What do you want? In His Word 2-1-2021

 

What do you want? This devotional was taken from the archives and adjusted a bit but it stands true today, our God shall supply all our needs; remember to seek Him first and trust that He will supply! 


Did you ever get what you wanted even before you asked for it? Have you ever been sitting in Church and the Pastor spoke about your life, but you had never told him what you were going through? Who would know what you are going through today when no one else does? How do you know that its God?

Lets look—In His Word!

Blessed be the Lord for He has heard the voice of my supplications!      Psalm 28:6 (nkjv)

 

            Julie awoke to the new day. The sun was shining and it would be a beautiful day outside, but inside her heart Julie saw only clouds. She knew that today would be another drudgery. She would go job searching, then to the food bank. Neither of which would be productive but at least she could say she made an effort to feed her three young children. 

Reaching for the drab but clean cotton linen dress with tiny little marigolds dancing over a pale-yellow background she thought to herself, “I sure wish I had a better outfit to apply for this office job in. I will be lucky if they don’t send me out thinking I am just looking for a place to warm up with this old rag.” Tears brimming as she tucked her golden-brown hair up in a loose bun and added a touch of makeup from the few dabs she had left, Julie left the house newspaper in hand and notebook and folder holding her resume under her arm.

 

At least the children were at her mothers, they would be cared for all this week while she attempted again to get a job that would help her pay the rent. There had to be a way to make ends meet. If only she had a little help.

 

Glancing upwards she thought of the Bible verse she had heard spoken as a child.

 

But He knows the way that I take…                Job 23:10a (nkjv)

 



“If He knows the way I take, I sure hope it’s a good one.” She spoke aloud as if towards God but not really too Him. She did not want to bother God, the Almighty with her petty problems, He had much bigger things to deal with she was sure. Much bigger than taking care of a single mother with three children who was desperately in need of a job to pay the bills before she lost the small home her husband had left her with. 

Glancing around as she rode the city bus to her first interview, she saw a man with s sign.

 

“Out of Work” It read, as he was begging for food or money. If all he did was beg he would be out of work for a long time. She thought to herself. She was going to be different; she knew somehow. She did not want to reduce herself to begging. There had to be someway…

 

"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.                Matthew 6:8-9 (nkjv)

 

The day went on slowly as she went from one interview to the next, trying to ignore the glances from employees and other interviewees, she smiled. God knew her needs; He would take care of her.  She closed her eyes and tried not to think of those people, she would focus on things she knew would make her calm and peaceful.

If only she knew had a friend to turn to now. But there was no one. She did not know what to do if she could not get a job today.

Stil,l Julie continued her trek and then headed home for the day.
There had been a couple of good possibilities. She would hear from them in the morning if she got two of the jobs. That was encouraging at least.

Strolling home from the bus stop she could hear her stomach growling. The apple she had eaten for lunch did nothing to curb the hunger that had been there since morning. Still, once she got home all she could do was fix a nice cup of black coffee and relish the fact that she had that. The appointments had been longer than she expected and the foodbank was closed when she had reached its doors.

 

“I don’t know what I will do,” she said to herself, and glanced up towards the sky again. “Lord thank you for the coffee I left in the pot this morning, at least it will subside my hunger.” She rounded the corner to her home and thought she would cry. There on her doorstep were not just one, but three… no, four bags of groceries!

 

Moving them out of the way Julie turned the screen knob and reached for her keys. Looking up to insert the door key she was brought to tears and to her knees. There on her door hanging from the knocker was a note.

 


 “Just thought you could use this, and to know that I am praying for you. Love from, your Secret Friend.”

Through the tears she removed the note and took three hangers from the handle. On the hangers hung not just one, but three business type dresses and suits.

 

“How?” She wondered aloud. “How did she know? I did not even ask God for the one dress, and yet, He has provided three for me.” Julie turned the key in the lock and entered her home, making three trips to bring everything in. Just as she was about to close the screen, she noticed two pair of shoes also sitting on the porch. 

 

“Thank you, God.” She smiled up at Him with a heart full of joy. She began emptying the bags and found them full of everything she needed to fill her cupboard to last her until her first paycheck.  It was an amazing supply of noodles, spaghetti and ramen both, plus some cans of sauce and broth… cheese! There was cheese for sandwiches with the bread in there… and tortillas...even a pack of tissue for the bathroom. She smiled knowing, God had provided everything she needed.

 

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 (nkjv)

 

Sometimes we think that we know what is best for us. Like Julie, we tend to do with out rather than bother someone, even if it is God, with our needs. Everyone has someone who is an ever-present help, and always eager to listen to our hearts cry. Jesus is waiting to listen to you today. Have you really opened up to Him lately?

Sure, He knows your heart, but He is waiting to hear you admit that you need help.

 

            "The Lord knows those who are His,"   2 Tim 2:19 (nkjv)

 

Maybe you are a silent server, someone who does not speak out for Christ, but He knows your heart. Take time today to listen to His leading, maybe someone out there in your world, where you work or play, needs an extra blessing today? If not you, then who? You may be the only connection to God this person will ever have, and it may be time for you to speak up, or to spread His love by lending an ear to someone’s hearts cries. 

            This week I want us to listen to His voice, to take time to know if someone out there needs us to help them in someway.  Maybe it will be a simple note to say, “I am praying for you”. Or maybe it will be a load of groceries slipped on a doorstep. There are so many around us in need, but they are specific needs for each person. Let’s pay attention to those around us and see if even in our own need that we can find someone whom we can bless.

            I have been hearing so many wonderful, good deeds lately, and perhaps that is why I was thinking on God’s goodness this morning.

 

 

4 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.                       Luke 12:4-9(niv)

 

Suggested Readings for this week;

Monday: 1 Timothy 1:1-17

Tuesday: Psalm 62

Wednesday: John 12:27-50

Thursday: Galatians 5:16-6:10

Friday: Hebrews 4:1-13

 Weekend readings: Psalms 127-131 (all of each one they are really short).

 

***If for any reason you choose ever not to receive this devotion again please remember that all it takes is replying with a "Please remove me from this list." I do ask that if there is a problem with anything I write for you to feel free to write me back and let me know what the problem was, that we might go over it together and seek the truth in love.

In His love,

Teresa M. Wilson

 

8 "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.

(from New International Version)