But what about during the times of prosperity? How quick we are to claim the glory of “our hard work” instead of thanking God for His provision.

We are at a greater risk of forgetting Him when things are going well than when we are struggling. We cannot just put Jesus our back pocket only to pull Him out when we have trouble.

What if you treated our spouse like that? I’m guessing you wouldn’t even qualify to be in the dog house.

The cyclical nature of trials and rest periods is not unlike a Sport. In the off-season, you are training hard to learn and be ready for game time.

You could think of the trials as the off-season. Spend time in His word, journal all the things God is bringing you through, and take time with Him in prayer developing your trust and relationship.

Then, when you are at a place where the trial has subsided, it’s game time. Time to remember all the things you learned from His word.

Read your journal daily to remind yourself of all the good things He has done for you that you may not forget Him during the times of prosperity.

Praise Him for bringing you through and granting you a time of rest and renewal. Let your lips be filled with thanksgiving and praise as you meditate on all His mighty works!

May God bless these efforts to keep Him at the center of our lives now and forever more.

#MPWarrior

#NoBackPocketJesusAllowed

#KeepHimAtTheCenter

=================================

Truly living a life that matters can only happen when we are confident in God, thankful for His provision, and equipped to carry out His mission.

Want to learn more about God’s provision of your design and mission? Need an action plan to get equipped for that mission?

Grab a copy of my new book: MISSION POSSIBLE: Living A Life That Matters at this link:

http://bit.ly/MissionPossiblePB

Here we find Him in a teaching moment with the Pharisees. He had been healing the physical ailments of the many and was challenged by them about the disciples lack of cleanliness and washing.  

Jesus reminds them that it is not the external, but the internal that requires cleansing.  How sad it is that we hold fast to the traditions of men as doctrine and deny the very truths He has given us. Especially the truth of the gospel. 

We must realize that all of us do, in some form, do the very same thing.  That born in us, was the sin of Adam and apart from Christ, we are capable of evil thoughts and all the defilements that come with them.  We must not try to overcome this inner darkness, but instead lay them at the cross like the sick were laid in the marketplace, hoping to touch but the fringe of the Savior’s cloak; knowing that He was their only hope. 

For we are all in need of the Father who knows the intentions of our heart. The One that gave us His perfect Son, who by His sacrifice, won the cleansing of our hearts for all eternity.  His provision pierces through bone and marrow to our very souls; clearly displaying our need of Him and His Son’s obedience has brought us life abundantly. 

Praise God that You have been shown the way to Him!  Praise Him for those around you that point you back to Him on a regular basis!

Reflection

I’m so thankful for the people in my life that remind me of my need of Christ and His mission for my life. 

Who in your life is reminding you of your need of Him?

Who is helping hold you accountable to His word and mission (Matt 28:18)?

If the answer is no one, get that resolved!  You need other believers in this life.  

Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for Your unwavering love that made a way for us in the midst of our darkness. Surround us with Your children to point us to You. Let our eyes be focused and fixed on Jesus, Amen!

Years ago, I had quit my job to follow the LORD’s leading of adopting a sibling group of 9. (That’s not a typo.)  As a matter of fact we had 18 kids at home all together.  No job plus 20 of us was not a great combo for our budget.  We survived because of God’s provision through His people.  Many lessons were learned through this time including humbling myself to receive blessing through the body of Christ.  

We had reached a point when things were settled, that I needed to return to work.  I wasn’t sure how hat was going to work because all of the jobs near our home didn’t pay very well and the company I had worked for previously was 2 hrs away. I had already forgotten the power of our God to provide. 

 I spent hours in prayer asking God to find me a job that paid well and was close.  God demonstrated His power in His timing, by providing a consulting opportunity to work from home with my former employer.  I saw God’s ability to not only provide but also His abundance poured over us as I made more money and my job had less responsibility.  

God knows your need and desires to show you His power to provide abundantly.  Humbly ask and expect Him to do immeasurably more, and by all means let your lips continually praise Him!

Reflection

Do you really believe that nothing is impossible for God?

In what ways has He done immeasurably more than you have asked or imagined?

Praise Him out loud for His mighty works!

Prayer

Father, nothing is impossible with You! We praise You, that when you answer us you do it abundantly.  For the earth is Yours and everything in it.  Thank you for blessing us beyond measure.  May our lives be a continual blessing and glory back to you, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

For centuries they waited for the Savior to come and establish His kingdom; to once again make right the world and all in it.  But now, He lay dead in a tomb; for it seemed that truly all hope was lost.  

How many times have we been at our “bottom” with only hope of God’s promise to cling to?  How else are we to see our faith and His faithfulness unless it it tested?  There are times in life where the only thing that keeps me going is my hope in Christ.  I can honestly say that He has never let me down. My understanding and desires may have been off and so the end result was not what I originally wanted but over time, I have seen the His higher ways unfold. 

How true that is of the day between the cross and the resurrection!  What a day of confusion and mystery! The people wanted Jesus to come establish His Kingdom in Israel and His way was even higher as He established a His kingdom in the hearts of His people.  Though He told them and their minds rejected it, His death and resurrection was necessary to conquer the power of sin once and for all. 

The dark days are necessary and testify to the greatness of the resurrection as they grow our faith in Him and demonstrated His faithfulness!

Reflection

Where are you at today?  Are you in a dark day or season of days?   Take heart for the light of the world has conquered the darkness forever.  Look to the day that’s coming. Cling to His promises!

Take some time to read Lamentations 3. 

There is true hope and strength in the promises of the LORD!

Prayer 

LORD, You are our portion and prize. We hope in You alone. For when times seem unbearable, we cry out to You and You hear our cry.  Help us surrender our hearts, cling to Your promises, and see Your goodness.  Guide us through the dark days into Your everlasting light and love in Jesus, Amen!

What made it long, dark, and unbearable?  Here’s a quick list:

1. Judas’ betraying kiss

2. Peter’s still impulsive behavior after years of teaching 

3. Disciples all abandon Him

4. Three Jewish trials

5. Peter denies Him

6. Three Roman trials

7. Jesus is beaten/scourged beyond recognition

8. Via Dolorosa – the way to the cross

9. Crucifixion and even more pain and mocking

10. Separation from His Father 

All who had put their hope in Him must have been in shock to watch the One who had healed so many now cling to the cross that would take His life.  To watch Him experience this physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain must have been gut wrenching.  Hearing Him cry out to God and asking why He was forsaken, breaks my heart even now. 

Their mind had simply cast out Jesus’ previous instruction that He must die.  Like Peter, their minds were focused on the things of man and not God.  One could say this was the ultimate cliff hanger, unhappy ending and disappointment.  

For the hope of the resurrection and demonstration of Christ’s love was not fully experienced or understood. They simply new that He had died.  

Reflection

Looking back with 20-20 vision(God’s word), we can confidently, experience the powerful love demonstrated at the cross.

Spend some time today reading:

Matthew 26:36-27:61

Mark 14:43-15:47

Luke 22:40-23:56

John 18:1-19:42

Spend some time meditating:

The price paid

The pain/separation endured

What your response is today as a result

Prayer

Father, You have withheld nothing from us. Your love was on display that all may see and yet at first they did not.  Help us to know the depths of the price paid this day, that Your love may dwell richly in us for You and for Your people.  May it move us to action today to reach those is need even in this hour.  We pray this in the victorious Savior, Jesus, Amen!

The problem with the self-made man story is that apart from God, the climb to victory is nothing more than a display of selfish ambitions and wickedness that masquerade as a great life.  In my case I was climbing the corporate ladder with my pride around my neck on display for all to see.  Being interviewed by trade magazines and quintupling my salary in 5yrs are only a couple of the accolades I used to justify my greatness. 

At the core of this ambition, I was going to prove to everyone who hurt or bullied me that I was successful.  Afterall success was the best revenge I had been taught.  While at the top of my game, I noticed that I still wasn’t fulfilled. I was still weak and my heart and flesh were failing, though my pocketbook and achievements touted otherwise. 

God opened my eyes and reminded me all the more that He is my strength and portion forever. This truth transformed my desires from making a name for myself, to proclaiming the name of the LORD and all He has done.  My necklace of pride was stripped from my stiff neck and humility began to flourish as I took my rightful place on my knees. 

What we have in Christ is far more precious than anything we can craft in our own strength.  For He is sufficient for all things.  He is our portion forever!

Reflection

What work of your own hands have you been proclaiming in the place of the beautiful work of our Father in heaven?  

Has it really given you the strength and happiness you hoped for or has it left you empty and longing for more?

The next time you’re tempted to be jealous of someone else who seems to have it all by living for themselves remember the Lord is your portion forever. 

The next time you feel the need to brag on yourself and all your achievements brag on your mighty God and all He has done instead. 

Prayer

Father, You alone are our portion forever. The riches of Your love are beyond our comprehension.  Break our pride and fill us with A spirit of humility and contentment in Christ.  Move our hearts to proclaim Your goodness and not accomplishments.  May Your name be made known through our lives as living sacrifices.  In our powerful Savior’s name we pray, Amen!

Paul came to realize that the real blessing isn’t the gift itself, but the knowledge and confidence that what God faithfully provides through Jesus is enough to get him through no matter the physical need or circumstances.  God’s provision in Christ cannot be compared with the physical needs we have in any moment, yet God in His great mercy chooses to meet those as well. 

What and amazingly merciful God we have that is able to patiently teach us this truth.  Most of us rarely go without anything. Some of us know what it is to scrounge for a meal.  All of us have been given everything we need in Christ. This provision is greater than any other found in the physical realm.  Let us not miss the fullness of the phrase:

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ~ Philippians 4:13

Reflection

For which is greater;  to learn to be completely content and strengthened in Christ or temporarily  satisfy our physical needs?  We must master the demands of our flesh and put them in their proper place.  When we do, we see the real provision God has given us through His Son Christ and we ovegrflow with joy in all circumstances. 

Am I content with what God has apportioned to me?

What needs distract you from seeing what God is providing for you in Christ Jesus?

Ask yourself, “Do I really believe that I have all I need in Christ?”

Prayer

Heavenly Father and Great provider, You seek to show me my heart’s deepest need and are teaching me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Your provision in Christ is all I need. Write that truth upon my heart with your permanent marker of Love. May Your truth be the fuel of every thought and may our response be lips filled with praise.  We lift all of this in stour Son, Jesus, Amen!

It also meant an increase in their faith and knowledge that God is who He says He is and that He will keep His promises. For we are all learning to trust in our Father’s provision for us. 

There is one other observation in this account.  Truth about our Savior cannot be kept to themselves.  

“When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” ~ ‭Luke‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NASB‬‬

It’s as if truth is a raging river that flows wherever God’s momentum carries it.  The powerful force erodes lies and continues to change everything in its path. But rivers don’t stop; they keep carrying on all of what’s been gathered thus far.  They fill every nook and cranny the come in contact with. 
So why did the shepherd go back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen?  They had witnessed and participated in the work of God!  How amazing that God chose these lowly shepherds as His mouthpiece to announce The birth of our Savior!
The same is true today when we go to the cross, hear, and see the mighty work Jesus has done there. God uses the lowly (us) to carry His good news. Let our mouths be filled with proclaiming the provision of our Father in heaven. May His truth flood the nations and may He be glorified!
@brianfriedl 

#truthtalk4life

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; 

~ Exodus 16:4a NASB

What better place for the bread of life to be born, than Bethlehem, the “House of Bread”.In the book of John, it is written:

“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” ~ John 6:48-50 NASB

It wasn’t an accident that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, It was planned and prophesied perfectly in a perfect location for our Savior, The Bread from heaven to be born. 
Today, let us pray for the provision of bread from heaven to those who have lost sight of their need for our Savior.  May this bread be shared and eaten and may the kingdom grow abundantly. . 

@brianfriedl 

#truthtalk4life

Read Acts 23:12-35

1) What do you observe in this passage?

2) What questions/challenges need to be addressed for understanding?

3) What’s the main theme of the passage in one sentence?

4) What’s the application for the original readers?

5) What’s your takeaway from his passage?

Enjoy this portion of your spiritual meal today?  Like us on Facebook today!