Wednesday, July 25, 2012

All We Need


Often I try to extract a little more turkish coffee to add after the first sips from our full demitasses. Recently, the slow pour produced more than usual.  I was surprised.  


Walking away from the freshly filled cup, this thought popped into my mind: That's how I do it. I never shortchange My children. I always give generously. Keep watching for Me!


We've been looking at houses on the internet and praying for wisdom in our choices: location, compatibility with the community, and possibilities for serving the Lord. Many yet unanswered questions tempt me to worry, and the precious Holy Spirit reminds me to keep committing these concerns to the Lord.

God is generous, kind, compassionate ... and well able to provide all we need. Remember the widow's oil that kept flowing when she obeyed the prophet's word (2 Kings 4)? Sometimes, when we least expect it, our Lord surprises us with unusual provisions -- for both small and large needs. Whether it's an extra teaspoon of coffee or wisdom for a big decision, our generous Father provides our needs. His resources are endless -- steady and fresh every morning (See Lamentations 3:23-24, Philippians 4:19).

Lord, please help us trust you with our future. Help us focus on what is true about You, remember how You have provided in the past, and meditate on Your promise to provide what we need.


FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Ask God's Spirit to speak to an area of anxiety in your life.
What might He say?
What verse might you use to remind you that God's grace is enough for you?

Here are some for starters:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)

God is able to make all grace about to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

(The last two verses reference people who generously gave to God. They had experienced God's generosity to them and were gladly giving back to others in need.)

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Brown Shirt

A brown shirt on a passing motorcyclist caught my eye. I couldn't read most of the white print, but deciphered 1 Peter 5:7. Somehow, I knew it was for me.

When I got home, I read and meditated on the verse and its context.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)

Several weeks of poor communication and misunderstanding with someone I love had been wearing on me. I had been trying to navigate choppy waters and had allowed anxieties to build. Surprising behavior had kicked off intense frustration, and my tension persisted with each wave.

The brown shirt reminded me of forgotten instructions for challenging times. God's Spirit used it to help me empty my anxieties while in my heavenly Father's arms. It also reminded me that more was involved than I could see.  I needed to humble myself... cast my anxiety on him... resist the devil...stand firm in faith.

The passing motorcyclist has no idea how God used his shirt in my life. Amazing, isn't it, how God uses ordinary triggers for extraordinary grace?! 

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Read and meditate on 1 Peter 5:6-11.

Is there an attitude or behavior that you need to humbly give God? Do you trust His care for you?

Since you have an enemy intent on your demise, what practical step can you take to resist and stand firm in your faith?

How might God use a simple gift of yours to impact others?

Take at least 30 seconds to thank the God of all grace who, himself, restores and makes you strong.