WINGS

 

ONE HUNDRED TIMES ZERO :
Matthew 17:27 "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take, and give unto them for me and thee."

This was quite a miracle. Not only was the money supplied for their taxes, but it was the exact amount needed, and it was from the first fish that was caught.

Although this sets the precedent that God can supply our needs in a miraculous way, it's important to remember that God doesn't counterfeit money. He didn't create money in the fish, but rather he had the fish miraculously find and swallow the exact Roman coin that Peter needed. It's a mistake to just pray and then wait on God to rain the money down from heaven.

As Luke 6:38 says, God uses men (and sometimes fish) to give finances to us. He can do it in a very unexpected, supernatural way but it will involve people and existing currency. We need to believe the Lord hears and answers our prayers and then pray for the people He's going to use to deliver the answer. This could be our employer, the person who buys our goods, or any number of people.

The Lord also blesses what we set our hands to do. When in need, we should seek God's direction for something to set our hands to and then trust Him to bless it and multiply the results of our work. But one hundred times zero is zero. Many people have missed their miracle because they never took that first step of faith and used what they had. God can give you a creative idea today that will bless you and make you a blessing to others. Seek and you will find.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS ON THE FOUNDATION OF GOD’S LOVE 
In April, Joel and I celebrated 27 years of marriage. So much has happened over the years in our lives as we’ve learned to grow together, but I have to say, our relationship is stronger now than it’s ever been! That strength comes from the unconditional love we have chosen to give one another. We don’t just love and support each other when things are good or just when we agree on everything. No, we are committed to loving each other no matter what; and every day, we make a conscious effort to communicate that love. Communicating love every single day is what creates a foundation for success in any relationship!

One way we communicate that love is through words. Words are so powerful, and it’s so important to tell the people in our lives that we love them. We need to allow words of love to flow freely in our homes and create an atmosphere of acceptance and security. At the same time, we need to be comfortable hearing those words spoken to us. Sometimes we hear it and dismiss it. Sure, they are just three little words, but every time Joel says “I love you” to me, I allow those words to sink down deep into my heart. I know that when I embrace those words, they establish a treasure of security and trust in my heart and strengthen our relationship.

In the same way, we have to allow God’s love for us to create a secure foundation in our hearts. We have to know that God loves us no matter what mistake we’ve made, no matter what setback we’ve encountered because when we are secure in His love, we are empowered to live better. We are strongest when we build our days on the foundation of His love. Remember, it’s the key to successful relationships!

Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him… (Deuteronomy 33:12, NIV)

REFRAMING THE PICTURE

As an eagle stirs up its nest, . . . spreading out its wings, . . . so the LORD alone led [Jacob]. —Deuteronomy 32:11-12

For 3 months I had a ringside seat— or should I say a bird’s-eye view—of God’s amazing handiwork. Ninety feet above the floor of Norfolk Botanical Garden, workers installed a webcam focused on the nest of a family of bald eagles, and online viewers were allowed to watch.

When the eggs hatched, Mama and Papa Eagle were attentive to their offspring, taking turns hunting for food and guarding the nest. But one day when the eaglets still looked like fuzzballs with beaks, both parents disappeared. I worried that harm had come to them.

My concern was unfounded. The webcam operator enlarged the camera angle, and there was Mama Eagle perched on a nearby branch.

As I pondered this “reframed” picture, I thought of times when I have feared that God had abandoned me. The view in the forest heights of Virginia reminded me that my vision is limited. I see only a small part of the entire scene.

Moses used eagle imagery to describe God. As eagles carry their young, God carries His people (Deut. 32:11-12). Despite how it may seem, the Lord “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). This is true even when we feel abandoned.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him—I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me and I am His child.

Because the Lord is watching over us, we don’t have to fear the dangers around us.

TRUST HIM TO DELIVER YOU :

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. – Psalm 91:7,10

Naturally speaking, this is a terrifying world we're living in today. A world that staggers from one disaster to another. Almost daily we hear about wars, about the dangers of nuclear weapons and chemical warfare, about oil spills and earthquakes and floods, about diseases on the rise and crime sweeping through our cities.
But in the midst of it all, God is promising to be a refuge and a fortress to those who will trust and dwell in Him.

"But," you might say, "He made that promise thousands of years ago when things weren't in as desperate shape as they are today!"

That may be so, but you know what? That promise is right up to date. It was made for our generation. Just think about it. Back when Psalm 91 was written, man hadn't even invented weapons that could destroy ten thousand people at once. We're the generation that did that. So when He said, "No evil will befall you," He was including us.

No evil will befall you. My, what a statement! You need to catch hold of it and believe it today. Believe that God wants to be God in your life. He wants to be your protection. He wants to be your security. He wants to be the first Name you call when trouble comes your way. He wants to be the One that you trust in and look to, to keep you safe. And if you'll do that, He'll never, never let you down.

He can handle all the dangers that surround you. I don't care how bad they are, He can handle them! He proved that with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were bound and thrown into a fiery furnace that was so hot that the men who threw them in were killed by the heat. Now you can't get in any more trouble than that. But God brought them through and when they came out, they didn't even smell like smoke. Hallelujah!

So, no matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God. He'll always be faithful. He'll never be out doing something else when you need help. He'll be right there to deliver you from any problem, any catastrophe, any kind of devastation.

Let Him prove in your life what He proved in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: No other can deliver like Him!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY :

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm, 42”8)

Dear Lord God, I praise You. I honor You. The law of the Lord is perfect; reviving my soul this morning.May my heart be inscribed by the law of the Lord and my mouth is filled with the Words of God so I am consecrated to serve the Deity in purity! Touch me O God; cleanse me with Your holiness. Bless me and use me to accomplish Your great plans for I am Your chosen servant and wonderfully made child.

Gratefully, in Jesus’ holy name. Amen !!!

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