God's Provision

Greetings!!!

Have you ever watched sanderlings at the beach? They look like little children playing tag with the waves not wanting to get their feet wet. Actually, the little sanderlings are in a race with the waves. They are trying to catch and eat as many tiny ocean critters as they can before the next wave crashes onto the shore. As long as the beach is not too crowded with people, the sanderlings can be seen almost any time of the day enjoying their feast without a care, trusting the provision of their heavenly Father. How about you... are you trusting your heavenly Father's provision or are you feeling anxious and uncertain today.

Take a look at Matthew 6:26-34. Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father know that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Are you feeling anxious about your future? Then start seeking out what you can do for the kingdom of God. Ask God what He wants you to do, what ministry He wants you to get involved with, who He wants you to get to know. Get your eyes off yourself and your situation and onto the Lover of your soul. Place your trust in Him and His plan for your life.

The LORD bless you with being released from the dungeon of anxiousness and with finding peace in trusting Him.

I love you,

Ruth

picture is by my daughter Sarah Brotzman

Nothing Is Going Right

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!

Have you ever had a day that seemed like nothing was going right? Yesterday was one of those days. After working on this writing for two hours and having nothing fall into place, I had to walk away from it for a while.

What is your response when it seems like everything and everyone is working against you? Do you get angry and become quick to blame someone else or make excuses for your mistakes? Is it hard for you to look at yourself and say, "I was wrong, I need to change"? Is it even harder go to someone else and say these things? You might ask why does it matter, or what difference does it make?

Jesus said in Matthew 5: 21-24, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

We were created for relationship - relationship with each other and with God our Father, the Creator of all things. When we have broken or strained relationships with each other, we cannot be where God wants us to be. What relationship in your life needs mended? Go to that person and say something like, "I was wrong in doing______________. I am sorry. Please forgive me." Following up with a caring touch, or a hug if it is a friend or family member, can go a long way in relieving the tension in the relationship and opening up that person's spirit to your apology.

The LORD bless you with the heart of a child who is quick to be sorry for the wrongs done to you and with a readiness to seek forgiveness when you are wrong.

I love you,

Ruth