Category: Provision

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Praying or Complaining

I hate to admit it but some days it’s more of the second than the first. Let me explain.

Several years back I heard a teaching on prayer. The minister made a comment that I think I will always remember.

“If you go to the Father in prayer about something that is bothering you and you come away still worried about it, you weren’t praying you were just complaining.”

Some mornings I find myself complaining! Ugh!!

I think I am casting the care of the situation over on the Lord. But, when it keeps coming up and I am worried that the situation won’t change, I realize that all I have been doing is complaining about it.

Now I know none of you ever do this, telling the Lord you are rolling all of the care over on Him, He can handle it and then proceed to worry. Yep, I’m the only one so, this is for me this morning.

These are such great verses – resist the devil and he will flee. So, one more time I am handing my care over to the Lord and I will resist the enemy by praising God and not worrying. Every time a thought of worry comes up, I will replace it with praise, thanking the Lord that He is in control and the enemy will have to flee.

“So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. 7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.

8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat. 9 Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” I Peter 5:6-9 ERV

Be humble – admit that “God I can’t handle this so I’m giving it over to You! You are the One who has my best interest at heart, You are the One who can bring change that I can’t even imagine.

I will keep my emotions in check; I will refuse the devil’s invitation to fear. I will stand strong with my faith firmly placed in You and Your provision. I won’t complain. I will pray and thank You for being in control. In Jesus name.”

Here’s to a praise filled, worry free day!

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Greener Pastures

Did you have a busy weekend? Was it hard to find time to rest? Were there too many distractions or unsettling circumstances that caused you to fret?

Some days are like that. Some days it feels as if we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Those are the times that God reminds us to follow Him and His leading. He knows what we need better than we do.

This morning this blog is for you!

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 

4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23 NLV

We have everything we need when we are close to Him. Rest. Quiet. Strength. Right Living. Worry Free. Comfort. Peace. Goodness. Loving-Kindness.

Somehow, Psalm 23 seemed to be the perfect reading for the 23rd day of February.

Only seven weeks into the new year and already so many are loaded down by fear and worry, uneasiness and care. God never intended for our lives to be in such turmoil. Regardless of the circumstances we have His promise of peace and rest.

Look up. See the Shepherd. Let Him lead you to green pastures and still waters. Lay down and rest. Let Him give you the comfort that only He can provide!

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Take A Walk

When you read the Bible, do you read it as if you are there? Do you take time to look around and see what was going on and how people are affected by the story that is being revealed?

Can you imagine what you would do if you were in their shoes? I am always amazed as I read the account of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, and then the first couple of verses of Matthew 8.

Here Jesus has been teaching all day. The hillside is covered with people, children are playing and adults are trying to hear what Jesus is saying. Jesus has positioned himself in such a way that his voice carries down the hillside, without the amplification that we have today.

“Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted…You are a light on a hill, don’t hide under a bushel…Heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away…Forgive, be faithful to your mate, don’t seek revenge…Give to the poor, pray often, don’t make money your master…don’t worry…God knows what you need, seek Him first and everything else will be added…take care of the beam in your own eye before you try to remove a splinter from your brother’s…ask & it will be given, seek & find, knock & it will open…bear good fruit…build on a solid foundation (the Word) and you’ll make it through the storms…”

All day long Jesus preached, the multitude listened, now the teaching is over and Jesus heads down the hill with his followers. But this is where the story runs into a road block! A leper, who has obviously been waiting at the bottom of the hill, can’t contain himself. He comes running and puts himself right in front of Jesus.

Unclean, unclean!

I can see the shock and repulsion on the face of the people. This leper should not be in close contact with all of us good “clean” people.

Wow! Weren’t you just listening – about removing beams and judging not? But this leper had been listening. He heard Jesus say, “ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find”.

It seems all the others on the hillside had heard words, words, words. Amen. But this leper had heard a message that would change his life forever. It brought hope and faith so he came to ask and to receive. What would you have done if you were in his shoes?

“Jesus came down from the hill, and a large crowd followed him. 2 Then a man sick with leprosy came to him. The man bowed down before Jesus and said, “Lord, you have the power to heal me if you want.” 3 Jesus touched the man. He said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” Immediately the man was healed from his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened. But go and let the priest look at you. And offer the gift that Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show everyone that you are healed” Matthew 8:1-4

He received!!!

He asked and he received. Jesus did tell him to go show himself to the priest and have them declare him clean. He needed that pronouncement according to Jewish law to be able to go back home and live among his family and friends again. And he needed to offer sacrifice.

All the people that heard Jesus preach on the hillside that day but only one came to Jesus to receive! I guess it amazes me because for many years I just heard words, words, words about Jesus; of the things He had done, the way He lived and I read the stories in the Old Testament and thought how neat that would have been. I did let it impact and change my life to a small degree but then the Holy Spirit became my teacher and started showing me that what happened in the Bible was available to me today.

My life has been forever changed and I can identify with that leper. I was unclean but one touch from Jesus has cleansed my life forever! To God be the Glory!

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Light In the Darkness

If you have been reading my blogs for any length of time you have probably read about our use of night lights.

No, we’re not afraid of the dark, we just don’t like stubbed and/or broken toes. This last weekend was no different.

Before bedtime in the Casita, Dave and I made sure there were night lights in strategic places. One near the coffee maker, so I could see to start the coffee in the early morning, one at the foot of the bed so we could avoid those stubbed toes and one in the bathroom, just because you always need a night light in the bathroom.

This morning, I wrote in my journal “Thank you Abba for always being here – my strength, my comfort, my wisdom, my joy. You are the light of my salvation, whom shall I fear”. Light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are!

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears. 2 Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble. Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. 3 Armies may surround me, but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.” Psalm 27:1-3 CEV

For us, we needed light because we were in new surroundings. We didn’t know the lay of the room well enough to keep from bumping into things in the night. Silly as it sounds, we needed light.

Maybe you’re in new surroundings. A new job, new responsibilities, a new course in life. Uncharted territory, a place you have never been before. Empty nester, loss of a partner, the darkness of a new job and new co-workers. You need some light in the darkness.

“Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light.” II Samuel 22:29 CEV

“Everything that was created 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone.
5 The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.” John 1:3-5 CEV

In God, through Jesus, we have light. Darkness – emotional, physical and spiritual darkness is dispelled by the light of God.

As I’m ready to close, the words from the song “Way Maker” are running through my mind.

“Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are…

Even when I can’t see that You’re working
Even when I don’t feel that You’re working
You never stop
You never stop working
You never stop
You never stop working”

God, our Father, never stops working on our behalf. We might not see, we certainly might not feel it but He never has and never will stop working. He will always be our light in the darkness and we never need to be afraid!

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Without Him

Today is the day to focus on the One thing that we need most in life – it’s Jesus!

We need food, water, health, strength, protection, peace of mind, warm shelter…and on it goes but the thing we need most is a personal relationship with God’s Son.

 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. ‘Without me, no one can go to the Father. 7 If you had really known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.’” John 14:6-7 CEV

Our daily lives are completed when we put our faith and trust in Him. A relationship with Jesus isn’t just so we go to heaven when we die; it’s so much more than that. Jesus came to give us life to its fullest.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

Our heavenly Father doesn’t want us living in stress and fear; He has ordained a great life for our earthly existence.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 CEV

“ I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?… Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:25-33 CEV

In Christ, we have been given everything we need and more. We don’t need to worry about life! Christ has made us complete, whole, sound, transformed.

“ I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

It’s time to stop with the worry, the strife, the anxiety. It’s time to recognize that He has made us complete. He cares and provides for the birds and we are much more important to Him than they are. He is our Father and He lovingly and graciously provides for every need in our lives.

As I started writing this, there was a song in my heart, “Without Him”.

“Without him, I could do nothing
Without him, I’d surely fail
Without him, I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail

Jesus
Oh Jesus
Do you know him today?
Do not turn him away
Oh Jesus
Oh Jesus
Without him, how lost I would be

Without him, I would be dying
Without him, I’d be enslaved
Without him, life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, thank God I’m saved”

Without Him life is hopeless, With Him life is complete!

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Follow the Plan

Have you ever struggled with something – maybe a new computer program, maybe a construction project, maybe a relationship? Every day can be like that if we are making our own plans without consulting with the Father.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25 KJV

Our thinking or reasoning isn’t always the best. Take Joshua for instance.

Jericho was a walled, well fortified city, many people lived there and the city was guarded. And I’m sure Joshua was developing a battle plan when the Lord spoke to him.

“Meanwhile, the people of Jericho had been locking the gates in their town wall because they were afraid of the Israelites. No one could go out or come in.

2-3 The Lord said to Joshua:

With my help, you and your army will defeat the king of Jericho and his army, and you will capture the town. Here is how to do it: March slowly around Jericho once a day for six days. 4 Take along the sacred chest and have seven priests walk in front of it, carrying trumpets.

But on the seventh day, march slowly around the town seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5 Then the priests will blast on their trumpets, and everyone else will shout. The wall will fall down, and your soldiers can go straight in from every side.” Joshua 6:1-5 CEV

Seriously, you take a city by marching and blowing trumpets?! No, you take a city by being obedient to what the Lord has said!

“The priests blew their trumpets again, and the soldiers shouted as loud as they could. The walls of Jericho fell flat. Then the soldiers rushed up the hill, went straight into the town, and captured it.” Joshua 6:20 CEV

What if Joshua had gotten discouraged at the end of day six and quit? What if he had abandoned the Lord’s plan and consulted with the heads of the twelve tribes? He knew that wouldn’t be right.

Remember when Joshua and Caleb had been sent out by Moses with ten other leaders to spy out the land of Israel. The ten came back with a report of fear and defeat, Joshua and Caleb’s report was one of victory. The people believed the ten and wandered in the wilderness for years. Now, here they are, finally going in to take the land the Lord had promised them years before.

Consulting with those who don’t have a godly perspective is dangerous. Following God’s plan is always right.

What is the Lord saying to you about your “Jericho”? You’ve been trying to figure this battle out on your own but now it’s time to listen to the One who has the right strategy. When you do, you’ll be victorious!

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My Favorite Present

Do you remember being a kid and going out to play with your friends the days following Christmas?

Some kids had new bikes, others had skateboards, some had new dolls or kitchen sets, and some had new shotguns. Most everyone was excited to “show off” what they had. But some didn’t say much – finances at home had been tight and their Christmas presents were new socks or a jacket, a couple pair of new jeans or sneakers. Some gifts brought joy and others an element of embarrassment. I remember both of those kinds of Christmases.

This morning the verses that came to mind were verses on singing. Nothing to be ashamed of here.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 ESV

The gift of God’s presence is one of the greatest presents ever, His presence is our present!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

He is our Shepherd. He leads us, He guides us, He causes us to rest, He protects us!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ESV

The “presence”, presents, of God are something to sing about. As His children we have bragging rights directed at our Father’s goodness.

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3 ESV

Because Jesus came, we have the message of the Father’s love. Because Jesus died, we receive forgiveness of sin and we are welcome in the Father’s presence

“ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

Jesus made us a present to the Father and in turn, the Father gave us His presence. My favorite present!

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Mighty God

These words are transforming, life-changing and exciting! These words are to be lived – they are not just words on a page.

“For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 TLB

They are words that I have heard every Christmas for as long as I can remember. They are words, not just for the Christmas season, but they are our hope for every day of our lives.

Each “royal” title for Christ deserves to be examined and meditated on; this morning I’ll share just a few thoughts on “the mighty God”.

The mighty God – THE mighty God – the MIGHTY God – the mighty GOD – THE MIGHTY GOD – no matter where you put the emphasis, it means that HE is greater than I am. He is mighty.

From the beginning, God’s plan was to be involved in the daily lives of His creation. He wanted fellowship with the people He created. He walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He spoke with Noah, Abraham, Samuel, David, Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Joseph and then He came personally to dwell with mankind and reveal His nature – His heart – His plan.

The MIGHTY God made an old couple able to bear a child; shut the mouth of hungry lions, brought victory after victory in battle, fed the Israelites with bread from heaven, raised the dead, healed the sick, open the eyes of the blind, walked on water, defeated Satan and death to rise triumphantly from the grave.

The mighty GOD came to live among us, to experience what we experience and to give us the victory. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”I John 4:4

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16

There is NO situation or circumstance in our life today that “the mighty God” can’t handle. When we give it over to Him, we experience His presence and His peace.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

All our worries, cares and frustrations need to be given over to our “Mighty God”. He promises to carry the load; to give us His peace, mercy and kind help in our time of need. He promises to never abandon us or leave us without help. He promises to be our help in times of trouble.

He is Mighty God and He is our constant friend and guide.

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Look Up!

Friday night we drove to the little town closest to us for a Christmas parade. Friends of ours went along. We didn’t know what to expect because as I said it was a little town.

We munched on hamburgers, funnel cakes and kettle corn as we waited for the parade to begin. It was fun to be in such a festive mob all anticipating the parade. What we didn’t expect was what happened next.

The drone parade.

Most of the town lights were dimmed and one by one small spots of light appeared in the heavens. More and more lights appeared drawn together by the intricate programming of those who had much more expertise in technology than any of us on the ground.

For the next bit of time the drones repositioned themselves to form a variety of Christmas images. But if you hadn’t been looking up, you would have missed the show!

It prompted a question in my heart, “how many times do I fail to look up and miss out on what God has planned?”.

So many people spend time looking down. Looking down on others because of their education or lack thereof; looking down on financial status, marital status, political party, skin color, cultural idiosyncrasies, too religious, not religious enough, occupation or even sports team affiliation.

Then there are those who spend their time looking in. Looking in-ward at their mistakes, their failures, their fears, their lack and so they spend half of their lives living in self-pity.

Isn’t it interesting that the angels proclaimed the message of Christ’s birth in the heavens? The shepherds had to look up.

“That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”

13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him” Luke 2:8-14 ERV

How much time in the last year have we spent looking down?

“Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:7-10 AMP

Maybe things have you feeling overwhelmed – so much is going on in the world. Or maybe you’re looking inward because you’ve been hurt, broken hearted.

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth.3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Psalm 121:1-3 ERV

Let me encourage you today to look up. Look up and find the One who fills the heavens and also fills our hearts!

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