Snails

(by request)

“I don’t understand it.”

It’s something all of us say. In a thousand different ways.

Maybe with an honest question. Admitting we don’t know? That’s the first step in learning.

Too often though, we’re afraid of admitting we don’t know. We’re uncomfortable with the humility that an honest question requires.

And instead of the honest question, we still reveal that we don’t understand. But we do it in ways that keep us from understanding.

Maybe we make baseless assumptions about something. Or simplify it to the point of error. Or give up trying to understand it.

Or brand it as impossible. Like Philip in today’s Gospel. With the feeding of the 5,000.

Thank God (literally) that our lack of understanding has zero impact on the things that you and I don’t understand.

I’ve always been amazed at snails, at the way they move. How they do it without any feet or legs. I can’t explain it.

Yet somehow, they do. My lack of understanding has never stopped a single snail from going wherever it wanted to go.

Only it’s not just true for snails. It’s true for all of God’s creation. And for God.

A lack of understanding on my part (or on anyone else’s part) has never held God back.

Philip’s lack of understanding of how 5,000 people could be fed with only 5 loaves and 2 fish didn’t hold God back.

God provided. Even though Philip never did see how it could happen.

The same is true for all of the unknowns that you and I are facing. We may not understand it all. And that’s okay.

We don’t have to have it all figured out. We just need to know the One who does.

Because our lack of understanding of how it’s all going to work out won’t hold God back.

God provides. Even if we don’t see how it could happen.

Today’s Readings

Stuck ?

You don't know what to do. You have managed to get yourself in a mess. Unable to come out. Get deep in prayer. He is with you. He will deliver you from what you are going through. A God sized problem Needs a God sized solution. He will come through and deliver you. Deep prayer will dig you out of Deep problems. The Lord is with you he will make that way you need. He has not forsaken you !

UGANDAN ORPHANAGE WORKER DYING OF TYPHOID AND MALARIA:

Please help!!!

Update: 50/100 $ reached. Just need 50$ more!!!

This man works for an orphanage called God Provides in Uganda. He is the hardest working man I've ever known. He is extremely ill with both typhoid and malaria and has been for about three days now.

They don't have any money and he was only able to get one treatment that my family paid for but unfortunately we don't have any money left that we can donate. He recently was able to graduate from college despite all the hardships he faces. He will be up for days while starving to walk to the villages and beg for help because they have nothing to eat most times and can hardly ever make rent.

This man has a future and the children need him, please do not let this be the end of him!

Even sharing this would be a big help and a huge difference. Please find it in your heart to take a moment to share this, tell friends about it or consider donating.

Thank you and bless you

Here is their Twitter as well:

https://twitter.com/GODPROVIDESMIN?s=20&t=HteqF3ZyaDPMJStVAHOtDQ

If you have any questions feel free to message me or @mahougirlmutualaid or @lemontoastcloud

Thank you!

Flood

Don’t take it for granted.

The place you call home.

It can have it’s flaws.

But when the flood waters come.

You’ll wish you had loved it more before.

You see the damage done as the storm left.

But you’re still there.

So is the people, and the town.

But when the storm comes back. It’s always worse.

That’s when you love your home.

Genesis 22  The Sacrifice of Isaac

God spoke to Abraham again with a specific command to test his faithfulness. Abraham was to take the son he loved dearly to Moriah and be sacrificed as a burnt offering. Without hesitation, Abraham set off early the next day for the three day journey. Just when Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice, the angel of the LORD called him to stop.  Instead God provided a ram and Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.  Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means 'the LORD will provide'). The chapter ended with a list of the 12 children of Abraham's brother Nahor. One of those children, Bethuel, would become the father of Rebekah. Abraham's son Isaac will eventually marry Rebekah.

Quotes To Live By: Florence Scovel Shinn

“…as man comes into the world financed by God, the supply needed for his perfect self-expression will be at hand.”Florence Scovel Shinn (The Game of Life) Image: Canva

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July, 16 (Morning) Devotion

“They gathered manna every morning.”

Exodus 16:21

Labour to maintain a sense of thine entire dependence upon the Lord’s good will and pleasure for the continuance of thy richest enjoyments. Never try to live on the old manna, nor seek to find help in Egypt. All must come from Jesus, or thou art undone forever. Old anointings will not suffice to impart unction to thy spirit; thine head must have fresh oil poured upon it from the golden horn of the sanctuary, or it will cease from its glory. To-day thou mayest be upon the summit of the mount of God, but he who has put thee there must keep thee there, or thou wilt sink far more speedily than thou dreamest. Thy mountain only stands firm when he settles it in its place; if he hide his face, thou wilt soon be troubled. If the Saviour should see fit, there is not a window through which thou seest the light of heaven which he could not darken in an instant. Joshua bade the sun stand still, but Jesus can shroud it in total darkness. He can withdraw the joy of thine heart, the light of thine eyes, and the strength of thy life; in his hand thy comforts lie, and at his will they can depart from thee. This hourly dependence our Lord is determined that we shall feel and recognize, for he only permits us to pray for “daily bread,” and only promises that “as our days our strength shall be.” Is it not best for us that it should be so, that we may often repair to his throne, and constantly be reminded of his love? Oh! how rich the grace which supplies us so continually, and doth not refrain itself because of our ingratitude! The golden shower never ceases, the cloud of blessing tarries evermore above our habitation. O Lord Jesus, we would bow at thy feet, conscious of our utter inability to do anything without thee, and in every favour which we are privileged to receive, we would adore thy blessed name and acknowledge thine unexhausted love.

Daily Bible and Devotional for Women - http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=daily.bible.for.woman

Ephesians 6:10 serves as the introduction to a powerful exhortation by Paul to the Ephesian church, urging believers to draw strength from the Lord and His mighty power. Situated at the beginning of the passage detailing the armor of God, this verse sets the stage for understanding the Christian life as engaged in spiritual warfare, requiring divine empowerment for victory. Paul’s call to be strong in the Lord is more than a mere encouragement; it is a foundational strategy for facing the spiritual challenges that believers encounter. This strength is not of human origin but is derived from a relationship with God, characterized by reliance on His power and provision. The phrase His mighty power emphasizes the limitless resource available to believers, ensuring that they are not left to their own devices in the spiritual battles they face. This verse invites believers to reassess the source of their strength in navigating life’s challenges. It encourages a shift in perspective, recognizing that true resilience and power come from God’s presence and might within us. This understanding is crucial for facing not only spiritual opposition but also the trials and tribulations of everyday life. It’s a call to anchor our efforts and strategies in the strength that God provides, enabling us to stand firm in the face of adversity with confidence and courage. This foundational truth encourages a deeper dependence on God, fostering a life marked by divine strength and empowered living.

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the swallows are back but now we have days on end of rain. i worry that they are hungry and exhausted but there is no help for them but to trust God provides for all His creatures.

Peter Brown - Prints available of British birdlife, illustrated from wood engravings

Go to Joseph

Ite ad Joseph

It’s Latin. For “go to Joseph.”

The first time I saw that, it was carved into a side altar in a poor church.

With peeling paint and threadbare carpet. It was a place that hadn’t seen much love in a long time.

A closer look showed that there was something different about that little wooden altar.

It shone like someone had just cleaned it. There was a faint smell of furniture polish. On it, a simple glass jar. With water in it. And a handful of flowers that looked like they’d been picked out of someone’s yard.

The perfect symbol – it turns out – for a saint like Joseph.

Joseph had plans for himself and Mary. Plans for a life together. Then Mary turned up pregnant. And not by Joseph.

Joseph had every right to be mad. Everything he had hoped for was ruined.

No one could blame him for running away from all of it. No one could blame him for wishing that God would fix… everything. That’s what any of us would pray for.

But God didn’t make it all go away when Joseph prayed.

God gave Joseph something else. Strength. Courage. Determination. Faith.

Everything Joseph needed. To be the center. To shine right where he was.

Right where he was needed the most.

Today, there are people who need you.

They’re why God is calling you to stay, to shine right where you are.

If you let Him, God will give you everything you need. Strength. Courage. Determination. Faith.

But don’t think He expects you to do it alone.

God has already lined up exactly who you need to help you do it.

Go to Joseph.

Today’s Readings

He has a Perfect way for you.

God's ways are perfect and he has a beautiful plan for you. We need to trust him and follow his wisdom and guidance. We can sometimes mess things up when we do things our way which we think is right. But God's word says that His way is perfect. God is good and he is the perfectionist we can rely on. Sometimes there is a delay sometimes he acts fast but it's good to do his will. His will is always to serve him. Many times it is our attitude that needs the adjustment. But our God is wonderful and he will set your paths straight and perfect everything that concerns us ! Hallelujah !!

Don't let your ego or the devil stop you from following through with God's plan for your life.

You are covered by His blood. Nothing can harm you in the presence of God.

Fear is a liar! Anxiety is lying! The devil doesn't want you to be great. Don't let him deter you from doing hard things.

Take that risk, go out in the deep, pray through the struggle, trust in the Lord. He will see you through.

God Gives Us Faith to Trust that He Will Provide

As the pages of our lives turn, each chapter filled with its own set of triumphs and trials, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the moment. Just a few weeks ago, I shared reflections on how God is in the business of making all things new, drawing from personal experiences and the timeless truths of scripture. Today, I stand in awe of the ways in which this renewal has manifested in my…

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Exodus 11  Warning of the Final Plague

God told Moses that He would strike Pharaoh one more blow and after that Pharaoh would let you leave, in fact he would force you to leave.

Moses then announced to Pharaoh that God would strike all the firstborn sons in every family in Egypt and they would die. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then Egypt would wail, a wail like no one else had heard before. But there would be peace among the Israelites. For God made a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites. And all the officials of Egypt would run to God and begged Him to get His people out of Egypt. Then, burning with anger, Moses left Pharaoh.

Personal lesson :

Pharaoh‘s heart hardened so many times before God. But when I consider my own situation… How often have I, like Pharaoh, ignored God, over and over again, insisting that I see things clearly and that I am right?  Father, forgive.