August 8, 2013

Good morning all-

I just bought my sister-in-law a stroller for her baby girl that will arrive anytime.  It is so much fun to shop and love other people.  I am not a big shopper and don't really like to spend money but I do like to give to people and see the joy on their faces.

I can only imagine how God feels as He provides us with food, water and shelter.  What a beautiful gift we've been given. Often, we don't appreciate the many gifts we have.  If you've ever worked three jobs just to make your bills or have tried to stretch a dollar, euro or yen, ten times; then you understand the value of money.  It doesn't come easily but the US is full of people that have a lot, more than other countries and yet, we don't worship our Lord and thank Him for the abundance.

As I left work today, I saw a man on the side of the road with a sign.  I have seen him for the past couple of days.  I don't dare stop and give him any money because I don't know if it would be safe but I pray for him and ask God to provide.  I often find myself thinking about people less fortunate than me.  I have been blessed beyond belief.  I have a home over my head, a car to drive, and food to eat.  I am employed so I have healthcare.  Basically, the Lord has provided every needed thing.  And yet, I often wonder if I give Him the credit for my provision.  He does provide and I really don't deserve that provision but He does it anyway.  That doesn't mean I have everything I want but it does mean He has been gracious on my life.

There are missionaries all over the world that live on very little.  Many have food and shelter but security, health insurance and other things I take for granted are not available.  They seek their way by asking Christ and they believe that He will provide.  The lives we live here are so different than in countries where running water is still a difficult task.  I also think about my children and how great their life has been.  My hope is that they will know that God provides and that they will teach their children that all things are God's and we must thank Him for His gifts.

Now, I realize that water is a gift.  We have had constant rain for about two weeks.  This land has been dry for over 2 years with very little water coming from the heavens.  But for now, our rivers are up and our water supply has been re-established.  The birds are once again singing and praising God and everyone in Kansas is relieved.

What would we do without water?  We would perish.  Rain, like a roof over our heads is a provision.  Without water the land dries up, the animals become ill and crops do not grow.  We need God to provide everything for humankind to flourish and it's our jobs to remind the next generation that He is life!

I hope today finds you well and I hope that you have thought about Jesus these last few days.  I have and I am so thankful for the provisions He has bestowed on my life.  I pray that He would feed nations, provide shelter to the homeless and save the sinners.  Without Him, we are like the desert.  But with Him, we are a flowing river.  Take care my sisters and carry His torch.  Tell the next generation how abundant our Lord provides and watch the smiles as people find joy in His arms.

Psalm 32:8 NIV:

     "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I desire Your counsel above all others.  I seek Your advise and ask that You would continue to mold me into the woman I need to be.  I am Your servant!  As I look upon today, I ask that Your loving eye would be on me and all my sisters.  We live in different places, different cultures and speak different languages but we carry a common theme, loving You.  Be with us today as we try to seek You for our every need.  Help us to surrender ourselves to the only God!  Give us strength and wisdom to conquer our fears and help us to be successful in every battle.  The war is waging between self-sufficiency and our Provider.  Today, I just want to thank You for providing the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the shelter from the harshness of the weather.  Penetrate the countries that don't know You and bring those things upon their lands.  Finally, I ask that all Christians would stand up and praise Your name today.  That we would recognize that every form of money, every shelter, every business, and every need is supplied by You.  Thank You for the blessings You have bestowed on my life.  Thank You for the love You have shown me when I didn't deserve it and thank You for my sisters who love You as much as I do.  May we prosper and multiply so that the next generations will hear Your name and know that You are God.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...