provision | Revelations From The Road

Take Your Own Advice

January 1, 2010 by Bill 1 Comment

Given January 1, 2009
My wife and I had a good discussion this morning. We talked about our aspirations, dreams, and goals and how they might align with God’s plans for us. We concluded, which we both already knew, that God has a plan for us, (and everyone), and we needed to submit ourselves to His plan, increase our focus in that and decrease in our own plans. In the new year, we want to be what God wants us to be, do what He wants us to do, and have what He wants us to have.

This all reminded me of some of the things I’ve been saying to my staff recently. At the Workforce Center, we have been going through re-organization and getting away from the way things were done in the past and updating policies and procedures. I frequently will hear, “That’s not the way we used to do it.” So I have been stressingtot my staff, “Forget how it used to be done and do things the new way!” The Lord reminded me this morning of this and that I should take my own advice, forget the past and look to God for the future. I think it’s good advice for all of us today: If we want to see real success in 2010 and beyond, we must operate in God’s plan. And, make no mistake, He has a plan for you and I! I may have had some ideas or plans for my future but they may not have been in line with God’s plan for me. I want to be right in the middle of God’s plan whether I can see any sense in it or not. I know He’s already started things in motion with me and I am taking my own advice and taking my eyes off my little piddly plans, looking up with out-stretched arms, and saying, “Father, not my will but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42. Paul said it this way, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14. Amen!

We are in a constant battle between our flesh and our spirit. I want to consentrate in 2010 on building up and training my spirit to react according to God’s will for me in every situation. Whatever He has planned for me personally, in my family, at work, in ministry, or whatever, I’m with Him! And it’s going to be good! He said, “Call on Me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou know not.” Jeremiah 33:3, and God told Moses to tell the people at the Red Sea with Pharoah’s army behind them, “Stand and see the deliverance of the Lord.” Exodus 14:13. I’m standing and I’m expecting. How about you?

A Lesson On Worrying

December 20, 2009 by Bill 1 Comment

Given December 19, 2009

We are in the middle of a giant snow storm here in Southwestern Virginia with no electricity for two days and everything that goes with that. However, we have a gas stove which provides warmpth and a cooking option and we are making it OK. I tend not to worry too much since Jesus has told us all several time not to but my puppy gave me a fresh look at that yesterday.

The snow was so deep, Fudge the puppy, got out of his secure pen and met me in the driveway whild I was shoveling snow. He was happy to see me and wanted to jump and play. I thought, “Fudge, can’t you see we have problems here. Why are you so happy?” Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of why. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6: 25-34. That’s why Fudge wasn’t worrying and I shouldn’t either. Thank you Lord!

That’s Crazy – The Exodus

August 29, 2009 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given August 2009

In chapter 12 of Exodus, we read of the night Israel left Egypt. God gave Moses some very specific instructions to pass on to the people about the course of events which were about to happen, (verses 3-11). Some of it sounded pretty crazy.

They had been slaves in Egypt for 430 years and Pharaoh had refused to let God’s people go as Moses had been asking him. Even after all the plagues, Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he didn’t want to let his workforce leave. But tonight was going to be different.God instructed them to do these things: kill a lamb, wipe its blood on their door frame, get the whole family in the house, get your coat & shoes on, have your staff in hand ready to travel, roast the lamb, eat all of it, and eat it in a hurry. Doesn’t this sound a little strange to you? They’re slaves…why would they be ready to travel and where would they be going? How could they finance a trip into the desert and what about grandpa who had a stroke making bricks 10 years ago and was paralyzed on one side? How’s he going to travel? That’s crazy!

But…they believed God and did as He said. That night, the death angel came through the land and the first born of everything died but not among God’s people. There was loud wailing in Egypt, (verses 29-30). Pharaoh called Moses in and urged them to take their herds and go as they had asked before. The Egyptian people told them to hurry and leave lest we die, (verse 34), and they were to ask the Egyptians for money and clothes before they left. Crazy? But they did and the Egyptians gave it to them!

But what about grandpa who was paralyzed and all the other sick or injured people among the crowd of 3 million? “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” Psalm 105:37. Even though grandpa was paralyzed, he believed God and got his staff and sandals on ready to travel. I imagine maybe as he was helped through the door, he was healed along with the many other who were, “feeble”.

Whatever God says, DO IT….it’s not crazy!

God Is Good

July 18, 2009 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given July 18, 2009

God is good! We’ve heard this phrase many times. We’ve said it ourselves many times. It is a testimony that God loves us and He does good things for us. “You are good and kind and do good; teach me Your statutes.” (AMP) Psalms 119:68. But think about when we hear or say this. Isn’t it just after something good has happened? We got a new job, a baby is born, you are healed, someone is saved, a situation worked out; get the picture?

But what about other times? We even repeat this phrase like it’s a cheer, “God is good, all the time, and all the time ,God is good.” Do we believe it? Is God good all the time? Of course He is. When someone else got the job, God is good. When a baby is lost, God is good. When we are not instantly healed, God is good. When someone dies unsaved, God is good. When the situation gets worse, God is good. Think about it. Sure, God wants us to praise Him when things are going well but what about when they’re not? Would it be OK to doubt His goodness, worry, and complain and ask, “God, where are you?” NO!

Even in the bad times, God is there, “I will never leave you nor forsake you“. Hebrews 13:5. We don’t see or understand everything. God is always there nearby waiting for us to trust Him. And, it’s mportant what you say. In the midst of your storm, try saying, “God, you are so good. I love you and praise you for working in my situation. I cast all the care of this over on you and stand here with my hands raised declaring – You are good!”

God’s Favor

April 17, 2009 by Bill Leave a Comment

Given April 14, 2009

During morning devotions and prayer on this morning, I was praying for my pastor as I ususally do. I asked God to give him favor in what he was doing in our church. I believe God has a plan and purpose for each of us and we are to seek out what that plan is and follow it. I believe our pastor is doing just that and we are seeing wonderful results. I have to admit I didn’t always totally agree with some of the choices Pastor made but God showed me that our pastor was His chosen man and He was directing him. So it really didn’t make any difference if I disagreed or not. I had to say, “OK God, you’re right, I repent.” I’ve been cool with it ever since and fully support and agree with the plan. Pastor is following God’s lead, things are going well, so I follow both of them!

But on this morning, the Holy Spirit revealed something else to me. As I prayed for favor for our pastor, God showed me that IF Pastor Wayne was following God and His plan for our church, and not pastor’s own plan, he already had God’s favor. God’s not going to lead anyone into failure; His plan is for success and He will get the glory. “Lead us not into temptation…” Matthew 6:13. And another thing, God will take care of financing His plan too. If we follow Him, He will lead us the right way, show us what to do along the way, and pay for it as we go. What a deal!

Today, ask God what His plan for you is, get in it, and you will automatically have favor. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you as well” Matthew 6:33.