Category: Provision

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Windy Roads

One thing Dave and I always had to consider when we traveled in the northwest was the snow-covered mountain roads. It made winter travel dangerous at times and always required the upmost caution.

When we lived in Montana, we had at least three mountain passes that needed to be navigated on our way to visit family. With a covering of prayer and Dave’s excellent driving skills we always arrived safely, although somewhat stressed.

Our drive home this week was much less stressful. The roads were dry, crowded but dry. I like the straight dry roads of the desert. I guess that’s why these verses have such meaning to me.

“A voice is calling, ‘Make the way ready for the Lord in the desert. Make the road in the desert straight for our God. 4 Every valley will be lifted up and every mountain and hill will be brought down. The turns in the road will be made straight and the bad places will be made smooth. 5 Then the shining-greatness of the Lord will be seen. All flesh together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:3-5 NLV

These words were written about the coming of Christ over 400 years before he was born.

“ In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the desert in the country of Judea. 2 He said, ‘Be sorry for your sins and turn from them! The holy nation of heaven is near.’ 3 The early preacher Isaiah spoke of this man. He said, ‘Listen! His voice calls out in the desert! ‘Make the way ready for the Lord. Make the road straight for Him!’” Matthew 3:1-4 NLV

John the Baptist was chosen by God to deliver the message of repentance to the Jews prior to Jesus’ public ministry. He brought a message of hope.

Some of you may need that same message. Do you ever feel like you’re on a long crooked, treacherous road? Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs.

Jesus came to change the world, your world and my world. The tangled switchbacks of life become straight as we put our trust in Him. We don’t have to ride the emotional roller coaster of mountain top to valley and up again. He has come to give us peace. Christ came to make our rough places smooth. Remember, He is the One who spoke to the wind and the waves and commanded “Peace, be still”.

It may seem like you have been skidding out of control on an ice-covered road. Call out, like the words of the song, Jesus take the wheel!

“Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

The power of God in our lives will make crooked places straight, rough places smooth; turn struggles into strength and battles into triumph.

Keep your eyes on Him who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.

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Carrying the Load

This morning a wonderful memory popped up in my quiet time.

Years ago, 25 or more, we went to visit Kim and Austin in Hawaii. One of our day excursions was a trip to Diamond Head. If you’ve never been, it’s quite the hike and beautiful once you reach the top. Very historic too.

We were four adults, one teenager and two kiddos under the age of five. AJ was being carried in a backpack and Ali started the trek under her own power. As the hike continued, we were all feeling the burn but none as much as Ali. When she could go no further Dave picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

When we got to the top we heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We laughed because Dave and Austin were too.

That’s the memory that came to mind as I read these verses this morning.

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
    For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
20 Our God is a God who saves!
    The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 NLT

Each day HE carries us in His arms!

Think of yesterday, did you have a sense of being carried? Had you said to yourself “I just can’t go on”? Maybe it was an emotional exhaustion, or it could have been physical burnout. Spiritual weariness with exhaust the body and emotions.

Did you sense an ungirding of inner strength – did you feel carried along? The Father is there to assist us in every situation.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Matthew 11:27-29 NLT

King David described it as being overwhelmed.

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:1-3 NLT

The writer of Hebrews tells us we can find help whenever we need it.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

I am so thankful that the Father cares about me and carries me through all of life’s struggles. I just have so much to be thankful for, how about you?

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A Family Favorite

Are you like me? The Thanksgiving menu is posted to the refrigerator door. You’ve looked at the list and double checked the pantry for all the ingredients. It’s down to crunch time. The turkey is thawing, the potatoes are waiting to be peeled, the dressing/stuffing will be mixed tomorrow night and the pies are ready.

Yep! It’s all but done. On that list of things that need to be made are the family favorites.

This morning I was reading Psalm 145, as I always do. I read through it quickly, as if to check it off the list and move on, when I was impressed with stop and read it again. That’s when I felt the Lord minister to my heart that this is one of His family favorites, so I read it again – savored it and tried to enjoy it to the fullest.

“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. 2 I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity.

3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders.

6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

8 God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love.

9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace.

10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor,

12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.

14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.

17 Everything God does is right—  the trademark on all his works is love.

18 God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.

19 He does what’s best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them.

20 God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t.

21 My mouth is filled with God’s praise.  Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!” Psalm 145 MSG

Now you may want to read that again because I’m sure you will find something in these verses that will become a favorite. Maybe it’s the fact that God is all mercy and grace or that He is good to everyone. How about the part that says He picks us up when we fall or that He is never voted out of office? Perhaps it’s the part that says He is generous to a fault and He listens when we pray.

God’s word is like a good meal; it contains all our favorites including dessert. The goodness of the Lord never ceases.

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Breathtaking Awe

A few nights ago, the neighbors gathered in the streets to see this beautiful Arizona sunset!

You all know how I love my sunrises and sunsets. As I was standing there, taking it all in Gail said, “God did that”! He sure did – He painted the sky with the deepest golden hues – beautiful.

This morning I waiting to see the sunrise. The skyline is cloudy gray but that’s ok too. The last couple of days we have enjoyed much-needed rain. The desert is feeling refreshed.

I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the breath I have in my lungs – clean, fresh air. Breath to praise such an awesome and almighty God but more than that – breath to talk with my loving heavenly Father and to thank Him for all He does.

Loving family, good health, a secure home, the beauty of his creation, the stillness and the peace I feel in His presence each day and the dear friends He has added to my life.

Yesterday I asked you to make a thankfulness list. I hope you did. This morning I’m asking you to follow King David’s example and enter into praise.

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His holy place! Praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of a horn. Praise Him with harps. 4 Praise Him with timbrels and dancing. Praise Him with strings and horns. 5 Praise Him with loud sounds. Praise Him with loud and clear sounds. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150 NLV

Do you have breath? If you do, praise the Lord!

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Well Able

There’s an account in the Bible that we all need to apply to our lives. The Israelites were wandering in the desert. Moses sent 12 men to spy out the land God was leading them too.

Ten men came back with reports that there were giants in the land; it was a good land but…there were giants. Two men had a good report, Joshua and Caleb. They said the land was good and they were confident that the Lord would give them victory over the giants.

“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 NKJV

However, the people listened to the report of the ten and missed out on the blessing of God.

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf, but He needs us to work with Him.

Because He is a loving Father he won’t force Himself on us and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives we will see His ability working on our behalf.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work within to bring Him glory.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

Father, today I give you my availability so that Your abilities may work in me, through me and for me; You are able!

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Listen & Learn

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. 5 You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Isaiah 55:3-5 NLT

Ears wide open. Years ago, we heard a preacher use the phrase “Got your catchers on?”. He was talking about the two appendages we have on either side of our head. We actually used this same phrase when we were about to tell our kids something important.

So, get your catchers on.

Yesterday I shared a verse with you that was life changing to me. I had grown up knowing that the Jewish people were God’s chosen. The Lord did so many miracles for them; they were given so many promises. And then one day as I was reading, I saw these verses:

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

6 In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ 7 The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

8 What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ 9 So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith…13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.‘  14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:5-14 NLT

(at this point let me say, If you haven’t read the book of Galatians, especially chapter 3, this would be an excellent time to read it)

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we who are Gentiles (not Jews) have come to receive the blessings and promises that God made to them. Amazing!

Why?

“Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” I Samuel 17:46-47 NLT

“The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God…26 ‘I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:23,26-27 NLT

The show of power and strength that David displayed against Goliath was for one purpose – “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” The deliverance of Daniel in the den of lions was a testimony that “He rescues and saves his people”.

Isaiah said God wants to use us to display His love to the people of the world. It’s a promise.

Hear what God is saying. Do you have your catchers on?

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The Price is Paid

For the next few days we will be going through Isaiah 55. It is a wonderful chapter, filled with promises of God for those who love Him.

A couple days back we talked about heart health. I truly believe that one of the biggest worries people have concerns finances. Worried when they don’t have enough and when they are financially prosperous, they worry that they may lose it.

“Is anyone thirsty?  Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! 2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.” vs. 1-2 NLT

When God, the Father, first established a relationship with Abraham, the man who would be the father of the nation of Israel, God promised to be his provider.

“Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’…18 And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:14-18 NLT

Because of our relationship with Christ we have become a descendant of Abraham and the blessings and promises God made to him are also available to us as his descendants. Paul, the Apostle, wrote this:

“Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:14 NLT

The Lord delivered Abraham’s descendants from the bondage of Egypt and He provided for them while they wandered in the desert.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever…For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:1, 9 NLT

One of the first teachings Jesus gave is what many call the Sermon on the Mount. A multitude was following Jesus – they longed to hear what He had to say. So, from the mountainside Jesus delivered this message:

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

and His message continued

“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?…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

We are more precious than the birds. When we give our lives to Christ, we become children of God, most high.

Thirsty?

“…Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” John 7:37-39 NLT

Come drink. Our heavenly Father has provided for our needs!

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The Little Things

We’ve been on Paros for a week now. Everyday has been a new experience – fun and beautiful!

When we first arrived, we thought we would be renting a small car, a quad bike or even a scooter to assist us in our site seeing adventures but that one drive from the airport to our hotel was more than enough to convince us that we should stay on foot.

I know our kids were glad we showed wisdom in making that decision. Yesterday was an interesting day to be afoot.

As long as we are in the city center with the shops and restaurants the only traffic is an occasional scooter but more commonly the vendors making deliveries with overladen hand trucks.

We had gone to some shops down by the harbor and were on our way back to the hotel when we saw that a small church in the heart of town had its doors open. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit it. So ornate and brightly painted. Christ is always at the center of these Greek churches and then they also give honor to the saints and priests who have led the community in worship. An amazing place to stop and pray.

Coming from the church back to the city center we were walking, in the road with other tourists, when a couple of motor bikes came up behind us. We stepped to the side and around the bend from the other direction came a small car. There was hardly room enough for the motorbikes and the car. As the little car past us both the elderly woman driving and her equally senior husband were making the sign of the Cross.

We couldn’t help but laugh. But then we said there was no way we would get out in that traffic without praying either. It’s always best to have the Lord’s guidance in difficult situations.

“You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.” Psalm 143:10 CEV

Sometimes we forget to involve the Lord in the small parts of our day. It’s in those little things that we often see the largest miracles.

I remember the days when money was tight – very tight. We had two small children to feed and often no more than $20-30 for the groceries that week. I would pray over the grocery list asking the Lord to direct me in my shopping. I asked Him to multiple my “loaves and fishes”. Once I got to the store, I would find that most all of the things on my list were on “sale”. Two for the price of one. BOGO.

“Lord direct my path to the right store and to the right products”. He did and we ate well.

As a young shepherd, King David, learned how to lead and how to be led. He trusted the Lord in the same simple way that His Good Shepherd led him.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23:1-3 CEV

The couple in that little car with be a reminder to always trust the Lord in circumstances that seem hard to navigate. It’s like I’ve told you before, the Lord will give us examples of trusting Him with our everyday lives if we just look for them. It’s in the little things!

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Living the Dream/Plan

Those of you who know me know that Dave and I have been living with a particular dream for about five years now.

We’ve never been on an exotic vacation, in fact, we’ve only been on a handful of actual vacations. But one warm summer day, we came across a series of travel videos on the islands of Greece. I had never seen such beautiful turquoise water, it was breathtaking, literally. The quaint towns, the local residents and those iconic, white-washed buildings with blue doors drew me in.

Greece has over 200 hundred inhabited islands, rich in history. They also have a Biblical connection. The Apostle Paul, Titus, Barnabus and Luke traveled there bringing the message of Jesus to the uttermost parts of their world. John, the apostle, was exiled to the island of Patmos and it was there he received and wrote the Book of Revelation.

And we will be leaving for Greece on Friday.

“You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who have been baptized to show you belong to Christ have become like Christ. 28 God does not see you as a Jew or as a Greek. He does not see you as a servant or as a person free to work. He does not see you as a man or as a woman. You are all one in Christ. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you have become the true children of Abraham. What God promised to him is now yours.” Galatians 3:26-29 NLV

One in Christ!

Wherever we are, whatever we do, God wants us to be focused on who we are in Christ and to experience unity with like-minded followers of Christ. One of our plans is to attend a Greek Orthodox service and join in their worship of the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-2 NLV

We will be gone most of September. I plan on sharing the adventure with you, but I don’t know if that will be every day. We ask for your prayers as we travel, this will be our first international flight.

We know we will enjoy the people, the food, the beauty and we are thankful to be going on such a wonderful journey. Ten years ago, I would have never thought we would experience anything like this but here we are ready to pack our suitcases and be on our way.

“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLV

One thing I’ve come to know is that each day is an adventure with the Father just waiting to unfold!

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Thorns

A couple weeks back Dave was walking across our big area rug when he stepped on some prickly pear needles. If you notice in the picture, they grow in a small cluster.

He was able to get one out by himself and then he told me he needed my help to remove another one. I had him sit down, I got the tweezers and slowly applied pressure to remove it.

All better!

But not really, a week or so later he was still complaining about his heel being sore. I looked at his foot again and saw a small dark spot but I couldn’t get to it. The skin on his heel was so calloused. Even though he had soaked his foot I was unable to get to it. Honestly, I figured it would work itself out.

While we were on vacation, we did lots of walking. Some days he complained that it was sore but for the most part he walked on, relatively unhindered. We had teased that Kym, a nurse, should do “surgery” but then we forgot about it again…until yesterday.

Dave was favoring his foot so much that he had a hard time walking. More soaking – and then I remembered the little electric foot file I have. Long story short, I was able to remove a good deal of the callous, exposing the end of another cactus needle and it popped out.

Relief!

I bet you’re wondering how all this applies to this morning’s devotional thought.

“…let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. 2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor…3 If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience…”Hebrews 12:1-3 TLB

There are so many things in life trying to slow us down, trip us up and/or cripple us in our daily walks. Things like fear, anger, worry, jealousy, heartache, envy, disappointment, low self-esteem. I’m sure you can come up with your own list of things that have tried to destroy your walk with the Lord, things that have discouraged you and tried to get you to quit.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

We can become so discouraged that we allow our hearts to callous over. Just like Dave’s heel, that tough exterior keeps us from getting to the root of the problem. Left unattended the pain grew worse but when we allow God’s word to scrape away the surface, the thorn is exposed and can be removed. Healing begins.

“God’s word is alive and powerful! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 CEV

Perhaps you’re trying to avoid dealing with some “sore” spots today. You’ve been wounded by life’s thorns. Isn’t it time to let the Lord help you remove them, so they are no longer a hindrance?

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