Unexpected Provisions

Psalm 104:27-28

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20104%3A27-28&version=NIV;MSG

 Sometimes I don’t recognize how God is at work providing for my needs.

 

In 2012 I had surgery on my ankle. Shortly afterwards, before my first physical therapy session, my therapist observed that my ankle was quite swollen. He immediately sent me to the hospital where they discovered that I had a blood clot. As you probably realize, blood clots, if not detected, can be fatal.

 

Recently I shared this story with a friend. His response was, “Wow! God really provided for you”. It’s more than a little embarrassing for me to admit that after more than five years, it had never occurred to me that God had provided this physical therapist who very well may have saved my life.

 

All the creatures look expectantly to you
    to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
    you open your hand and they eat from it.     MSG

 

We live in a society based on modern technology and information; not an agrarian society based on farming. Psalm 104 was written by someone living in an agrarian society whose livelihood depended on the weather, on the soil and little seeds. Today, most of us buy our food at Whole Foods or some other mega grocery store.

 

But if you expand your understanding of the verses above to not just mean the food you eat, but to include all of the needs that you have, then you begin to understand how expansive God’s provision actually is. It even includes a physical therapist’ insightful

observation.

 

Scripture tells us, ^“Every good and perfect gift is from above”. Jesus said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." He also referred to himself as “The Bread of Life”. God’s ultimate provision is that Jesus was sacrificed in our place.

 

There is much to be thankful for during this Thanksgiving season not the least of which is the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. But there are so many small ways that God provides for us every day. Things we are never even aware of.

 

Let us pray using the words of the Psalmist,

“Let all that I am praise the Lord.”

 

 

 

 

Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-7

Everyone had to go to their own town to register for the census as decreed by the Emperor Augustus. Because Joseph was descended from the house and family of David he went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem. Joseph took Mary. They were engaged and she was expecting a child. While they were there she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger. There was no place for them in the inn. The innkeeper wasn’t mean or inhospitable; he simply had no room left. The town was overcrowded because of the census.

Joseph and Mary were alone. They were completely dependent upon God’s care. There was no room in the inn, but God provided a place for them.

Do we make room in our lives for Jesus? Do we say, “no room,” maybe some other day. I’m too busy, I don’t need Him today. God doesn’t call ahead for a reservation. We can’t plan on when He will come. We can’t anticipate when He may call on us to do something or when we need Him as life’s troubles overrun us.

Christ wants to be welcomed, to have a place in our hearts forever. He wants to be generous with His loving care. He doesn’t want us to wait for some more convenient time. He will show up today right where we are in our lives. If you haven't invited Him in, now is the time!

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Questions -- Isaiah 40:21-31

Reading today's text my eyes fell on, "Do you know? Have you not heard?' The questions are repeated twice so Isaiah has my attention.

Isaiah's words are describing God Almighty. God is everlasting. He is the Creator of all the earth. He never grows tired. His understanding is far beyond ours to comprehend. He gives strength when we are tired and increases His power within us when we are weak.

Hoping and trusting in the Lord God will renew our strength. He will help us soar far above our fears, difficulties, hurts, and distractions.

I find it comforting to know there is Someone greater than me who cares and thinks of me. I can call on Him when I need strength and peace to keep going. God has no limits, except the limits I sometimes put on Him, making Him less mighty than He is.

As I read Isaiah's words several times my heart is renewed and I am grateful for an Almighty God.

"Do you know [who God is]? Have you not heard [what God can do]?" Do you have a clearer picture?

Prayer: Lord God, You are awesome and wonderful. I praise You for there is none like You. You are able to do all things and by Your power all things are created. You are almighty. I am thankful for Your kindness, mercy and love. Amen

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, Isaiah 40:21-31

What Should You Do? Exodus 31:1-11

When we were members of a church in Virginia, the children's department needed someone for music time with 2-3 year olds. No one stepped forward, so my husband, Bob, volunteered. For eight weeks six little faces smiled and six pairs of little legs danced and wiggled. Bob and the children had a great time together. Working with 2-3 year olds wasn't something Bob wanted to do. He just felt strongly he was supposed to help. God gave him what he needed to bring joy and music to the little children.

Bezalel and Oholiab were personally chosen by God to construct the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a portable worship center. It was a sacred place where God would meet His people, the Israelites, during the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness under Moses' leadership. It was a place where people would come together to worship and offer sacrifices. God gave Bezalel and Oholiab the ability and knowledge in all kinds of craftmanship in order to accomplish the work of building the tabernacle. He also gave various other craftsmen skills to help them.

When God called these men into service, He provided them with what they needed. God did this so that, "They'll make everything just the way I've commanded you [Moses]."

Prayer
Lord, help my ears hear and understand where I should lend a hand. Give me eyes to see what you need me to do. Help me trust You to provide what I need to get going. Amen

Read text at Biblegateway, Exodus 31:1-11