provision

as the snow falls

filling the yard

coating the bare branches

the winter birds return

expecting to find food

believing in provision

simple faith

that I have yet to learn

 

The Promise of Provision by Derek Prince

After too many years of receiving more teaching in church about finances and prosperity than about God Himself I am admittedly wary about reading, hearing and talking about abundance and provision. But I couldn’t resist Derek Prince’s promise of new revelation about the subject in The Promise of Provision: Living and Giving from God's Abundant Supply:

God longs for you to have fruitfulness in every area of your life. God is a God of abundance. I pray that He will grant that revelation to you as you read.

I know that Jesus said He came to give us abundant life:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).  John 10:10 Amplified

I believe with all my mind, heart and spirit that Jesus was speaking about more than money, though too often this has been applied simply to finances. I appreciated Prince’s remark:

As we consider abundance, let’s take our focus away from the idea of having a lot of money in the bank. Abundance does not necessarily indicate possessions of large sums of money or property. But it does suggest something that is the opposite of poverty, want and failure.

Prince dives into scripture to show us what God has said about His promises and how we must claim them as our own, now, today. As I continued reading, I found myself asking the Lord to reveal His truth, His way, fearing once again the slant of human understanding.

I find myself wishing that God could erase the blackboard in my mind, giving me a clean slate that holds no bias one way or another about contrversial topics, that I could read His Word without recalling the various ways other people have interpreted it.

I cannot blame my discomfort on the author.  Derek Prince seems to genuinely desire his readers to receive fresh revelation from the Lord about a subject that has long been misunderstood.  I will return to this text many times, I'm sure, prayerfully requesting the Lord to speak.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Book a division of Baker Publishing Group.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 
 

Seeing the plenty

This week we have enjoyed the first beets, cucumbers and potatoes from our garden.  This afternoon I pulled up a few carrots and one small ripe roma tomato.

We fell very, very short of our usual harvest of peas, but it looks like there will be more than enough beans.

It isn't possible to say how well the corn will come in, some looks good, some not.

Each time I lean toward grumbling and complaining or feeling sad about all the plants that have died without giving up their normal abundance...  something catches in that back of my throat, tears fill my eyes.

Image by United Nations Photo via Flickr

I think of those who are leaving some of their children on the side of the road to die of hunger and thirst so that they might save the others.

While I see the plenty that surrounds me, I thank God for all that He has provided for us and ask "Why me, Lord?  Why have I been so blessed?"

I find myself praying that He would show us what He would have us do.  A cup of cold water is needed.  My heart can't seem to turn away.

Drenching or drought?

We have been drenched with more than enough moisture.  Days of rain follow days of rain.  Farmers fall to their knees in prayer, needing to trust God for His provision, His timing, His promises.  Those who finally had opportunity to place seeds in the soil now watch them wash away as  rivers of excess run in the fields.

Yesterday on Facebook I posted about being surrounded by "wet green" and received this reply from Marcus Goodyear of The High Calling:

deeply jealous of your wet green grass since we're in a deep drought down here

So again I look to the Lord filled with the questions of a child, not understanding our strange weather patterns, wanting to ask, "Why, Father, why?" but trusting that He sees, and He knows, and He already has a plan.

This morning, fog settled thick around us.  The Lord had words with me.  When I have a moment, later in the day, I will share them here.

Pleasantly disturbed on a Friday?

I know that today is the day after Thursday, but this seems to be a day to pull random strings together into one post, so I am pleasantly disturbed on Friday.

I'm thanking and praising today over at Everyday Testimony Project and praying that many others will grab hold of the joy that arises from testifying to the greatness of our God!  Stop by and shout out your own thank you, for He Is more than worthy of our praise.

As a blogger for Compassion I am blessed to be able to particpate in monthy blogging assignments.  This month we have the opportunity to help send Emilda, a sponsored child  to the World Special Olympics. 

Emilda lives in a squatter community in the Philippines and though she has the mental capacity of a three year old, she is very fast on her feet!  In 2009 Emilda competed in the Philippine Special Olympics and won a gold medal, two silver medals and a bronze medal in track and field.  This performance qualified her to compete in the World Special Olympics in Athens, Greece this Summer. But she needs your help to get there.

Emilda's parents are unable to pay her way to Greece and neither is the Philippine government. Her need is $19,857.
You can find more information about Emilda here and your donations can be made here.

One year ago today my father slipped from the grip of this earthly life.  Today I reflect back on the struggle surrounding his last days, a time I wrote about here.  I pray that he is resting in the arms of Christ, like a contented lamb, knowing the sweet peace that comes from walking with the One true shepherd.  I pray that same outpouring of peace for all of my family.  I miss you Dad, I love you still.

This morning, the Lord reminded me to keep a cup of cold water filled, prepared to share it in His name.  If you're in need of refreshment, give me a shout, I'll pour out.

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.  Matthew 10:42 NLT

Stop by Helen's place and visit the rest of the random gang.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Hummingbirds

I cherish the ways that the Lord chooses to speak.  As I picked up my journal this morning I noticed the activity of the hummingbirds at the feeder we have hung outside the livingroom window.  Here's the journaling session that followed:

Another morning, another day, another chance to choose whether I will stumble about blindly in the dark or seek Your wisdom and revelation.

Yes, little one, I do allow you freedom in your choices.  My wish is to Be your desire - that you come to Me without force.  I will not manipulate, even when I can see you wasting time, energy and emotion following your own ways. 

I watch and I wait.  Sometimes I chuckle and shake My head - in the same fashion as you do when you watch the hummingbirds that come to drink the nectar you provide for them.  You laugh to see them using great quantities of energy, wings in constant motion, hovering, that they might drink.  And you know there is a perch that they might rest upon where they could stop their flapping and drink with ease.  But you can't tell them or show them, they must find it on their own. 

So too is it with the resting place I have for you in Me.  I cannot take you there, you must find it for yourself.  Yes, others may speak of it, teach of it, pray that the way is made clear, but each one must find it on their own, in their own time and manner.

You sing songs about preparing a resting place for Me - but never forget that that I Am the resting place for My people.

Pray, little one, for I have chosen you.  Pray that more will choose the way to My heart.  Yes, speak of Me.  Yes, teach of Me.  But pray, for I have made you righteous in My sight, and your fervant prayer accomplishes much more than you know.

The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with James 5:16b The Message

Do not forget the tenderness you feel for these tiny birds - such is My heart for you.  I provide you nourishment, shelter, rest and peace.  I Am the God of plenty, the God of more than enough.  But just like the birds, you so often fly off when others are near, letting your peace scatter.

Be still - be still and know.

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!  Psalm 46:10 Amplified

There are great joys to be found in every moment.  Come share at Emily's Chatting at the Sky the gift you've unwrapped today.

Creativity Boot Camp -Smooth

The word prompt was smooth. Click on image to enlarge.

Note: The words I have used in the work above are not scripture or paraphrase - but inspired by my heart's understanding of the passage.

A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God! Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. Isaiah 40:3-4 Amplified

Saturday Evening Blog Post - May 2010

It's that time again. Come on over to Elizabeth Esther's to read blogger's self chosen favourite posts for the past month and add your own link while you're there.

This month, I've added a post from late in May titled Prayer of Promise - surrending the season into the hands of God.

Time to breathe and share

It's been an intense time of prayer and battle for our church and region and I am taking some time to rest, breathe and share some of the love the Lord has poured into me.

Tomorrow I fly south to the Chicago area to spend a week with my mom. She is feeling well these days, not receiving any chemo treatments and I thought it would be nice for us to have time to just hang out and do things that would be fun for both of us.

There are so many things she has missed during the years she was taking care of Dad.

So, we might go to the zoo, to the botanical gardens, to the theater and perhaps even a riverboat casino. We will share memories and laughter and tears.

At times I know I will again feel just like the little girl that looked to Mom and Dad for all of my needs. That was before I knew the only One Who provides and I pray for opportunity to speak of Him.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - His placement

This is what home used to look like -- flat, concrete and steel, shades of gray.

This is what home looks like now -- prairie life, open space, greens and golds and brilliant blue. Mountains surround our region of Manitoba, setting us apart from the usual flatlands.

It is the hand of God that has directed my steps and as I submit to Him I am filled with the peace of knowing I am placed where He desires, whether for a season or a lifetime.

His heart led us to journey to Africa, and it will be by His direction that we return there -- or perhaps He has a totally different plan that He has not yet revealed. I am unwrapping the blessing of His divine placement. Let me take root in His house, wherever He chooses to plant me.

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. Psalm 92:12-14 NLT

Join Emily at Chatting at the Sky and let us know what you've unwrapped today

Unexpected gifts

The plan was to fly from Chicago to Winnipeg on Tuesday evening, stay overnight, do some shopping Wednesday in the city, and then drive home.

My brother and nephew drove us to the airport, avoiding the need for a taxi. We had checked in online and the luggage drop off line was short. The security check was surprisingly fast and smooth. Breathing sighs of relief and happy to be headed home, we walked to our departure gate.

While Rick was off finding us something cold to drink, I noticed on the info screen that they were looking for people who would voluntarily give up their seats and that interested parties should check with an agent for info about compensation. I mentioned this to Rick when he returned, Pepsi bottles in hand.

When a United employee appeared at the desk I went up and asked if they still needed volunteers. When he said they did, I asked what time the next flight would be. "9:54 tomorrow morning" he replied. He assured me we would have a seat on that flight. I asked what amount they were offering as compensation. $600.00 in travel vouchers. $600.00 ! I thought that was for the both of us, but he said it would be $600.00 for each of us.

"I'll go talk with my husband" I told the agent.

As I started to walk away from the desk he added "And we'll put you up in a hotel for the night too."

Rick agreed that it would be silly to pass on the offer, so back to the desk we went and spoke to another agent who took our names and said she would call us if they needed our seats. About fifteen minutes later, she printed out new boarding passes for the morning flight, handed us a voucher for the hotel, told us where to catch the shuttle and then placed a stack of eight $150.00 travel vouchers in my hand. $1200.00 good anywhere on United Airlines. We called the hotel in Winnipeg to cancel our reservation, saving that money as well, and set off to find the shuttle bus area.

At the hotel, I felt like Ree, the Pioneer Woman when she was on her book tour, taking pictures of her hotel rooms. I was glad Rick had his camera because it was a more luxurious hotel than we could have afforded to pay for.

Those of you who have been following my posts know it had been a difficult trip and I was so thankful that God would give us this indulgent gift.

Security and check in went smoothly in the morning, the plane departed only a bit later than scheduled. It seemed that God was teaching us to always be prepared for a course change, our plans are not in our own hands, but in His.

Now... if they would only find and return our luggage. I know that's in His hands as well, and I must trust that He will make sure they are here in time for me to wash and repack clothes for our next trip - leaving Tuesday.

Word Filled Wednesday - Provision

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Joel 2:26 NKJV

This chickadee was able to enjoy God's provision in the storm at the feeders we hang in our yard.

This week Susan is hosting us at Forever His