Supplying Needs

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

If you've spent any amount of time in church or around people who go to church you have probably heard this verse quoted numerous times. It is often used as reassurance that all your needs will be met by God. There are many times I have used this verse to ease my mind and remind myself God is my provider. As I was reading this verse today in its context of scripture, something occurred to me I had never noticed. 

Before I go into my revelation, I want to point out how this only happened because I was taking the time to read scripture in its context. I am the first to admit I fall into the trap of only receiving God's word through sermons, music, and books other than the Bible. I get lazy and tell myself I'm too busy to sit down in a quiet moment and ask God to speak to me through His word. It's amazing what happens when I do take these moments to simply be with Him! It is also interesting how a verse I've heard countless times can take on new meaning when I read it along with the verses before and after. 

Paul is writing this letter to the church at Phillipi and in chapter 4 he is thanking them for their support of him and the ministry work he is doing. Philippians 4:13 is another often quoted verse, "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." This verse is written after Paul is discussing being content no matter the circumstances. He is explaining to the church his thankfulness for their giving as he has learned without it there is lack and with it there is abundance. Either way, God has shown him how to trust in the Lord to provide and give peace in all situations. 

In verse 15, Paul acknowledges the church's support of his ministry even when no other churches were willing to give to him. The church at Philippi did not take up a "one time love offering," but gave to Paul's needs several times (vs. 16). After acknowledging the church's abundant giving is when he writes the encouragement of God supplying all their needs. 

Wait a minute....God will supply all their needs because they GAVE away what they had? How giving are you? Do you trust God to provide all you need, but keep a tight grip on what you already have? If there is a need, do you look at how you can help meet that need or do you think only of your own needs? Do you give to those actively out spreading the gospel or are you like the other churches Paul mentions who give nothing? Reading these verses this morning convicted me. I know I trust God to provide all my needs, but I also know I can hold onto things in my own fear of needing them later. I often fail to recognize God has provided everything in the first place and if it is meant to be in my life, He will continually provide. Holding on to what I have can actually restrict God's ability to move in my life. If I never make room for Him to have to provide because I'm doing it all in my flesh, then how much trust am I really exhibiting? 

I challenge you (and myself) to intentionally be more giving in the upcoming week. Look for ways to be generous. Pay for a strangers meal. Help out a single parent by paying their electric bill. Give to a missionary who has laid down their life for the sake of the gospel. I would love to hear how God supernaturally provides for you after you give away what you already have!

House Under Construction

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

Remodeling is often done when something looks okay, but is not quite functional any longer or a new design is desired. Perhaps some repairs need to be made so a new plan is drawn up and changes begin to be made. If you have ever done any kind of remodeling, then you know the process can be messy. Before anything begins to take the form of the desired plans, it appears as a mess and you can wonder how anything beautiful can come from what you see in front of you. You know the vision you have for how you want the finished product to appear. You have designs, floorplans, and everything else needed to complete the project. What is missing is the time and work necessary to bring the vision to fruition. So patience is required. 

As a newly married woman, I'm coming to understand how a new marriage is very much like a remodeling project. It is the tearing down of two separate homes and combining them into one home. And it isn't always clean or pretty. We each have "foundations" of the previous lives we led. In order to successfully combine them into one new foundation, we have many walls to tear down. Walls previously built to protect the old homes are the same walls that could destroy the new home. Life changes require demolition of the old in order to transform into the new. 

The process of change is often why people remain where they are even if they know a change is needed. Sometimes we would prefer to patch the current issues in life rather than undertake the work and process of true repair. We can tell ourselves an issue is not really all that bad, but all the time we live in denial, the minor issue is causing problems throughout the whole house. When building a new house, we have to ensure the ground on which we are building is not contaminated by things from the past. To build a home on ground that has not been tested for its stability would just be crazy! And yet, many times in life, we do just this very thing. 

Is there an area in your life in need of construction? Are you avoiding the problem in hopes it will just go away? Are you attempting to build a new house on an old foundation? Have you taken the time to examine your foundation at all? Even though the process of this marital renovation has had its share of dirt and mess, I know the end result will be something beautiful. When I read scripture, I'm given the final blueprints for the design the Master Builder originally intended. I can trust the architect of all things good to work things out as long as I'm willing to be patient with the process. Have you given Him control of your process? Have you handed over the design for your life to the One who created life itself? 

When you choose your foundation wisely, no mess or storm can destroy what is build upon Christ. 

Saying No

Tonight as I was tucking Olivia into bed I was telling her how much I loved her and she responded by saying how sometimes I'm mean to her. I asked her why did she think I was mean to her and she said because I say no to her a lot. I asked her how I could not be so mean and she replied that if I said yes to everything, then I would be a good mom. I laughed and explained how sometimes it's because I say no that I am a good mom and even if she doesn't like it, I will still need to say no sometimes.

Whoa.

Then it hit me how this is exactly how God feels towards us! So many times we think God is being mean and unfair because of the "no" answers we receive. We think we know what is best for us and maybe what we ask for would be a good thing, however God says no. Just like with my children, my no may not always be a permanent no, but more of a 'not right now" kind of no. They may ask to do something, but the timing is not right. Maybe there are things that need to be done first before I can give them a yes. I would imagine many things in our lives work this same way with God.

Look at this example of what happened to the Israelites because they grew tired of the wait: "Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!  In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it." Psalm 106:13-15

Remember there is beauty in the no. There is wonder in the waiting. Even when we want to tell God how mean He is for making us wait or saying no to something we really want, we must remember His ways are always higher than ours and His wisdom is far beyond our comprehension. What kind of daddy would He be if He always said yes?

This is Not a Test: Which Disciple Would You Be?

I often find it difficult to slow down when I read scripture. I find this especially hard when reading a story I've heard or read many times throughout my life. Today I was reading Matthew's account of the last supper. I'm sure it is a story many of us can recite from memory. If you've experienced communion, then certainly you know the details.

Part of the story involves the disciples arguing over which one of them would betray Christ. In the story told by Luke, the disciples basically begin by being concerned over who would be the worst of them and it turns into debating which of them are the greatest. Isn't that much like ourselves? When we come to Christ we feel like the worst of sinners, but then we begin comparing ourselves to those around us and start to think we might actually be the greatest in the Kingdom.

Each disciple is known for their flaws as well as their faith. Thomas for his doubt. Peter for his denial. And of course Judas for his betrayal. We often read of each disciple and find one we most identify with based on similarities in character. I know I have done it myself. In my reading this morning I was struck with a realization I had never considered before. As much as I hate to admit it, most of my life has been lived as Judas. 

Judas walked alongside Christ just as much as the other disciples. Judas gave up his way of life to be one of the chosen 12. Judas made many choices that showed his love of Jesus. His devotion was never questioned by the other disciples or else when Jesus said one would betray Him, they all would have immediately known it would be Judas. As I read, I have no doubt Judas loved Jesus. The problem was Judas was human. He had a weakness and satan knew all about that weakness. Judas was in charge of Jesus' finances and it was money that caused him to betray his Lord. When Jesus says, "...woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born," I think He knew of the torment Judas would feel after the betrayal had taken place. 

I know the guilt I have felt after I've deliberately sinned. When I have stumbled I wanted to run and hide from God rather than run to Him. I know the price that was paid for my freedom and yet many times I've chosen to betray His love for me. I have walked closely with Him and yet sold him for a fleeting moment of passion or worldly fun. 

But thankfully, my story doesn't have to end like Judas'. I want mine to end like Peter. While I may have denied Jesus on multiple occasions by my life choices, I want to finish my life living for Him and telling others about all He did. I want to perform miracles in His name. I want to follow Him to the grave and beyond. The guilt and shame may have overtaken Judas, but I refuse to let it overtake me. 

Which disciple "speaks" to you? If it is Judas, don't let your story end in guilt. Peter wept bitterly after his denial of Jesus. Weeping is good to cleanse us of the pain we feel after betraying the One who loves us most. However, weeping is only for a season. Get up and live your life in a way that will honor Him. Starting today.

Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham

This book selection is the story of the Benham Brothers, as told by the brothers themselves. Many have heard of the Benham's because of their cancelled-before-it-ever-started television show, but most, like myself, know very little about them otherwise. This book allows us a look into their upbringing and gives inspiration to anyone facing challenges to their faith.  

I found Whatever The Cost an interesting read. It is easy to see where someone is in life without appreciating the costs paid to reach where they are in the present. Both brothers do a great job telling their story and sharing the emotions behind the "plot twists" they've experienced. The book is full of short inspirations quotes also.  

The Benhams provide honest insight into their faith and inspire others to stand firm, no matter the adversity or cost. They provide real life examples of dealing with matters of pride (ie finding identity in your job) and other issues each of us have to face. They are living proof that following God is always worth it, whatever the cost may be. I recommend this book for everyone...of any faith! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”