1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you- 1 Peter 5:6-7


I find this especially important as I go back to work for the school year. I often time feel like I do more than I get credit for, yet I am constantly reminded by God that all that matters is His thought on the matter. In time, God has allowed the things I have done to bless me. I've gotten everything from great friends to superior recommendation letters from giving my all to everything I do.

The second part of the scripture is also important  for me as things start a new again. With things still looking dim around me, its a comfort to know that God truly cares for me. He has the whole situation in His hands. I have no reason to stress and be anxious over it. Its hard not to be, I am regularly guilty of letting things run through my mind endlessly at night, or losing my temper over what we "lack". With God's help I am able to stand up and try to imagine it though His eyes. I read somewhere (although I can remember where now) that "we have a point of view but God has the view."

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to see my life through your eyes. Whether in a time of plenty or a time of need, remind me that you care.

Psalm 77:11-12

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
   yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
 I will consider all your works
   and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” -Psalm 77:11-12

Although its hard to see the past good in difficult times, it is an important gift God gives us. When things are not where we think they ought to be, remembering God's faithfulness to us in the past should strengthen us and give us hope. God doesn't take care of us one moment just to drop us the next! It is a testing of our faith to make a point to see the things God has done, rather than focus on what we see on the now.

Prayer of the day: Thank you for taking care of me. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I know you never forget me and have great plans for my future.

Malachi 3:10

Over the past two months, God has made great efforts to teach my husband and I something, and that is that if you give, he will give. First I must confess, we were not always faithful givers. We wanted to be, we used to be, but when times got hard, we just let that slip away. As things more challenging and even on good months there wasn't enough, we knew we had to make a change. About three months ago the hubby and I decided to give tithe on our dependable (my) income. The first month surprised us. From the time we gave, we kept getting blessed. Our needs were met, many wants were granted... it was amazing. This past month we decided to give on estimated total income. Do you know what happened? We were blessed again. I'm not saying its a magic formula, but it something God truly allows us to test Him on. He said give, we (finally) didn't question Him, and He amazed us! Now that we understand this, I wished we never stopped it in the first place. Perhaps we wouldn't be where we are today if we had. However, I believe in redemption and I know He can bring us back to the place where we were, likely better!

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:10

Deuteronomy 8:10

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. -Deuteronomy 8:10

I really like this verse, it is a great reminder to be thankful and give God glory when all is going well. Often we pray hard and are attentive during times of need, but are less involved in our relationship with Christ when things are going smoothly. I strive to be like Paul and be thankful and content and give God praise no matter my situation!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I thank you for caring for my every need. Thank you for all the good things in my life. Help me to remember to focus on you no matter what my situation is.