"I am guiding you on the way of wisdom and I am leading you on the right path." Proverbs 4:11

Category: 31 days on provision (page 2 of 4)

things provided: wisdom

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,  and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:15-20

31 days on provision: a prayer

pondering this:

 

 

Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”   God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

May you go forth this week grasping the Gospel to the depths of your being.

every. single. day.  

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

things provided: kept strong

 

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus….. you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 He will keep you strong to the end

so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord  1 corinthians 1:4-9

things provided: His Presence….constant and faithfull

 

 

a new baby was on the way.  she didn’t know if it would be a boy or a girl.  she pondered the name Sarah if it was a girl.  the name seemed fitting.  they were embarking on a journey that was to another place.  building with their own hands a cabin in the mountains.  living on the land in a temporary structure while building.  following hard after a life without debt and doing it the best that they could.

the baby was born….a boy, Daniel.  He came as the third.  Hannah and Ezekiel and Daniel.  this family now complete. ready (so they all thought)  for the adventures ahead.

the plans forged on.  the time in the current rented space drawing to a close and the temporary housing on their land moving forward.
and then the winds came.
the foundation tumbled and the temporary roof blew off.  they attempted to repair, but the winds returned with hurricane force and brought the walls down.
and so they bent their knees and sang of the goodness of the God who controlled the wind and the waves and sought His comfort and direction.
there was still a mortgage to pay on the land and what was available for rent was small.  They trudged out and searched in 2 cities for a place to go.

where He led baffled and confused. 

this one? this is where we will live?  it’s the smallest.  it’s far from the mountains, right in the middle of town.
         yes this one.
and He provided joy there.
and He provided help for the needs of the child with SPD.
then the landlord raised the rent. again and again.  and the little white house was now too expensive.  and there wasn’t anywhere else, so they looked for a place to buy.
it seemed hopeless.  they went to another city where the prices were lower and sought out a 3 bedroom.  the oldest was getting older.  shouldn’t a girl have her own room?

where He led baffled and confused.

this one?  it’s small and old and there is sooooo much work to make it even livable? and still only 2 bedrooms. the kids will still have to share?
yes here.
so they worked (are still working) to make the house a home.

and then it was time to send the oldest to school.
and they bent the knee and prayed to the God who controlled the winds and the waves and who chose the exact times and places for man to live. 

where He led baffled and confused.

this school?  it’s public.  74% receive free lunch. Title 1.  right down the street.  
so off she went.  and the first half of the year her mouth was stuck open most of the time with what she saw.  that’s what her teacher said at their first conference.  but slowly they fell in love with that school.  and whenever they began to fear they’d somehow heard wrong, the Great Shepherd of the sheep would comfort and confirm with His very word. 
 

and then it was time for a new church.
and they bent the knee and prayed to the God who loves to meet them where they are and knew just where they would be at home.

where He led caused their soul to breath deep and rejoice. 

and they would walk each week to worship their present and faithful God.  oh how they loved those walks.

 and then at that church there were ministries.

and where He led baffled and caused them to be wonderstruck

 they met families who were homeless and got to love on them for a week at a time.
and then they would see those families at that school.

and then relationships would form.
and then they would invite the family into their home.
that small, old, run-down home.

where the floors were painted plywood and 3 crammed into the same room and what’s for lunch is peanut butter and jelly again.
and those families could feel welcome there.
and so they would come back.
when they needed to talk. or a ride to church. or a place for their children.  or a ride to rehab.

that baby is now a 3rd grader at that neighborhood public school.
the family follwing hard after a life with no debt is still in debt with 2 mortgages.
the three children and their St. Bernard all share one room-the oldest now 13 

time and time and time again, where He has led baffles and leaves them struck with the wonder of it all.

  

this is my story.

much of the time i despise and complain about it.
and i am sorry for that.

He provided.  He saw before.  He chose the exact times and places for man to live
        so that:
men would seek Him and find Him and know Him.

it’s not so much a story about the homeless seeking and finding Him and knowing Him. i can’t even say if they have done that.
       it’s a story about me.
being driven to my knees.
       every. single. day.
and finding Him faithful.
       every. single. day.

it’s about looking back on where i am at (a turning 40 thing??) and seeing His hand all along the way.

when driven time and time again to my knees.
       driven because like Abe Lincoln, there was no place else to go.

never once did we ever walk alone

you are faithful God you are faithful.

And [the Lord] answered [Moses]; “Set your mind at rest, My presence will go with you after all.” (exodus 33:14 complete jewish bible)


 

this is part of a 31 day series on Provision.  To see the first post in the series click here.  To read the entire series click here and read backwards (the first post is listed last, the latest post is listed first-i don’t know how to change that. thank you for grace.)


things provided: enjoying myself (or: growing ok with the person that is me)

funny

sitting here at Panera.

everyone else brought their laptop.

i brought a plant.

i carried the plant in with me while i placed my order.  balanced the plant and my order while i chose a table.  of course i chose a table right up front so that i am sure to be seen by the friend that i think i will be meeting.  (i feel like the 3yr. old who brought a frying pan to class.  i’d heard of blankets and stuffed animals, but never a frying pan.)

ha ha ha.

this is me.

i’m the one who forgot her phone when driving 2 hours to a place i didn’t know for my daughter’s cross country meet-so when i was lost i couldn’t call anyone and had to figure it all out by myself the old fashioned way.  arriving with 10 minutes to spare (ok, maybe 5), i rejoiced that i made it to see the beginning of the race and i did remember the camera and i took some awesome pictures.  but alas, discovered that there was not a card in the camera so all those pictures are somewhere out in space.  (why is there no flashing warning ‘no card, no card, silly put in the card??)  which reminds me of the time in Alaska as a teen out on a fishing trip in the most beautiful scenery i’ve ever seen.  i took a whole roll of film-a 36 roll even-only to discover that i had forgotten to put the film into the camera. aarrggg.

but i digress.

so here i sit right in front where everyone can see me with my plant.  (i won’t mention (except that i am mentioning it)  that i’ve got a winter hat on and am still in the shirt i slept in because there was no time to shower and it was cold and i like this shirt.  at least i put real pants on. )

but you see, it’s not this morning that we planned to meet.  actually i’m 2 weeks early.  i remember when we scheduled that she mentioned something about it also being halloween, but i forgot that and just remembered the Thursday part. 

but at the last minute i grabbed my Bible (score!) , so i will sit here and eat my breakfast and pretend that  i did this all on purpose and enjoy the music and study Matthew.

maybe all those people staring at me are just jealous because i get a plant at my table and they don’t.

this is learning to be comfortable in my own skin.  

chuckling at the whole thing.

and enjoying the day anyway.

things provided: meeting me right here

 walking in the door-the events of the morning and the message on the phone lingering.

i fall to my knees without words.

and He speaks the very word that names what i am feeling:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (it can be sung to the tune of ‘do your ears hang low’ that’s how it got filed away in my head and how it always returns.)

ahh, there is such a connection between hope and joy.  You alone are my hope.  that’s what my dear friend answered me when i asked her; “how do you hang onto hope?”

You are the God of hope, You are the one who fills to overflowing-You are power-ful.

finding myself driven by my great need to shut the door of my room and hide away with my Shepherd for a bit.

remembering His words;

blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted.

You Lord have promised comfort.

up on my wall is this:

“if i say my foot is slipping, your faithful love will support me, Lord.  when i am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” (psalm 94:18-19)

His comfort….a pathway to joy

and i sit with Him.  i play the music.  close my eyes and listen to the words wash over me.

this:

and this:

and i let the tears fall.  over what is. 
                                             out there.
                              and what is.
                                        inside my very heart.

i know full well of the plentiful harvest and the few workers.  i know full well my lack.  i know full well the grief sin keeps causing.  and the temptations to believe lies, all kinds of lies.  

one of the gifts He has given thus far today is solitude here in my room.  to weep with Him, to sit and breathe and wait on Him. 

and He meets me here, right where i am at.

Keep me safe, O God,
                for in You i take refuge.
i said to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
                apart from You i have no good thing.”
As for the saints who are in the land,
                they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase
                who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
                or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
                You have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
                surely i have a delightful inheritance.
i will praise the LORD who counsels me;
                even at night my heart instructs me.
i have set teh LORD always before me.
                Because He is at my right hand, i will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
                my body also will rest secure,
because You will not abandon me to the grave,
                nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life;
                You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
                with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.  psalm 16

 

this is part of a 31 day series on Provision.  To see the first post in the series click here.  To read the entire series click here and read backwards (the first post is listed last, the latest post is listed first-i don’t know how to change that. thank you for grace.)

 

 

things provided: a good story

 

i lost myself in a book today.  still with a sick one, so he sat on my lap watching Sesame Street (still not too old for Sesame Street-joy!)  and i read.  and i read and i read and i read. and i got to finish it! It was like a bonus to the gift of enjoyment of the new plan for my day.

Here’s my favorite quote from the book:

“Everyone needs to be transformed, to forget one’s woes, if only for an evening,” Henry Ray said.  “That’s what the theater does.  And so they leave refreshed, the lowly and the royal, refitted to perform their tasks anew.  It is the essence of art.” (p.338 of What Once We Loved by Jane Kirkpatrick)

the gift of story. 

art provided against the woe’s of life.

if only for a moment.

it’s one of my favorite provisions.


this is part of a 31 day series on Provision.  To see the first post in the series click here.  To read the entire series click here and read backwards (the first post is listed last, the latest post is listed first-i don’t know how to change that. thank you for grace.)


things provided: power to enjoy

 

 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11

 “Now is your time of grief, but i will see you again and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy.” John 16: 22

“rejoice in the Lord always.  i will say it again rejoice!” Philippians 4:

 “in all things give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 thess 5:18

i would read these passages, and approach them from the place i think Zechariah was when the angel told him Elizabeth would be pregnant.  “you did not believe my words.” was Gabriel’s charge to him.  (see Luke 1)

i honestly read over the words and dismissed them.

but i wanted to believe them.  The Lord’s been working a change in me: 

now, reading these words i’m hearing Mary’s response to Gabriel:  “How can this be?  since I am a virgin?”

that is becoming my response to Joy- “How can this be?  Since i am a human?”

i believe You now Lord, but i don’t understand.

He has been showing me that the power to enjoy is something that is given by Him, by the Holy Spirit living within.

that nothing shall be impossible with Him.

and my response is becoming; “May it be to me as you have said.”

today-this very day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i’ve been working through this specifically since Saturday. Saturday i was misunderstood at Bible Study.  and it was the drive home that He and i had the above conversation. 

and then more practice came.

i ran errands with a friend who had a pass from treatment for errands.  i got to see firsthand the Lord’s victory in the battle to return to treatment.  i was still rejoicing in His victory when the call came that actually, it was only a temporary win and she was now leaving treatment.  and i said no to help her do so. 

and i was agitated and frustrated and we had planned to go out to dinner to celebrate my daughter’s cross country season.  and i knew-i needed His power to enjoy the evening with my family.  so i was (yet again) driven to my knees (hence the post from Saturday) and He did it.  i took a walk, and He spoke truth to my heart about what happenned at Bible Study and the other events of the day.  He enabled me to return and focus in on my family present and enjoy their company and the evening out. i felt joy within.  i felt it!

today, yet again, i am faced with the need for the provision of joy.  my son is home sick.  sickness often comes to rob and steal as the thief that it is. 

because i find myself so often thinking that if only we wouldn’t get sick so much, and if only our budget could stretch a little more and we could have a toilet up in our cabin, and if only i could change this or that about my house to make it function better….then i could enjoy this day, my cabin, my home, etc….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Joy Giver, the Author and Perfecter of my faith has said:

“and you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”

therefore, i respond:

“i am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.”

Provide this one with Your Power to enjoy…today.


this is part of a 31 day series on Provision.  To see the first post in the series click here.  To read the entire series click here and read backwards (the first post is listed last, the latest post is listed first-i don’t know how to change that. thank you for grace.)


31 days on provision: a prayer

 

 When you find yourself driven to your knees, may you find the arms of a Savior who comforts like no other.  May your heart rest in the security that nothing can seperate you from His love.  May He grant you music for your very soul and provision for all that this day holds.  How great is His faithfulness!

things provided: a place to go

 

 

 

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” ― Abraham Lincoln

 

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   psalm 145:18-19; 46:1


this is part of a 31 day series on Provision.  To see the first post in the series click here.  To read the entire series click here and read backwards (the first post is listed last, the latest post is listed first-i don’t know how to change that. thank you for grace.)


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