boat, the other disciples, the wind or the waves and he got out of the boat and started walking to Jesus. WOW!  But wait, Peter keep looking at Jesus – don’t look at the waves!!!

 “Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”  31 Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”  32 After Peter and Jesus were in the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:29-32 ERV

I’ve heard one preached ask, “What did the wind and waves have to do with anything? Peter couldn’t have walked on water on a calm day if it wasn’t for Jesus.”  And the same is true for us!

We see a truth in God’s word, we get out of the boat of public opinion and the world’s way of thinking and start to walk by faith to Jesus. Then we see the winds and the waves of family criticism, a call from the bank or a doctor’s report and we start to sink.  Call out to Jesus – He’s there and He’ll lift you up.

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus today. Don’t let fear of cause you to sink. Consider them not but consider the One who told you to come, He truly is the Son of God.

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Just for the Birds

It was beautiful day, yesterday. The sun was shining, a few clouds in the sky, the fragrance of hyacinths filled the air and it was perfect for sitting out back and enjoying the warmth of a Spring day.

I took my water, my phone and my book. I’m currently reading Max Lucado’s “Jesus, The God Who Knows Your Name”. It’s very good. I chose a chair that had me positioned directly across from the mesquite tree and two of our hummingbird feeders.

They’re back!

One of the things I most look forward to each Spring is the hummingbirds returning. One year we had so many little visitors that I was going through almost five pounds of sugar a week. I could watch them for hours. At one point, I closed my book and just watched as they flitted from branch to feeder. They are very possessive and don’t like to have other birds or bees sharing what they feel is their spot on the feeder’s base and they will dart from the tree to chase off the offending intruder.

The whirl of their wings as they hover mid-flight is a sound I relish and the little chirp or chatter they emit when they are excited is soft but emphatic. Yes, I love watching them!

I hope you’ve had the pleasure of seeing them. Regardless of that, I’m sure you have seen the robins, sparrows, blue jays, dove, cardinals or meadowlarks. Each one has their unique rituals of feeding and nesting. They start and end each day with a song.

Do we?

Do we start the morning with melodious song and end it with a soft cooing or warbling? What do they have to sing about; they live out-of-doors, no roof (other than leaves) over their heads? They eat bugs and face the weather head on. Their recliner is nothing more than a tree branch or telephone wire. Do they “people” watch and wonder why we are in such a hurry to get from place to place? Do they hear us screech or do they think our voices are sweet?

I know I’ve penned these thoughts before but the Lord reminds me frequently that He loves me more than He loves the birds and because of that I, too, should spend my life singing.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:25-27 ERV

Since God takes care of the birds we can be confident that He will always care for us, after all, He has adopted us as His own. I think those were probably the thoughts of the songwriter when he wrote:

“I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

I hope you realize that you have reason to sing this morning. Our heavenly Father is watching over us and that is certainly something to sing about!

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Spilling Over

My mother always enjoys telling my adult children stories of their childhood. Mom was with us for two weeks in February and our son came to visit one weekend. One of the stories she told was about him pouring milk into a bowl of rice crispies. He added the milk too quickly and of course, the cereal came up over the edge of the bowl and out on to the table.

We had a good laugh. Memories are good!

That image and one of a coffee cup being filled to overflowing is what I imagine each time I read a verse in Psalm 23. Yes, there are still lessons to learn or be reminded of from that short Psalm.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life…” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

Yesterday, I hope you were able to get an understanding of the elegant banqueting table the Lord has set for us, right in the presence of our enemies. And today, I want you to see how the Lord lavishes us with His love and protection. While we sit, feasting at this table, the Lord comes and fills our cups to overflowing.

He isn’t the least bit bothered by what we would consider a mess that is being made on the table top. To Him, it is an overflowing expression of His provision of goodness and mercy.

Run the cup over, let it flood and even spill to the floor. Let those sitting at the table be awash in His love!

“For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our sins, sending them away, completely letting them go forever and ever]; And abundant in lovingkindness and overflowing in mercy to all those who call upon You.” Psalm 86:5 AMP

God has a surplus of everything we need but He’s never wasteful. God, is a God of overflow.

We should follow His example. Our lives should be abundantly overflowing with love, understanding, forgiveness, mercy, grace and joy. Those around us are drowning in fear, panic, worry and turmoil. Let’s share with them from our abounding, cup-running-over supply.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

I hope we “spill over” with God’s goodness today. Those around us need to be flooded with good.

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Protection From Above

A few days back I asked if you enjoyed the quiet of peaceful streams or the loud noise of battle? Some of you made comment that you like the quiet where there seems to be no drama.

Me too!

The verses I used to paint the pastoral scene of rest came from Psalm 23, better known to many as the Shepherd’s Psalm. Even people who don’t know much about the Bible seem to know a little a bit of the 23rd Psalm and a few lines from the Lord’s Prayer.

Did you realize that the Shepherd’s Psalm is filled with danger?

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,
 and your shepherd’s rod[a] makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:4-6 CEV

There it is – valleys dark as death, filled with danger but as footnote [a] tells us we are kept safe by the shepherd’s rod. “23.4 shepherd’s rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep.”

Each day as we follow the good Shepherd’s lead we will experience restoration. He will restore us to strength and brings refreshing. He will lead us on the right path – place us in right standing with Him, not because we are deserving in our own efforts but because He is righteous and He gives His righteousness to us.

The shepherd’s rod would beat those wild animals who attacked and his staff would gently nudge the sheep back on the trail where it is safe. Our Shepherd does the same. He defeated every enemy that we will ever face and when we listen to His voice, we will feel the gentle nudging to keep us in a place of safety.

And then it’s time for the party! A banquet! The best linen, silver and china. Gourmet appetizers and entrées and no one is allowed to disturb or upset the ambiance of the meal. Jesus sees to it that there are no unwanted, uninvited guests!

Fear, greed, selfishness, low self-esteem, danger or destruction are NOT allowed to interrupt. God’s love and kindness are ever present and everlasting. Then when this life is over we will have the joy of living in the Father’s house forever.

Jesus protects and guides those that are his own. Today, there may be circumstances that try to cause you to fear but remember, He is with you to protect, guide and comfort, to restore and refresh.

Come through the dark valley to the banquet table. Dinner is waiting!

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Do You Prefer Loud or Quiet?

Yesterday we drove up to Phoenix for the NASCAR race. Dave and I are both big fans; he more than me but I do enjoy the races. Go Kevin!

It’s impossible to be at the track and not use ear protection without causing possible damage to your hearing. It’s loud! Even in the concourse of the stadium the roar of the engines is overwhelming…

But this morning all is quiet. I hear the hum of the refrigerator and the cycling on and off of the coffee maker but that’s about it. Quiet!

Would we really enjoy the quiet if things didn’t get a bit noisy from time to time? I think we need the contrast.

I did a search on the word “loud” in the King James Bible. It occurs 76 times. Most of the references are in one book, Revelation. Twenty-two specific verses use loud; most of them refer to loud voices praising God or calling for us to praise the Lord and recognize His majesty. Other references tell of using a loud voice or shout in battle. One incident that is repeated in the Gospels is when Jesus cried out “It is finished”. The voice of triumphant!

Loud intensifies a situation. When we listen to an orchestra and the music comes to a crescendo, it heightens our anticipation. When it’s quiet we become more tranquil, calm and find a sense of rest. We need both!

If life has been pushing you forward, demanding more of you than normal, then you may need the quiet.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLT

But perhaps you are in a place where you need to take charge and battle through like a good soldier. If so, it might be time for a loud shot, the shout of triumph.

“Gideon said, “When we get to the enemy camp, spread out and surround it. Then wait for me to blow a signal on my trumpet. As soon as you hear it, blow your trumpets and shout, ‘Fight for the Lord! Fight for Gideon!’” Judges 7:17 CEV

Wherever God leads He will provide – by a quiet stream or through a dark valley – we have His promise that we can be free from fear. Shout the victory and then lay down to rest and be restored!

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A Warm Fire

Have you ever been in the desert on a cold clear night? How about in the desert on a hot blazing day? I have found that the desert is a formidable environment, much more so than the cold mountains.

In Montana we faced some -35 degree temperatures in the winter but in Arizona we have lived through many 110+ degree days. Two things were always welcomed, a good shade and a warm fire.

When I read my Bible I put myself in the story and look around at the terrain, the people, the circumstances. Many years ago I was reading in the book of Exodus and there I saw God’s faithfulness. It was right here in this verse.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 KJV

Do you see God’s faithfulness? It’s right there in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. The one thing you need in the desert in the day time is shade and the thing you really need at night is warmth. God provided both.

God told Moses that His name is I AM. I AM your shade and I AM your warmth. Our loving heavenly Father is in the details. He was also I AM your compass or GPS, “follow the cloud and I will not recalculate”. God had the “cloud” before the internet.

This was a big cloud. He was able to keep all the people covered, over 600,000. He is the same loving God today and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We won’t be abandoned physically, emotionally or spiritually. The Lord provides a covering for us in all areas of our life.

“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG

Some people get hung up on the “be free from the love of money” aspect of this verse and think that God doesn’t want us to have anything. To the contrary, He wants us focused on Him, He is the giver of every good and perfect gift, He is I AM; so with His promise to never leave us or abandon us we will be well supplied.

The Israelites needed warmth and shade. We may need peace and joy, strength and health, forgiveness and love, prosperity and protection, wisdom and favor. Whatever it is, our God is still the I AM who provides for all our needs.

Stay under the cloud of His provision. It is the shade and warmth we need.

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End of the Weak

Many of you are at the end of another work week and all of us are almost at the end of the month of January. Oh my, that went by so quickly!

How many times has worry captured our attention and weakened our resolve in the past few weeks? How many times have we ended the day exhausted and stressed out because of the circumstances we have faced?

“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life!” Luke 12:22

It just doesn’t get much plainer than that. This isn’t a suggestion or a nice idea and it’s not an impossible concept. It is a direct admonition from Jesus and because of that He must have the solution to our propensity for worry.

Plain – simple – truth! I love that the Lord knew we would have multiple opportunities to worry each day yet His instruction is that we do the exact opposite. How can this be?

He knows something we all should be learning daily. He knows how much the Father loves and cares for us.

“Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. 23 Life is more than food or clothing. 24 Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. 25 Can worry make you live longer? 26 If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

27 Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink.” Luke 12:22-29 CEV

This means that we don’t have to worry about the finances that we will need to buy the groceries, the clothing or to provide a place to live. We can trust our Father. I remember when our kids were younger. They weren’t concerned about having enough to eat; they just expected to open the fridge and find something to eat. They trusted that we would provide for them; in fact, they would add items to the grocery list.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

We can’t trust and worry at the same time. They are contrary to one another. I encourage you, don’t let another week end where you are stressed or worried. Worry weakens the body and the emotions. Each day hand your cares to the Father and trust Him to handle them. He can and He will!

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They’re Back

About this time every year a strange phenomenon occurs. The migration begins. They arrive in their dulled colors of khaki and gray, heads adorned with broad-billed coverings while cameras and binoculars adorn their chest. They are unusually silent. They are the birders.

You will find them congregating along the river paths and searching the tree tops for their prey. Our area has many species of birds and they attract a lot of attention. So I felt I would take this opportunity to also draw your attention to the birds.

I love to hear their song right before sunrise. The sweet melody lets me know the day is about to start and the birds are grateful for the bounty of their day. The bird baths have received a good scrubbing and are filled with fresh water. The trees and scrub brush provide nesting space; I’ve even had them build nests in my flower pots, under the branches of the geraniums.

These melodious, brightly colored, two-legged, dual-winged creatures are examples of God’s love and provision. These are the words of Jesus:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 NLT

There have been times that I have worried about all these things – food, clothing, shelter, bills, health, etc. But once these words from my heavenly Father really began to sink into my heart I let those worries go. Each time I hear the song of a robin, the coo of a dove, the call of the quail I am reminded that God, my Father, loves me more than the birds and if He will provide for them He will definitely see to my well-being.

As they start their day singing, I let my heart join them in song and say “I sing because I’m happy, I singing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me”.

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You Don’t Have to Give It Back

Here we are just a few weeks after Christmas. If you’re like me you have probably made room in the cupboard, the closet or on the table top for the gifts you received at Christmas. Just yesterday I was out in the RV making room for the great camping items we received. Every gift was given with love and no one has called or come by to ask for their gift back. That would be so strange – a gift is an expression of love, it’s not something we take back.

Well God doesn’t take back His gifts either!

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29

I’ve read this verse and heard it taught on many times. In the context of the chapter, Paul is talking to Gentiles about how the Jews didn’t accept Jesus as their Messiah so that now the message is being preached to the Gentiles, us, who are non-Jews. God’s calling for salvation is available to everyone who will believe! That’s the calling of God.

However, yesterday I stopped and focused on the first few words. “For the gifts…are without repentance.” That’s when this verse took on a whole new light. The gifts – the gifts of God are without repentance, God doesn’t go back on his word. God doesn’t regret giving us something and then come take it back.

“God never changes his mind about the people he calls. He never decides to take back the blessings he has given them.” Romans 11:29 ERV

In early Bible history the Israelites or Jews were considered a blessed people and today they are still walking in that blessing. We, as believers, are also blessed of God.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

When Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mount He compared God’s character with that of man. God’s love is unconditional, unearned, unchanging – man’s love can be tainted by circumstance. If earthly parents, with natural affection, know how to give good gifts to their children how much greater are the gifts that God gives to us.

“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 9 “Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11

So when circumstances try to get you down, when people criticize and walk away, when it looks as if your world will shatter, remember God has spoken good into your life. If you’ve accepted His gift of salvation, you’re His child and He has many gifts and blessings lined up for you, He won’t go back on His word.

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