New Year's Theme

This year I am opting for a "New Year's Theme" instead of "New Year's Resolution". God has been speaking to me lately regarding His PROVISION. That is probably partly because of the needs I have in my family for provision - needs that seem impossible due to lack of resources. But I also think it has to do with the fact that I need to learn more about His provision in other parts of life, aside from just finances.
What about God's provision for us emotionally? His provision for us mentally? His provision for us physically? His provision for us spirtually? He provides everything we need, in every part of our lives.
I am participating in a scripture-memorization challenge/accountability this year on another blog. I decided to focus on verses that relate to God's provision. We are to memorize two verses per month. At the end of the year, I will have memorized 24 verses about God's provision! I think that will be life-changing, don't you?? I need to trust Him more and believe Him more - so, here's my first memory verse to kick start this year of focusing on Jehovahjireh (God will provide!).....

Genesis 22:14 NIV: So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide (Jehovahjireh). And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Not only do I want to memorize these verses, but I want to understand them! This explanation by Warren Wiersbe, in his book "Be Obedient" explains this passage:

God did provide the sacrifice that was needed, and a ram took Isaac’s place on the altar (Gen. 22:13). Abraham discovered a new name for God—“Jehovah-jireh”—which can be translated “The Lord will see to it” or “The Lord will be seen.” The statement “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen” helps us understand some truths about the provision of the Lord.
Where does the Lord provide our needs? In the place of His assignment. Abraham was at the right place, so God could meet his needs. We have no right to expect the provision of God if we are not in the will of God.
When does God meet our needs? Just when we have the need and not a minute before. When you bring your requests to the throne of grace, God answers with mercy and grace “in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Sometimes it looks like God waits until the last minute to send help, but that is only from our human point of view. God is never late.
How does God provide for us? In ways that are usually quite natural. God did not send an angel with a sacrifice; He simply allowed a ram to get caught in a bush at a time when Abraham needed it and in a place where Abraham could get his hands on it. All Abraham needed was one animal, so God did not send a whole flock of sheep.
To whom does God give His provision? To those who trust Him and obey His instructions. When we are doing the will of God, we have the right to expect the provision of God. A deacon in the first church I pastored used to remind us, “When God’s work is done in God’s way, it will not lack God’s support.” God is not obligated to bless my ideas or projects, but He is obligated to support His work if it is done in His way.
Why does God provide our every need? For the great glory of His name! “Hallowed be Thy name” is the first petition in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13), and it governs all the other requests. God was glorified on Mount Moriah because Abraham and Isaac did the will of the Lord and glorified Jesus Christ. We must pause to consider this important truth.

AMEN!!

I challenge you to also memorize scripture this year. It is vital to your walk with God!!

Celebrate Him this season.....

After viewing this video, no other words are needed. Merry Christmas!

binding up the brokenhearted.....

Isaiah 61:1:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners

This time of year is full of celebration, memory-making, parties, shopping, family events, special decorations and music, opportunities to give, and lots of blessings.
Let’s enjoy it – remembering ‘the reason for the season’ always, and keep a grateful heart at all times.

Let’s also remember those in our midst who are NOT celebrating, partying, making memories, shopping, enjoying family and the decorations and music. Let’s remember those who are HURTING, and who may even feel as if the holidays rub salt in their wounds.

Ask The Lord to reveal to you those who are lonely, grieving, hurting either physically or emotionally, struggling financially or with other circumstances, losing their jobs and homes and stability, caught in a marriage falling apart, in a pit of depression or a stronghold, suffering broken hearts, feeling unsure about their future and in the grips of worry and even fear.

And then – reach out to those who are hurting this season. Instead of getting caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle, spend some time focusing on meeting the needs of others. A gift of food or money, lending a helping hand, asking how you can specifically pray for someone, giving useful gifts, extend hospitality to those who have nowhere else to go during the holidays, send a note of encouragement, acknowledge someone as you pass by…….there are zillions of ways to bless those who are hurting through these holidays. The Lord came to bind up the brokenhearted....and He often wants to use US in that process!

Let’s not forget the hurting! They are all around us.