provision Archives - Page 2 of 2

worry, provision, supply, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentoring

Supply: Trusting God to Provide in His Perfect Way

Devotionals, Stay SaneJuly 24, 2018January 13, 2019

God is our supply. He desires to provide in all areas of our lives, but we often get in the way. We must learn to trust in God and His perfect way.

It was a miracle. The tiniest of miracles, but it opened my eyes to God. It gave me a new view of how real He is, and how much He cares for me; for us…

Did you know that God can listen to our hearts? Did you know He still does miracles everyday? I’m here to prove this to you, but also pray that you can allow God to prove this to you too!

The World’s Supply

I talked, briefly, at the beginning of the year about my husband taking a complete 180 in career paths. I spoke about how calm I was about this change, considering my habitual responses. This was a step of faith, and a direction that God had called him toward. We knew it was going to be a bit uncomfortable. We would be going from a steady, constant pay check, to an inconsistent, ever changing one.

If you watched that video, you know we talked about supernatural peace.

My current status: freaking out. What the heck happened? Where did my peace go?

Oh, it went right down the toilet when things became real. The reality of paying the mortgage, conserving gasoline, buying groceries and school supplies when we haven’t had a steady pay check since April. A bit uncomfortable? That’s kind of an understatement.

God Provides

We are immensely blessed. We have the opportunity every year to have a somewhat “free” vacation. Family property allows us this freedom. However, as I said before, Casey’s pay check is extremely inconsistent. So, even though we were able to spend time at the beach, anything extra wouldn’t happen: the couple times we go out to eat, the ice cream stops after a long day of play, the trinket shopping.

We decided we would save a little to have at least one night out. Hallelujah! Momma didn’t have to cook! As we sat down and started looking over the menu, my heart just sent a quiet request to the Lord.

“Lord, it would be so nice if our meal could be paid for.”

We had the most lovely meal! My little family, the sea air, the live music, the fresh seafood. I was so grateful for our day and our ability to spend this moment together. And just like that, our waitress said…

“Have a great night!”

“But we haven’t paid.”

“Someone already took care of your check for you.”

God Hears

Oh sweet friend! God truly sees us and hears the desires of our hearts. He cares for us in ways we can’t even imagine. My quiet request wasn’t out of greed, or recognition. It was a cry of thanksgiving, a cry of gratitude and He honored me. He honored my family. God knew I needed to see that He is the only provision I need. He is the only one I can truly rely on.

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Luke 12:24-26, NIV

That day was perfect. The choice I made to not fret or fear of the days to come, will never be a regret. I did not fear how the mortgage would be paid, concern myself with the fact that Casey desperately needs a new car, or worry about the grocery having sales on items I need. I lived in trust and thankfulness that God supplied today, and has already taken care of tomorrow. He showed up in a tiny, powerful way because I trusted in Him!

God’s Character

Unfortunately, when I put my trust in Casey to provide, to supply for all our needs and desires, I denied God and who He is. I denied Him the opportunity to become and to stay our provider. I am learning to daily lay down myself, my concerns for tomorrow and rely on the miracles and provisions of today.

There have been so many more instances of provision over the course of this season. My “freak out” is being redeemed and replaced with peace again! I can now say, I am so grateful, so thankful to my provider. Yahweh Yireh.

I just want to confirm that God is good! God listens. He’s there. Outcomes may differ from what we think, but that doesn’t change His faithfulness or His ability to supply. He’s El Roi, Yahweh Yireh, and Yahweh Shalom. He sees, provides, and gives His peace!

I am learning to daily lay down myself, my concerns for tomorrow and rely on the miracles and provisions of today. Click To Tweet

eddie howell

provision, need, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Provision: Trusting God to Provide Daily For All of Our Needs

Devotionals, Stay SaneJuly 9, 2018September 8, 2019

God’s character lets us know He is in the providing business. We can trust Him to bring provision through daily bread to us. There is no need to fear.

I have always loved to read the stories behind the exodus. Moses and his own faults. The Israelites and their constant mistakes. I read their mishaps and feel pretty good about my own constant inability to stay faithful. Exodus is one story of God being over and over again faithful in the face of constant unfaithfulness. I am overwhelmed by God’s provision- parting the Red Sea, talking through the burning bush, and performing numerous miracles. The one I come back to over and over again is the one about manna. The people are in the desert with no means for food and God provides them with this cracker like substance. They are so confused by its appearance that they are said to name it, “what is it?” or “manna.” This substance feeds them for 40 years and it ceases to appear when they reach Canaan.

What is the provision?

What is God providing through this manna? All of the circumstances surrounding the manna is nothing short than miraculous. Any extra gathered will spoil. There is always enough for every person in the camp. Not a single person goes without or is hungry. The portion gathered on Saturday does not go bad enabling the people to take a Sabbath rest. On and on the provision happens.

Who is receiving the provision?

And don’t forget that these are not deserving people. Have you considered who God is providing for? These are the same people who will die in the desert. They are the ones who refused to take the city that He had promised them. They had constantly murmured and complained about Him and given Moses continual grief. Yet, He provides a substance for them that will supply them with food for 40 years. That’s a long time by any standards.

Who is giving the provision?

Why does He take care of a people who are so unfaithful? The provision of the manna has little to do with the people receiving and everything to do with the God providing. His character is what matters. Nehemiah speaks about this event saying,

Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

Nehemiah 9:21, ESV

In your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God…who keeps covenant and steadfast love.

Nehemiah 9:31-32, ESV

God’s provision is always a reflection of His own faithfulness and steadfast love. Jesus called himself the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me shall not hunger.

John 6:35, ESV

If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.

John 6:51, ESV

Provision that never ends…

He was the manna that would not end, would not spoil, and would always bring life and rest. Manna was a temporary solution to a very real and permanent problem. The Israelites died in the desert knowing that God’s care had never wavered. He had cared for them then and he is caring for us now through the bread that will give eternal life. Jesus is the bread that brings us life. This is through salvation and it is through his sustaining power. He gives us life through His spirit and through His word.

I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper… even the Spirit of truth…

John 16:15, ESV

Enough provision for today…

As encouraging as it is to know that Jesus gives me life and he sends a helper, I still struggle to look ahead and see that all my days are taken care of. I struggle to rest in his goodness and his care knowing that he has promised enough provision for today. Enough provision for my daily bread. Remember that prayer? Jesus asked for daily bread and I can ask that way too. It doesn’t mean that I do not follow good and sound steward principles, but it does mean that my plans are just that- human plans. God owns it all and He has the resources to provide for me daily. He is that kind of God. I can trust His provision of me and know that I will have daily bread for today and that gives me hope for tomorrow.

God owns it all and He has the resources to provide for me daily. He is that kind of God. I can trust His provision of me and know that I will have daily bread for today and that gives me hope for tomorrow. Click To Tweet

Ales Krivec

poverty, rich, abundant, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Poverty: Being Poor in Spirit, We Can Receive God’s Abundant Riches

Devotionals, Stay SaneJune 25, 2018September 8, 2019

Our poverty in spirit makes us feel useless. But because Jesus came to be poor, we can live above our impoverishment and be abundantly rich.

Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites..so he called his disciples to him and said…[they] gave out of their abundance but she out of her poverty…

Mark 12: 43-44, NKJV

I’ll never forget the first few years of marriage. My husband Rodney and I had 2 degrees, and a lot of love, and a little debt. Our premarital counseling was full of plans and nice budgeting charts. I knew we were suppose to struggle early on. It was normal for couples to save, and in time build a life. Poverty really wasn’t on my radar.

My Poverty…

I was marrying a minister, and he had a masters to work on. That would require sacrifice, hard work, and delay. We started a family, and then we had our third child. All my well made plans came to a halt. Because of his health, we started the road down Medicaid, and disability, and specialist, and therapies. One week in the hospital ran into thousands and thousands of dollars. I was in the midst of poverty. But, my poverty was not just financial. It was spiritual, physical, and emotional. I was spent in every way. Depleted and dry.

Attending church in the middle of the chaos became the only praise I could muster. I was getting no sleep, and I had a toddler and a kindergartener. My husband worked full time and went to school full time. My third child went on oxygen around the clock and I was at the end of my rope. The community Bible study I was in was studying 2 Corinthians and one verse leaped off the pages at me.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV

His Poverty…

Can you wrap your mind around that? The king of the universe Jesus, the Son, poor? He owns it all. Every knee will bow before him one day. He became impoverished for me. My savior willingly gave all away so that I could be rich. The riches I own are not the kind I can put in the bank, though God has taken care of every financial need we have ever had. The riches I own are not always supernatural strength or intellect. My body can be tired and my heart can be very broken. My child is still sick 16 years later. But, my Jesus is enough. My heart can trust in His finished work.

[Jesus] made himself of no reputation taking the form of a servant…

Romans 2:7, NKJV

Why would he willingly take on poverty? Why would he willingly become nothing? The only answer is to reconcile us to God.

For there is only one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity- the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:5, NLT

Abundant Riches…

While I fight being impoverished in every way, Christ poured himself out willingly. This can be a lesson for me in so many ways.

Jesus allowed himself to be a humble servant. I can follow his example and willing serve others within in my sphere. I can also allow others to serve me when I am poor and depleted.

Poverty in mind, body and spirit may make me feel useless, but it is not the worst place to be. The worst place to be is without Christ. Christ can inhabit my meager widow’s mite and use it for great kingdom work. My sufficiency is not based on my own riches but on his.

God himself can be my supply. I have not liked the dependence having a chronically ill child has brought, but I have seen miracles and provision in ways that I could have never imagined. I may fight neediness but I am needy. The cross proved that and has given the antidote- my surrender.

What about you? How is God speaking to your heart about your own poverty? Do you know him and his rich grace? Are you fighting his ability to speak into your own poverty? Do you think you have to fix it all yourself?

He is enough for today and for every tomorrow.

We are constantly bombarded with lies and discouragement.
Help us in our mission to bombard others with truth.
Share the encouragement!

Poverty in mind, body and spirit may make me feel useless, but it is not the worst place to be. The worst place to be is without Christ. Click To Tweet

Jesse Bowser

Be still, still, battle, Oh Lord Help Us, ministry, Christian, women

Still: God Will Fight For Us and Prepare the Way Forward

Devotionals, Stay SaneMay 16, 2018June 27, 2019

We do not need to be afraid. We are to be still and see the Lord at work, trusting that He will will fight for us and prepare the way forward.

Those who know me best would characterize me as an action person. Although in recent years health issues have slowed down aerobic activities, when a plan is adopted I want to attack it. Mulling over it, tweaking it ad nauseam, re-thinking the plan from multiple angles, or just plain procrastination can cause me intense internal combustion. In other words, my husband can sometimes make my head explode!…because don’t we usually marry our opposite?

Standing still is not my forte; never has been. A decision is made to be executed, so let’s not delay – make a list, mark items off as you go, MOVE!

So, in Exodus 14, let’s just say I totally GET why the children of Israel freaked out when they realized the Egyptians, now angry and vengeful, had pursued and caught up to them at – of all places – the Red Sea! They were shaking in their sandals. After they had left Egypt on such an ‘in-your-face’ emotional high, having plundered them of much of their wealth, (at God’s insistence), God had lead them the long way around the wilderness rather than through the land of the Philistines (Exodus 13:17-18). So rather than getting into a war with the mighty Philistines, Israel ends up with their backs against a wall of water and the fierce Egyptians bearing down on them! Ouch.

After considerable complaining (Exodus 14:11-12), Moses reveals to Israel the incredible battle plan… Are you ready?

Don’t be afraid
Stand still
See
Know The Lord Will Fight For You
Be quiet
Go forward

WHAAAT??!! That’s IT?! No spears? No forward group to distract them and rear guard to defeat them? Not even a trumpet sound???

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

Exodus 14:13-14, NKJV

Don’t be Afraid…

Often, as we all probably know, fear can be paralyzing, but when a vast army of enemies is marching toward you, the last natural inclination one usually has is to stand still. Simultaneously, Moses instructed the Israelites to have more trust than fear and to stand still in the face of their enemy.

We don’t know the exact timeline, but let’s say just days before, God had released the people of Israel after many years of oppression in Egypt. Using jaw-dropping miracles, God made sure they were loaded down with Egypt’s wealth as He ushered them out of captivity. After the flush of victory had passed and they faced a test, did God’s people remember the miracles of God on their behalf in Egypt? Sadly, no…but then, do we?

In essence, I call God a liar when I grip my fear tighter than my faith in God’s character and intentions toward me. I’m confessing He is not who He says He is and doesn’t do what He says He will do. It has taken me a lifetime of struggle and stumbling to reach this understanding rather than to simply beat myself up with guilt each time I am convicted about my lack of trust in a given situation. We are a fearful people. God already knows that about us, but we don’t have to live there. Our mighty God is greater than our most entrenched fears.

Don’t be afraid. Fear not. Remember when He has rescued you before; He will do it, again.

In essence, I call God a liar when I grip my fear tighter than my faith in God's character and intentions toward me. Click To Tweet

Stand Still…

I liken standing still to waiting. These are areas where I learn from my husband’s more patient nature. He doesn’t rush headlong into things; therefore, he sees potential problems that I might miss on my initial fly-by. He has an eye for details; I like the big picture. Standing still can take in the small things. Being still is necessary for knowing God more intimately (Psalm 46:10).

Moses instructed the people to stand still, to wait, in order to see the salvation of the LORD, (or the deliverance). If they remained fearful or panicky, running into action that God had not ordained, I am convinced Israel would have missed the deliverance God had planned for them that day. They would have been too preoccupied with what they were doing to see what God was doing! Or they might have been crushed.

I question how often I miss the wonder of what He is doing because I’m busy ‘helping God’ do His ministry or whatever I think He needs to be doing…

See…

The more I see what God is doing and join Him there, the more convinced I become that He is, indeed, fighting for me, and not just me, but for His people. God told His people in Deuteronomy, Joshua, 2 Chronicles, Nehemiah and Isaiah that He would fight for them or their victories had been due to Him fighting for them.

Know the Lord Will Fight for You…

I love the picture of God slaying the enemies for Israel, but at the same time, I am aware that I often fight against doing nothing while trusting the Lord to do all the fighting in a battle that is raging around me. I don’t like to admit it, but I believe that it’s a mixture of pride and some skewed notion I learned a long time ago concerning works. Not a good combination!

If the Lord God Almighty says He will fight for you, then sister, you and I can put our absolute trust in Him because He is faithful!

Be Quiet…

“Oh,” Moses said, “By the way, while God is fighting for you, you shall be quiet,” (this is the Dodie version).

Not that any of us are like this, but the children of Israel were the biggest whiners and grumblers you’ve ever seen! So, I have an idea that God just wanted them to button it up for just a few minutes and watch Him deliver them in a miraculous way. Like when God doesn’t answer that prayer how I wanted or when I wanted or where I wanted…you get my drift, don’t you? I don’t want to be quiet. I think He needs to be reminded because surely He didn’t hear me correctly, or maybe He forgot!

Be quiet. In fact, in verse 15, God wants to know why they are still TALKING and CRYING OUT to Him! Uh oh.

Go forward…

Now, God says GO FORWARD.

Um…Lord, have you noticed this large body of water we are standing in front of? We don’t have boats, and uh, what about the children? And we don’t swim!

Be quiet…Go forward…oh, what glory you will see.

And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward…”

Exodus 14:15

What is your obstacle? Does it feel like the Red Sea is before you and the vicious Egyptians are behind you?

Don’t be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Erda Estremera

Joy: Impacting Others with Our Deeds, Showing God’s Goodness

Devotionals, Stay SaneMarch 4, 2018September 8, 2019

As believers, God’s goodness is the driving force behind our joy. We have the ability to impact others with the joy we hold inside.

Joy is contagious, even if it’s for a moment. We have the power to influence others with our countenance. So, what if we all chose to use our power in positive ways? What if we chose to share the love of God through smiles and joy? We would definitely stand out. What would the impact be on our world around us?

A Rare Smile

I’m not one to wear a smile. It’s not that I’m unhappy, it’s that my face just doesn’t rest on joy. My husband’s goal every day is to get me to smile. Genuinely smile. I just don’t think about it. My resting face is typically blank. That being said, a quick moment made me realize how important a smile can be…

I stopped for a pedestrian. It’s not uncommon, as my usual driving route takes me through a college campus. This day was different, though. It was raining. I saw her yellow rain coat coming down the stairs, her arms full of books and coffee, and no umbrella to shield her. I didn’t receive the awkward wave that usually ends pedestrian/driver interactions. Like I said, her hands were full. So, all she could do was smile at me. It wasn’t a quick glance, smile, and walk on. She smiled and kept smiling to make sure I saw her. We locked eyes and I couldn’t help but smile too. I acknowledged her, she acknowledged me, and for a brief moment two strangers brightened each other’s day.

I know that there is nothing better for people, than to be happy and to do good while they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12, NIV

Joyful Deeds

On a gray, rainy day, I needed some light. One thing that usually makes me happy is helping others. In fact, acts of service is how I show love. Yeah, obeying traffic laws isn’t much for “acts of service”, but I’ve seen other drivers speed through this campus, paying no mind to people trying to get from one point to another on foot. So, I serve my fellow humans by slowing down and pausing my day for them.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16, NIV

Now, I don’t know if “Yellow Raincoat” actually needed her day brightened, but having good done to her, made her happy. I could tell her smile was genuine, not forced. She didn’t know I needed to see her smile, but God used her to uplift my spirit. It’s goodness this world needs, and for a moment we helped each other.

Provision Through A Smile

You could say “Yellow Raincoat” not only brightened my dreary day, but she inspired me to write about joy. God is so good. He heard my heart, and provided sustenance to multiple needs through one small action. I needed inspiration and to be uplifted. I needed to be reminded that there is still goodness in this dark world.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2, NIV

Our interaction reminds me that I have an impact, even if it’s small. Humans are silly. We all walk around, acting like we don’t need one another. The truth is, we all need each other. We are in this world together. Each one of us has an effect on the other. Whether it be our day, our mood, our whole life, the effect a stranger can have is undeniable.

Whether it be our day, our mood, our whole life, the effect a stranger can have is undeniable. Click To Tweet

Joy in God

So, which way does the can go? Does the stranger have a positive or negative effect? Unfortunately, the latter happens more often. There is an underlying heaviness in us all. We feel the darkness in the world. We carry it around, knowingly or unknowingly. It shows all over our faces, postures, beings. Because we are human, we are prone to negativity. It’s easier to be sad and depressed, than to push through with joy.

Our joy rests in the goodness of God. He is so, so good. We have a merciful, generous Father. He bestows undeserving redemption on us every day. His goodness and love breaks through any darkness, heaviness, or tragedy. We can find happiness and joy in this life, because He is our God.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14, NIV

Don’t hide your powerful smile. Be intentional about showing joy. Allow your joy to reach strangers and don’t pass up opportunities to allow your joy to testify of God’s goodness.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Present: Responding to God’s Call

Devotionals, Stay SaneAugust 6, 2017January 13, 2019

Throughout the Bible the Lord calls His people to action. The same is still true today, so how are we to respond to that calling?

There are many things that my kiddos do that drive me nuts. One of them is when I call them, and they say, “what” or “yeah”. My older son now knows how to respond, but my younger son is still learning. This is usually how it goes:

Me: Gage?
Gage: What?
Me: Gage?
Gage: What?
Me: Gage?
Gage: What?
Me: Gage?
Gage: Yes ma’am?

This is the point that I say the command. This is the point that I know he is really listening.

(Please note!! This is not a parenting blog, I am by no means telling anybody how their children should respond or how to train your children. You gotta do parenting the best way that works for you and your family.)

So what about us? How do we respond when we are being called?

Present

I am currently going through the bible study Seamless, by Angie Smith (which is an amazing way to see how the whole bible is woven together). Early in the study I saw a theme emerging of God calling people, and the way they responded. The first example, and the one I’m going to focus on, is Abraham.

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him… Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together… Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Genesis 22:1-3, 8, 10-12

This is how I picture this happening in today’s setting

God: Hey Abraham!
Abraham: Yes, I’m here.
God: You know your son?
Abraham: Who?
God: You know, your only son. The one you waited decades for and didn’t have until you were a hundred?
Abraham: Oh yeah, him. What about him?
God: I want you sacrifice him.

Craaaaaaa-zeeeeee!

Responding to God’s call…

Respond immediately
There is no hesitation in Abraham’s response. He doesn’t even know the exact location of where he is to go. He just knows he needs to go. God only gives us the information we need at the moment we need it, not before.

God only gives us the information we need at the moment we need it, not before. Click To Tweet

Trust God’s timing
Isaac was actually not his only son. There was also Ishmael. But Isaac was the one promised to him to be the inheritance of a great nation. Ishmael was born as a result of Sarai trying to make God’s promise happen in her timing, and not God’s. God’s promises will come in God’s timing.

God's promises will come in God's timing. Click To Tweet

Trust God for provisions
When his son, Isaac, asks where the sacrificial lamb is, Abraham immediately responds with “God will provide.” At his ripe old age, Abraham has learned to trust God’s calling. Whatever the situation calls for, he knows that God will provide whatever is needed in order to accomplish the calling.

God will provide whatever is needed in order to accomplish the calling. Click To Tweet

Other examples of responding to God’s calling (just in case you are curious)…

Jacob: And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.”Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. Genesis 46:2-3

Moses: And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:3-4

Samuel: Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 1 Samuel 3:4

Isaiah: And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Ananias: Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9:10

Your turn…

What are you being asked to do?
Are you trusting God’s timing, or yours?
Looking back on your own life, how have you seen the Lord provide?

provision