Category: Provision

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Small Miracles

Friday at noon Dave and I left Queen Valley to start on our 10 day camping trip.

It was only about an hour later when we experienced our first small miracle. As we were driving from the valley to Payson, our radiator temperature light came on. Just ahead was an exit from the interstate and we were able to pull off and pull into a bar/convenience market. (Small miracle #1)

I went in to buy a gallon of water and Dave raised the hood. When I came back out he was with a gal who had come over to see what the problem was.

She told Dave “I’m a MOPAR certified technician. (Small miracle #2) She assessed the situation and ruled out several big problems and said it was just a cracked radiator. She could take Dave to Payson to get one and come back and put it in. (Small miracle #3) O’Reilly’s had one.

In a little over 3 hours we were on the road again. Hot and sweaty, we decided to get a hotel so we could shower and get a good night’s sleep before going on to the campground. (small miracle #5). Got the room, a very nice room, for under $100 and then found out today our credit card gave us a travel credit of $100. (Small miracle #6)

Now for the past 2 days we have been sitting under the pines and enjoying God’s grandeur!

Deuteronomy 28: 1-6 NIV. “

you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country…6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

We definitely felt blessed and protected. Our MOPAR guardian angel definitely had some flowery speech but all the same she was truly sent by our loving Heavenly Father.

I asked her if anyone had ever told her she was a blessing and with a smirk she said nope. Well you are I said and she laughed.

So let me leave you with the verse the Lord impressed on me last Friday.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Our Father has designed more blessings than we can conceive and some of them can be found in our biggest trials.

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Clouds, Fire & AI

For the last several months I have noticed a change in my morning computer searches. It used to be when I would search on a topic or key word all sorts of irrelevant information would appear. But now, the top searches generally include Scripture verses and Biblical references.

I chuckled and said to myself, “I finally got my computer saved”.

Let me share with you what I found in my search this morning when I typed in “pillar of cloud”. And I quote, ‘The pillar of cloud by day was a visible manifestation of God’s presence that guided, protected, and assured the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.‘

The reason I did that search is because I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you from 4th of July. We woke up to a refreshing cloud cover. Each of the neighbors we spoke with said the same thing – it was so nice to have the clouds, it just seemed cooler and the sun wasn’t as menacing. That made me think of the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt.

There was no Google Maps or Garmin, no GPS of any kind to lead them to the Promised Land and there was no A/C or heating for their tents.

But there was God!

“The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-22 ERV

The cloud and fire were directional devises for sure but they were also used for climate control. The cloud protected them from the harsh rays of the sun and the pillar of fire would keep them warm in those cold desert nights.

“Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help. 5 Remember the amazing things he has done. Remember his miracles and his fair decisions…The Lord spread out his cloud like a blanket. He used his column of fire to give his people light at night. 40 They asked for food, and he sent them quail. He also gave them plenty of bread from heaven. 41 He split the rock, and water came bubbling out.  A river began flowing in the desert!” Psalm 105:4-5,39-41 ERV

Our heavenly Father is practical. He is supernatural, omniscient, and omnipotent in all His ways but He is also concerned about our day to day lives. We can depend on Him for our strength.

He is our Savior, our Shepherd, our Shield. He is our pillar of cloud protecting us from the harshness of the days and our pillar of fire to bring us warmth, comfort and light when the nights are cold and dark.

And if you need a reminder of some of His great miracles go to His word; it’s better than AI.

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Always Triumph

Yesterday morning several of us in our community gathered near the flagpole. We sang, we said the Pledge of Allegiance and we prayed for our country. Those of us in our group have seen many things change in our country, some have served in defense of her, and we are all extremely grateful to live in this country called America.

She has faced many obstacles; some from without and others from within but she has triumphed.

It reminded me of the impact one verse made on my life about triumph.

“ But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air.” II Corinthians 2:14 GW

Always! Always triumph! Quite an absolute to wrap your mind around right?

Years ago my granddaughter and I heard a message on II Corinthians 2:14. The youth pastor was teaching in a large auditorium filled with teens. He was sharing with them about the importance of putting their trust in Christ.

” But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. 15 Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. ” II Corinthians 2:14-15 ERV

When we trust God and follow His lead we will ALWAYS triumph! That’s not to say there won’t be battles. Bible is filled with those who faced battles and circumstances that could have defeated them.

Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery, faced prison time but became prime minister. Noah had to face a flood but he floated in the ark. David stood up to a giant and became king.

Peter was frightened by the storm, but he walked on water. Paul was in a shipwreck, but he made it safely to shore. Jesus had to face the cross but rose in triumphant resurrection!

Yes, when we trust in God he ALWAYS leads us to victory in Christ!

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Rest Again and Again

I want to speak to you this morning on rest, re-charging, re-energizing, Again!

This is a message I repeat frequently because I need it frequently. This morning I just sat in the quiet letting the Father bring rest to my soul and strength to my body. I hate getting up tired.

We all get busy and tend to burn the candle at both ends but what do we do to rest? Do we veg out and watch TV or maybe relax with a yoga class or have a glass of wine? Maybe we think that resting is going to bed earlier and getting more sleep – whatever you think will bring rest, does it really?

Weariness can come from being overactive, but it can also come from worry or anxious thoughts.

“The Lord protects defenseless people. When I was weak, he saved me. 7 Be at peace again, my soul, because the Lord has been good to you. 8 You saved me from death.
You saved my eyes from tears ⌞and⌟ my feet from stumbling.” Psalm 116:6-8 GW

Look at what God’s word has to say.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV “

Waiting on the Lord – waiting on God will renew our strength. It will give us rest.

Jesus was a prime example of this. He would minister all day and night and then he would send the disciples away and He would go to a place to pray – He would wait on the Father. After leaving these places of waiting, Jesus would go about ministering to folks, rested and renewed.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons out of people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. 35 The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. 36 Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. 37 They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here, and I can tell God’s message to those people too. That is why I came.” Mark 1:34-38 ERV

It’s time to rest, again. If you are feeling tired today – worn out, exhausted take time to WAIT on the Lord. He will renew your strength!!

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Look to the Hills

This morning I’ve been praying for you!

I was out watering my plants, feeding the birds and taking in my view of the mountains. Enjoying all that the Lord has made.

As I sit here this morning praying for family and friends I am so glad that God knows where you are and what you are facing. I pray for those who are traveling around the country and across the world. Some are driving and others flying so I pray for your safety and the vehicles that will be transporting them.

Others of you are living in distant places and I don’t really know what is transpiring in your life on a daily basis and if there are any monumental obstacles you may be facing but He does!

We’ll be celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow and we have the most wonderful, caring, loving Father to honor! James, the apostle, writes that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father.

The things He gives are meant to bless and prosper us – spirit, soul and body. What He gives doesn’t break, become outdated or need repair. He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“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. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night.7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Look to the Hills…why?

“Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.” Psalm 50:10-11 CEV

If our Father cares for the cattle on a thousand hills and all the birds in the mountains then I am confident that He cares for and protects each one of you.

“ 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?” Matthew 6:26 CEV

Thank you Father for covering my loved ones with your love, peace, and grace!

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It’s Flag Day

I love our flag and respect all it stands for. In fact, while we were on our get-away I bought another flag, but this one is crafted in wood. It’s beautiful.

Since today is flag day, I look in the Bible to find a correlation. Sure enough, it was there. In the book of Exodus and also in Psalms.

The people of Israel were being attacked by the Amalekites. They were a fierce army. Moses told Joshua to choose some fighting men and go out to battle. Moses observed the battle from a hill top. He told Joshua he would take the walking stick that the Lord had given him, which he had used to perform many miraculous things.

As long as Moses held the stick in the air the Israelites were winning. As the day wore on, Moses became tired and his arms started to droop. That’s when Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses and held his arms in the air. This is what Moses said when the battle was over.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write about this battle. Write these things in a book so that people will remember what happened here. And be sure to tell Joshua that I will completely destroy the Amalekites from the earth.’

15 Then Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord is My Flag.” 16 Moses said, “I lifted my hands toward the Lord’s throne. So the Lord fought against the Amalekites, as he always has.” Exodus 17:14-16 ERV

I have heard it said that the Lord is the light at the end of the tunnel. I tend to disagree with that statement. The Lord IS the light in the tunnel and He has promised to lead us to the end.

“May God do what you want most and let all go well for you. 5 Then you will win victories,  and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers!” Psalm 20:4-6

The term Jehovah Nissi, which Moses used in Exodus, literally means “the Lord is my banner”.

When soldiers go out to fight, they carry the banner of the country they represent. When we go out against our enemies – physical, spiritual or emotional – we should always carry the banner of who we represent.

A young shepherd boy knew that when he faced a giant named Goliath.

“Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. The Lord always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you. 48 When Goliath started forward, David ran toward him.” I Samuel 17:47-48 CEV

It’s Flag Day – raise your banner high!

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No Brag – Just Fact

I am reading in Ephesians again. I find myself there quite frequently.

The letters that Paul wrote to the different Christian churches were for their instruction and correction. I find those letters do the same in my life. While I was reading this morning a phrase jumped out at me, “there is nothing you can brag about”.

Last weekend while we were in Williams there was a whole lot of bragging going on. We didn’t know it when we booked our trip, but the annual car show was also last weekend. We went into town on Thursday evening for dinner and had a hard time finding a place to park.

We quickly learned that 600 cars were entered and many others were on a waiting list. Oh my, there were some real beauties! Top quality paint jobs, gleaming wheels, tuck-n-roll upholstery and a few rust buckets. Each and every one was hoping to be named “the best”.

No brag, just fact.

People are a lot like that too. Wanting to be judged by their accomplishments, education, size of their home, the car they drive, the accolades they have received, their good looks and great personalities. They want to lay claim to their bragging rights.

I think the Apostle Paul might have been dealing with this very situation.

“In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” Ephesians 2:1-9 CEV

We run into trouble when we begin to compare ourselves to others and brag on our “goodness”. Everything we have in this life that is good has been given to us by God.

“Don’t be fooled, my dear friends. 17 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. 18 He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.” James 1:16-18 CEV

“But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. 8 Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ” Philippians 3:7-8 CEV

Paul had been in the inner circle of Jewish society but as he wrote Ephesians and Philippians he was in prison. He knew what was truly important – knowing Christ as Savior.

A lesson for all of us – No brag, just fact!

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Pulled to Safety

I just wanted to share this Psalm with you as a way of following up on yesterday’s blog.

There are so many who feel helpless and without hope because of the situations they are in. They don’t have that rock solid foundation that I was talking about. If you know someone like that – wondering what to do, where to go, how to manage, I pray you will share these Scriptures with them.

God knows, He cares, He’s here with the answer.

“I patiently waited, Lord,
    for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
    full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
    with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song,
    a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
    you, the Lord God.

4 You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
about me in the book,
    where it says,
8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
10 When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

11 You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
    all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
    “Just look at you now!”

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.” Psalm 40 CEV

The Lord IS wonderful, He is great! I will magnify Him for He IS all I need!

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Following God’s Plan

Twelve years ago today, everything we owned was either in a U-Haul box van or in the back of the Excursion. We said goodbye to neighbors and friends and left Montana for our home in Arizona.

We felt like the children of Israel coming to the Promised Land. We had been marching in the wilderness for more years than we had cared to admit.

Trying to do things our way and not realizing what the Lord was directing us to do was frustrating to say the least. And all the time we “thought” we were following the Lord.

When good things would happen we would give Him glory and when times were tough we were praying and asking His direction. However, many times we would go with the thing that “seemed right” and logical instead of really waiting to see if that’s what He really wanted.

God was always faithful. His arms were always open wide and His love was always unconditional!

We can look back now and see how He did guide us even when we chose the path and how He brought us full circle to bring us Home!

Thank you Father for your faithfulness.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” vs 8 KJV

I hear people talk about their “forever” homes. I felt I had a couple of those – once in Idaho, then in Montana and in Rio Rico. Each one felt like the place I would be for the rest of my life.

But God had a different plan. I’m so glad He did!

By moving on, our lives have been enriched by many of you reading this blog. People we would have never met or had a personal contact with. Never have I regretted leaving a place when the Lord was leading the way.

“ Abraham lived in the country that God promised to give him. He lived there like a visitor who did not belong. He did this because he had faith. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. 10 Abraham was waiting for the city[a] that has real foundations. He was waiting for the city that is planned and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 ERV

To quote the words of a song – “This world is not my home”. Just waiting for the city whose ruler and builder is God. The rest of this is temporary, so we live with a heavenly purpose and destiny.

While we are content to be here and doing what the Lord desires, placing greater value on heavenly things will cause us to avoid greed and jealousy.

Following hard after the Lord – the only way!

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Still Standing

I was thinking this morning. What keeps you grounded when life’s storms have your boat rocking? …hmmmm and the storms will come – health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do you find peace and safety?

Peter was in a physical storm and he learned that he would sink or walk based on one thing – the Word of God. Jesus said “Come” and on that one word direction from the mouth of the Son of God, he walked.

If we are going to be grounded, we have to be standing on the word of God. It is the only sure and firm foundation.

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8

” Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

“ That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:13 ERV

There’s an old hymn that I love to sing, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

through eternal ages let his praises ring;

glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

by the living Word of God I shall prevail,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,

overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,

resting in my Savior as my all in all,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

Stand on His Word – it will never fail. When the battles are over we will still be standing!

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