Tag: provision

June 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Lion’s Strength

Opening Verse

 

“The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion’s whelps are scattered abroad.”
– Job 4:11 KJV

Introduction

In our lives, we often rely on our strength and resources. We believe that as long as we are strong, we will never lack anything. But the Bible teaches us that even the mightiest can falter.

Devotional Story

There once was a mighty lion, feared by all the animals in the jungle. His roar could be heard for miles, and his strength was unmatched. The lion always had plenty of prey and was the king of the jungle. However, as time passed, the lion grew old and weaker. His once powerful roar became faint, and he could no longer hunt as he used to. Soon, the prey he relied on became scarce, and the young lions that followed him were left to fend for themselves.

What This Means

This story mirrors the verse from Job. No matter how strong or capable we are, without the right sustenance, we too can falter. Our strength is not solely in our physical or worldly power but in our reliance on God. When we depend on our own abilities, we may find ourselves lacking. But when we depend on God, He provides for us in ways we cannot imagine.

Think About This

– What are the things you rely on for strength in your life?
– How often do you turn to God for sustenance and guidance?
– Are you prepared to trust God even when you feel strong and capable?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for being our provider and our strength. Help us to remember that no matter how strong we feel, we need you every day. Teach us to depend on you and trust in your provision. May we always seek your guidance and rely on your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
– Psalm 34:10 KJV

April 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Wilderness

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
— Proverbs 3:5-7

Introduction

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes the lessons learned during Israel’s tough journey through the desert, particularly highlighting the importance of humility and the risks of self-reliance and disobedience to God.

Devotional Story

The wilderness journey of the Israelites serves as a reminder for our spiritual paths. When they trusted their own wisdom and strayed from God’s commands, they found themselves literally wandering in circles—stuck in a harsh, unyielding environment for forty long years. Yet, even in this severe correction, God’s grace remained evident in small but profound ways.

What This Means

Being wise in our own eyes can trap us in a spiritual wilderness, just as the Israelites were trapped in the desert. Ignoring God’s direction and clinging to sin prevents us from moving forward. However, God’s grace never leaves us. During Israel’s wanderings, their clothes never wore out, and their feet never swelled. These overlooked miracles are vivid reminders of God’s constant presence and care, even when we are blind to it.

Think About This

Consider the ‘small miracles’ in your life that you might have overlooked. How has God shown His grace to you in ways you didn’t fully appreciate at the time?

Prayer

Lord, help us to see Your hand in every part of our lives, even when we feel lost or stuck. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own understanding rather than Your wisdom. Thank you for Your unending grace that sustains us, even in our spiritual wilderness. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
— Deuteronomy 8:3

April 7, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Blessing of Abundance

Opening Verse

“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” – Psalms 105:37 (KJV)

 

Introduction

In this verse from Psalms, we see a picture of God’s abundant provision and strength given to the Israelites as they left Egypt. It’s a powerful testament to God’s ability to care for and enrich His people in every way.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine the scene: after years of hardship and slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were led out by Moses, not in poverty or weakness, but with wealth and health. Each family, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent, was strong and carried with them the wealth of Egypt, a gift from God as a part of their deliverance.

 

What This Means

This scripture reminds us that God is not just a God of sufficiency but of abundance. He doesn’t just bring us out of our troubles; He brings us out enriched and strengthened. It’s a reminder that no situation is too dire for God to reverse and bless immensely.

 

Think About This

How can you trust God more deeply in your times of need, believing not only for deliverance but for abundance? Reflect on areas of your life where you need God’s provision and strength.

 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your promise of abundance and strength. Help me to trust You more in every situation, believing that You will provide not just what I need, but more than I can imagine. Strengthen my faith in Your generous nature. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

March 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Unearned Blessings

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Opening Verse

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, KJV)

 

Introduction

In life, we often stumble, mishandle what we have, or find ourselves undeserving. Yet, in His boundless grace, Jesus continues to provide for us, teaching us about His unwavering love and mercy.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine a man named Tom, who was careless with his money and often made poor decisions. Despite his irresponsibility, there came a point where he found himself in dire need, facing the possibility of losing his home. Ashamed and out of options, Tom turned to prayer, seeking forgiveness and help. Miraculously, even though he didn’t deserve it, help came in unexpected ways: a friend offered him a job, and a family member lent him money to cover his immediate debts. These acts of kindness were not mere coincidences; they were manifestations of Jesus’ provision, showing that His grace covers us even in our most undeserving moments.

What This Means

This story is a powerful testament to the fact that Jesus’ provision is not based on our merits or actions. His love and care for us are constant, offering us grace and support even when we falter or fail.

Think About This

Reflect on times when you received help or blessings you knew you didn’t earn. How did these experiences affect your understanding of Jesus’ love and provision?

 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your endless grace and provision, even when we are undeserving. Help us to remember Your past faithfulness as a promise for the future, and to trust in Your unchanging love. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matthew 6:25, KJV)

 

 

March 25, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Praying According to God’s Will

Opening Verse

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” – 1 John 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Understanding how to pray according to God’s will is essential for every believer. It brings us into a deeper relationship with Him, aligning our desires with His plans and purposes.

Devotional Story

Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a humble farmer who was known for his deep faith. Despite facing many challenges, including poor harvests and financial difficulties, he remained steadfast in prayer. Instead of asking for riches or an easy life, he prayed for strength, wisdom, and the ability to understand and accept God’s will for him. Over time, his perspective on life transformed. He found peace and contentment, recognizing that God provided him with everything he needed, according to His divine plan.

What This Means

Praying according to God’s will means letting go of our own desires and trusting that God knows what is best for us. It is acknowledging His sovereignty and believing that He can see the bigger picture of our lives.

Think About This

When you pray, do you seek to align your requests with what God wants for you, or are you more focused on what you think you need? Remember, God’s plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me to pray according to Your will. Help me to trust in Your plans for my life, even when I don’t understand them. Grant me the wisdom to seek Your will above my own desires. Strengthen my faith, so that I may fully rely on Your provision and guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

March 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Supplies All Your Needs

Opening Verse

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Introduction

In a world where worry and scarcity often dominate our thoughts, the promise that God will supply all our needs offers profound comfort and hope. This divine provision is not just about material needs, but encompasses our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Devotional Story

Maria faced financial difficulties after losing her job. The bills were piling up, and she didn’t know how to provide for her family. One evening, feeling overwhelmed, she knelt and prayed earnestly for help. The very next day, she received a call from a friend offering her a job. It wasn’t just any job; it was exactly what she needed, both in terms of the role and the support it offered her family.

What This Means

Maria’s story is a powerful reminder that God is attentive to our needs. When it seems like there’s no way out, He opens doors we didn’t even know existed. Trusting in God’s provision means believing that He knows our needs better than we do and that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing.

Think About This

Consider your own life. Are there areas where you’re struggling to trust God’s provision? How can reflecting on His faithfulness in the past help you trust Him more fully today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to supply all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Help us to trust You more, knowing that You are always faithful. Teach us to rely on Your provision and to recognize Your hand at work in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” – Matthew 6:31-32

March 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Axe Head Reclaimed

Opening Verse

 “But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.” – 2 Kings 6:5 (KJV)

 

Introduction

In our lives, we often encounter moments that seem insurmountable, challenges that appear as deep and as lost as an axe head in a river. The story from 2 Kings 6 reveals a profound truth about God’s care and intervention in our lives, even in what might seem like trivial matters.

 

Devotional Story

The sons of the prophets were expanding their living quarters, and in the process, a man’s borrowed axe head fell into the water. Distressed over the loss, especially since it was borrowed, he sought Elisha’s help. Elisha, moved by the man’s plea, cut down a stick, threw it into the water, and miraculously, the iron axe head floated to the surface. This act was not just about recovering a lost tool; it was a demonstration of God’s power and His concern for even the smallest details of our lives.

 

What This Means

The floating axe head is a testament to the fact that no problem is too small or too insignificant for God. He is concerned with every aspect of our lives, including those moments when we feel we’ve lost something valuable or when we’re facing a task that seems impossible. The miracle performed by Elisha is a reminder of God’s ability to recover and restore what was lost or seemed beyond reach.

 

Think About This

How often do we refrain from bringing our ‘small’ troubles to God, thinking they might be too trivial for His notice? This story encourages us to remember that God is interested in every detail of our lives. He is willing to intervene in ways that defy our understanding, turning our impossible situations into testimonies of His power and grace.

 

Prayer

Lord, help us to remember that no concern is too small for Your attention. Teach us to trust in Your power to act in every situation we face, knowing that You are always with us, ready to offer Your help and guidance. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.” – 2 Kings 6:6 (KJV)

 

February 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Message in the Tall Grass

Opening Verse

“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:” – Matthew 6:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world that often feels rushed and burdened by daily concerns, there’s a profound lesson to be learned from the simplicity and beauty of nature. Today, we turn our eyes to the tall grass, a common yet overlooked part of God’s creation.

Devotional Story

Imagine walking through a field of tall grass on a warm, sunny day. The grass sways gently in the breeze, a sea of green that stretches as far as the eye can see. In this moment, there’s a sense of peace and a reminder of God’s care for all of His creation.

In the Bible, Jesus uses the lilies of the field to teach us about reliance on God. Just like these lilies, the tall grass does not worry about its existence; it simply grows, nourished by the sunlight and rain provided by God. This imagery can teach us a valuable lesson about trust and surrender.

What This Means

The tall grass stands as a testament to God’s provision and care. It does not worry about tomorrow, yet it is taken care of. Similarly, we are called to place our trust in God, knowing that He will provide for our needs. It’s a call to live a life of faith, not of worry.

Think About This

As you go about your daily life, consider the tall grass. Let it be a reminder to you of the importance of trusting in God’s provision. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God, letting go of your worries and embracing a life of faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of Your creation that reminds us of Your constant care and provision. Help us to trust You more deeply, just as the tall grass does not worry about its existence. Teach us to rely on You for our every need, surrendering our worries and living in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)