My God shall supply !

‘Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." So she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.  For thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.' “So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.’                               1 Kings 17:8-16

The Lord’s instruction to Elijah was urgent and direct, “Arise, go to Zarephath and dwell there”.  The NIV says, “Go at once to Zarephath and stay there”. This instruction was given during a time of famine. The people of Israel had rebelled against God.  They worshipped Baal and in their worship, believed that it was Baal who controlled the rain.  They gave thanks to Baal for showering their crops.  So to demonstrate His power as the One True God over all times and seasons, the Lord caused a drought.  Cry as they might, Baal could not cause a single drop of rain to fall.  Elijah made this declaration to the king of Israel, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word." (1 Kings 17:1).  

During this season of drought, God miraculously provided bread and meat for Elijah through His heavenly delivery service – the ravens (1 Kings 17: 2-6) and Elijah drank fresh water from a nearby brook.  In a time of great famine, all of his needs were being met directly from the hand of God, that is, until the brook dried.  Elijah then received a new set of orders and the new promise of provision was as extraordinary as before, “See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”  Generally, widows, during that time, were dependent upon others for their provision.  How is it possible for a widow to be the vessel through whom God would bring the blessing?  For that matter, how was it possible that ravens could deliver bread and meat – twice…daily?

I find it very interesting that though God says to Elijah that He had commanded a widow to provide for him, it’s obvious that the Lord didn’t tell the widow.  Her expectation was that she and her son would eat their final meal and then die.  Elijah, being undeterred by her response, gave the widow direct and urgent instruction, which she followed, and the miraculous provision began..... again!

I see in this scripture the importance of obedience.  When God directs, your obedience can mean the difference between suffering and experiencing a miracle. How different would this story be had Elijah waited a day or two before making the journey?   I also see how important it is to not place limits on what God is able or willing to do.  Elijah, having been fed miraculously by ravens was obedient to go to Zarephath, but what if his faith had been shaken at the widow’s response?  And what if the widow had not been willing to obey the man of God? 

Along with his instruction, Elijah spoke three very important words – “Do not fear!”  Fear keeps us from obeying.  Fear keeps us from trusting.  Fear traps us in a pit called, Worry.  Please know that, ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) 

And be encouraged by these words, ^‘My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’

                                                                                                             Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Be obedient and be blessed!

My life is in His hands…… Part 2

How well are you handling the seasons of your life?

'He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'  - Daniel 2:21

As I consider the verse above (from our previous discussion, My life is in His hands – Part 1) I can’t help but recognize that my first issue with the ever changing times and seasons of life has to do with control, and my lack of it.  This is a big issue for most, though not often discussed.  We’re taught to plan, prepare and pursue.  We’re inspired to use ingenious strategies to achieve lofty goals, but how often is it stressed the importance of submitting every plan, every intention of the heart to God for His guidance, counsel and direction. Step one…the thought or idea, step two…prayer!  It would certainly save us a lot of effort and energy. Hear the cry of Psalm 81:13.

'Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! '

Another issue relating to the ever changing seasons of life is the challenge of living fully in the present season. I think of how much time I’ve spent fantasizing about the future.  What type of home or career would I have?  When or if I would marry?  Where would I live after retirement?  Thinking that began in my earlier years. Being able to escape these musings, I’m now challenged to not become lost in reminisces of the past, thoughts that either take the form of (1) longings for pleasures or people gone by or (2) grief from regrets, missed experiences or mistakes.  Thinking that began in my latter years. 

For example, my youngest son announced yesterday that he’s ‘officially’ a high school senior.  He then reminded me of counsel I had given him many years ago, that a day would come when no longer would there be four children (including him) and mom rushing to meet morning school bells, but that there would be a day when it was just he and I, traveling together each school day morn.  Not only is that day (season) here, but the end of it is quickly approaching.  We both marveled at how quickly 12 years have passed. 

Once again, I must face truth.  God has my past, present and future firmly in His hands and my leaving it there is a matter of trust.  Am I trusting Him with the seasons of my life?  Am I able to have the confession of David, ‘But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in Your hand.’ (Psalm 31:14-15).  Are you able to make this confession?

Regarding the past, I’ve learned to acknowledge my mistakes, repent of them, be thankful for them (for they have been a tutor for me) and keep going.  And with regard to the good times past, I’m thankful for those seasons as well, storing them away as memorable treasures.  I’ve long since learned that dwelling on the future is unfruitful.  I find that God brings circumstances to bear in my life completely different from my expectations or plans.  I now look for the guiding of His Spirit!  He’s always been true to His word – ‘My Ways are not your ways!’ (Isaiah 55:8).

For me to answer the question, How are you handling the seasons of your life?, I would say that I’m learning with each passing day to trust Him on a deeper level with the comings and goings of my life, to stand on the Word of God, to acknowledge His control and be grateful!  Hear the word of the Lord:

‘Listen to Me…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He!  I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  I am God, and there is no other.  I am God, and there is none like me.  What I have said, that will I bring about.  What I have planned, that will I do!’

                                                                                            Isaiah 46:3-4; 9; 11

He is trustworthy and able! 

Be blessed.

My life is in His hands…… Part 1

How well are you handling the seasons of your life?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven’.  As random as the days of our life may appear, our omniscient God has a set time for every activity, for all the ‘happenings’ in our lives. He stewards our days. And those days, collectively, make up a season ….a season of ‘beginnings and endings’ lived out under the watchful eye of a mighty God.  Isaiah 46:10 confirms that it is He who declares ‘the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.'

So what I find interesting about life is that for all my planning, preparing and maneuverings, I have very little input (if any) into the comings and goings of the seasons of my life.  The prophet Daniel states, ‘He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.’ (Dan 2:21) 

It is He who controls the seasons of my life!  Were I given a choice, there would be some seasons that I would love to last forever, like my season of raising children.  I’ve loved parenting, having my children together in one household! It’s been one of the greatest joys of my life.  But to be honest, for them to remain home forever (and ever Amen!) would be detrimental to their growth and development. So, by the wisdom of God, our children grow into adulthood, leave home, and establish their own households.  In contrast, there are some seasons that I would love to end quickly, like times of financial hardship and/or physical infirmity.  Actually, it would be ok with me to bypass these seasons altogether.  But once again, I see the wisdom of God in seasons of difficulty.  I see how life’s hardships cause me to draw closer to Him.  In difficult seasons I realize my dependence and need of the Lord.  I’m aware of how the hardships of life shape and develop my character.  These challenges make me stronger, more compassionate and more suitably used by Him.  I can’t think of anyone used mightily by God, who didn’t first experience trials and sufferings.

Eccl 3:1 also speaks of order, God’s order. He is not random and He’s not random concerning you!  He’s a God of purpose and design.  And He’s in control, but more importantly we’re not! 

There’s a Part 2 to this discussion. Until then, let me leave you with this precious promise!

‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!’                                                 Jeremiah 29:11

Be at peace!

Ask Him!

In the first chapter of Ephesians, after explaining God’s plan of redemption and it’s affect upon those who believe in Christ (verses 1-14), Paul writes a beautiful prayer of intercession (verses 15-23). His request, in summary, is that his audience (and we who would later come to faith) would gain spiritual understanding.  His desire is that we would know God better and understand His great love towards us.  Paul then prays for an impartation of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.

In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul is also praying for believers to receive (and grow in) spiritual understanding. And once again, he prays for an impartation of the Holy Spirit.  His request is that God would fill them,   ‘with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding’, which can only be revealed by the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

In both passages Paul speaks of the fervency of his prayer, with statements like, ‘we have not stopped praying for you’ and ‘I keep asking…’. 

In Colossians, he goes on to say that this spiritual understanding (impartation) is necessary in order for us to:   

 §         Live meaningful, productive lives

    §         Grow deeper in our understanding and knowledge of God

    §         Be strengthened to endure the hardships of this life with patience, and

    §         Live joyful, thankful lives.

I think of how deeply I desire these attributes in my life and how so often I’ve tried to accomplish these things in my own strength or my own way.  How liberating it is to know that for me to have the meaningful life I so greatly desire, all I need do is to ask Him.  No more trying to be nice in my own strength, or trying to be patient by ‘gutting out’ difficult seasons. And how dangerous it is to strive after wisdom without Him?  James 3: 13-17 states,

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.  This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

God’s wisdom cannot be manufactured or obtained through human will.  To be the best we can possibly be, to receive the fullness of this life we’ve been given, we must, ask Him!  To endure the hardships of life with patience and understanding, we must ask Him! 

So why not take some time to do just that?  Ask Him.  Ask Him to ‘fill you with the knowledge of His will’.  And ask Him to ‘give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation’.  Ask Him for more of the Holy Spirit. Just ask Him.  He’ll add productivity to your life!  Ask Him.  He’ll add a deeper understanding and knowledge of Himself to your life!  Ask Him.   He’ll add patience, strength and tenacity to your life!  Ask Him.  He’ll give you joy, His joy!  Ask Him.  He’ll give you more of His Spirit!  Ask Him!

And if Paul continued to ask, then I will do that as well!  Ask Him!

…Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

God’s creative power is revealed from Genesis (In the beginning God created....Genesis 1:1) to Revelation (Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation. 21:5). This same power, His power, becomes alive in us when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  We become a new person, a new creation, ‘Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Worldly lusts and fleshly desires no longer have rule over us.  We now belong to Christ.  He gives us His Spirit and we are forever changed. 

One of the things I appreciate most about my life in Christ is that not only have I been changed, but I am yet still being changed.  All who are His are transformed.  This, He has promised to fulfill!  For our part, having received His great promise, we are encouraged to -

‘Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.’  Colossians 3:1-3

We are to learn to care about the things our Lord cares about.  To have our passions rightly aligned with His.  We are challenged to not waste time or energy in unproductive areas, but to live fruitful and purpose-filled lives.  Always preparing for and anticipating His return.  We must also adjust our thinking.  The frame of reference for our thinking needs to be congruent with our spiritual position.  We are bound to Christ.  The same creative power by which God spoke life into existence is alive in us.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us.  The same power in which Jesus will return and draw all things unto Himself is alive in us.  Our thought processes need to reflect faith and trust in the One who has saved, redeemed and restored. No longer should we allow ourselves to become blogged down with negative thoughts of fear, worry or regret.  And no longer should we negotiate life based on temporal issues or concerns, but we should always strive to live against the back drop of heaven. Our future is an eternity with the Lord, so our challenge is to live each day in preparation.  Our aim is perfectly stated by the Apostle Paul.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!   Philippians 3:12 -14

Be blessed!

Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.                                                
                                                                                                                               - Romans 12:2

The way we think has everything to do with how well we negotiate the issues of life and our interactions with others. Proverbs 23:7 states, For as a man (or woman) thinks in his heart, so he is.   What’s true of you inwardly will be reflected outwardly.

In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul is letting us know that to truly be conformed into the image of Christ we need to be changed.  We need a renewal in our manner of thinking.  Upon believing in Christ Jesus, we were changed. We became a new creation.  Accordingly, no longer should we have the mind-set of the world or our own past interpretations on life, but we are challenged to each day view our life as God does.  To know and accept His will for us, which Paul describes as good, acceptable and perfect! A change of mind does not come easily, but it will come as we open our self to truth …His truth.  And a change in heart will come as we open our self to His Spirit. 

More times than I care to admit, I’ve placed a life experience in my ‘Category Bad’ file only to later discover that said experience was a tool used by God to grow and bless me and to allow me to know Him better!  Having come through the trial to see His wisdom in bringing me through and to experience the joy of knowing that He was with me along the way! You don’t truly know Him as a deliverer, until He has delivered you from something.  How can you know Him as the All-sufficient Provider, unless He’s provided for you in a way no other could?  And how can you know His favor, grace or love unless you’ve experienced Him.  The good news is that once you’ve come to know Him in these ways you’ve entered into relationship.  No longer living in the shallow waters of religion, but experiencing the rich pleasure of relationship with Him. 

Now, back to how we think about things. When He carries you through a trial or difficulty, do you concentrate on the hardship or do you ever think, just maybe, God is entrusting you with a trial.  Could James 1:2-4 be true?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

As I look through scripture, how sad I would be had Job cursed God and died according to his wife’s words.  No longer having the encouragement of one who didn’t understand why he was experiencing severe trials, but who stood, knowing (in heart and mind) that God was sovereign and good.  How I would miss the encouragement received from Joseph’s ability to stand through years of difficulty, not consumed in regret over life’s trials but believing in heart and mind God’s promise. And how were Paul and Silas not overcome with how dreadful their Phillippian prison experience was but were able to sing songs of triumph which led to their freedom.  And what if Jesus had concluded (thought) that there was another way to redeem mankind, something, let’s say, a little less taxing. 

How we think is indicative of what we believe and we are only able to believe according to the measure of our faith.  We know from Romans 12:3 that, God has dealt to each one a measure of faith, so in order for this renewal process to continue in me, I must seek His counsel regarding the issues of life.  From His word I learn to think about life differently and thereby grow in faith.  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God!  I learn to trust Him more, to know and love Him better, and to better love my brother and sister!  As I grow in faith, the trials and tribulations of life become less burdensome and more of an adventure.  And by His grace, I become perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  Let’s think on these things!