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

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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

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!

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

Check out all of Psalm 63:

“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes. But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.” (‭Psalms‬ ‭63:1-11‬ ‭NASB)

 Being fully satisfied starts with earnestly seeking the right thing, namely God Himself. We will never find full satisfaction in wealth, revenge,our will, or any other man made solution.  Only when we seek Him with our entire soul, will we find we we long for. 

Secondly, we need to see His power and glory coupled with a grasp on His grace.  I’m amazed how quickly everything in my life sours when I’m not focused on His glorious lovingkindness.  For His grace is better than any experience, material good, and even life itself!  

Third, we must make time to meditate on who He is and what He has done.  This requires that we put down or phones and probe the beauty of the character of our Heavenly Father. Our soul must cling to our Creator if we are to be in harmony with life.  For when we are separated at any length, we are lacking. 

Lastly, we must rely on the LORD to endure  the enemy attacks. There power in the hand of our LORD.  He is a shield around us and none will stand in a his presence. For the battle belongs to Him and there is only one victor.  Our enemies will be shut up with the truth. For we are children of the most high God!

Personal Reflection

Examine your life. Where do you get your satisfaction from above all else?  Your children?  Your work? Any place other than God is but a temporary solution.  When we are satisfied in Christ (God’s perfect Provision) we are satisfied in all.  

Seek Him earnestly today, recalling the beauty of the grace poured for you, meditating on His character, and relying on His victory at the cross through His Son Jesus and you will be satisfied!

Prayer Focus

LORD we praise You with our lips and with hands held high.  You are our rock and our salvation.  For Your lovingkindness has no end.  You have rescued us from ourselves and the sins we once called satisfaction.  Help us to seek You with all that we are.  Remind us of the cost of our freedom. Fill us with the true knowledge of You as we meditate on Your Word.  Above all let us be satisfied completely in You through Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen!

With the fulfillment of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, comes access to our God. We can enter the presence of our King and approach His throne no longer fearing death, but rejoicing in the life He has given. In fact, we have joy for all eternity!

Personal Reflection

Often times we reduce joy to happiness; the two are not the same.  Happiness is produced by a situation that causes a temporary emotion of pleasure.  Joy is a full and undying state of pleasure and gratitude that is available forever. 

Are you experiencing true joy in your relationship with God?  Do you experience His presence? 

No greater act of love and sacrifice has been seen than what took place at the cross.  It is the place where all our sorrows and all our joys meet.  Spend time today in Luke reading his account of the crucifixion and resurrection.  Praise God for the joy He has set before you!

Prayer Focus

Thank you Father for the gift of our salvation in Christ Jesus. For we were helpless before Your provision.  You have given us a full measure of Joy in Him.  Our hearts overflow with gratitude and we will never cease to praise You in His precious Name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#joyforever #salvation #greatprovision #truthtalk4life

As I was reading this passage I thought to myself, “My most important need is cared for daily for all eternity”. Why am I stressing?  I made an intentional choice to praise God for His provision rather than stress about my situation.  My attitude transformed, my soul rejoiced, and my stress dissolved. Just another example of how we never graduate from the cross.  It’s power goes beyond our salvation to change every part of our journey going forward on his side of life and the life to come!

Personal Reflection

What are you stressing about today? Is it really a bigger deal than your salvation? Jesus bore all your sin that you might have the freedom to glorify Him and truly live a life of joy?  Take some time today reflecting on all that was paid for your freedom and let the praise of God ever be on your lips!

Prayer Focus

Our Rescuer and Redeemer; Mighty God, we shout praises to You and lift Your great name. For you have broken every chain and set our souls free!  None of our enemies can stand before You.  You scatter them like ashes in the wind. Who can condemn us when we are covered by the blood of Jesus. We praise you for the Gift of Your righteousness in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

It begins with a God-dependent walk in the truth.  Few thing make life more complicated and stressful than lies.  Once one is told, many must follow to try to cover the first.  Even the best of liars experience stress and burn brain power to maintain the web of lies.  Those who walk in the truth sleep in peace. 

It concludes with the daily provision being met.  When God’s people were in the desert, each day they had their portion.  They didn’t need to store up.  In fact, He didn’t allow it. He was teaching them that daily, He is the great provider. This lesson ultimately pointed to the great provision He would give us in Christ.  

Even the LORD’s prayer, reminds us that our dependence on God’s provision is daily.  “Give us this day our daily bread…”  Our life is a series of days each lived out one at a time.  Each of us being taught to simply trust in our LORD and His provision no matter the situation. 

Personal Reflection

Are you a person who is dwelling on the past? Spending hours wondering why this or that has happened to you instead of simply livin in the present?  You may find help to redirect your attention by changing your “Why?” To a “Who?”  You can read more at this link:  

Why not ask who? – A new perspective

Or maybe you’re the one who spends your time in the future making bigs plans about all the things you will do and buy.  Goals are great but can also distract your eyes from Christ and keep you from simply living in the present. 

In either case God loves you and is teaching you about a simpler life where you walk with Him in truth, depending on Him for your daily portion.  Pay attention to all the ways God has provided for you today and share these with someone to encourage them. 

Prayer Focus

LORD, we confess we spend too much time in the past and future and thereby overlook your daily provision for us.  This in and of itself is a mighty work worthy of praise. Thank you for every good gift you have given us. Above all, we thank you for Jesus and His victory at the cross, securing our freedom for all eternity.  In His great Name we pray, Amen!

#SimpleLife #TruthAndDailyProvision #TruthTalk4Life

@brianfriedl

I’m convinced that the greatest temptation in the Christian life is to not trust in the provision of God.  God continues to remind us that He is our provider.  If we journey back to the garden for a moment, we find the fall was the result of not trusting in God’s provision.  Adam and Eve let the seed of doubt take root and grow into the weed of discontent and as a result we are born into sin.

The ironic part was that everything they needed was already in the garden, including God Himself.  Notice in verse 5 that discontent and the love of money are solved in the person of God.  Said another way, when God is with us, we are without need.  The very presence of God fills us to overflowing in abundance.  The provision and presence of Jesus and His finished work at the cross is our provision.  Even as Christ gave us the great commission, He promised His presence.  As we meditate on the Word of God and seek to know Him, we learn that we can be completely content in Him.

Finally, we see the absence of fear as a result of God’s presence.  Not only are our needs met, we are protected.  This does not mean that God is going to protect us from every physical ailment or harm, though I believe He does protect us often and we don’t even realize.  It means that from an eternal perspective, we are protected.  There is nothing in this life that can separate us from God’s love when we trust in the provision of Christ.

Personal Reflection:

1. Are you content withe the provision of Jesus and His finished work at the cross?  Set a goal to read through the book of John over the next several weeks, paying careful attention to the provision found in Christ.  Challenge yourself the next time you ask the question, how does the provision of Christ compare to this trial (I’m going to guess that the trial cannot compare

2. Are you experiencing the presence of God?  Maybe said another way, are you taking time to prepare your heart and mind for God’s presence?  Set a goal to carve out time each day this week to just focus on Him.  This will most likely take some work if this is new to you.  Don’t lose heart just keep doing it and you will not regret it!

3. Are you living in the confidence of God’s protection?  Too many times our eyes are fixed on the temporal rather than the eternal.  Begin each day thanking God for His protection and Him securing your salvation.

Prayer Focus:

Gracious God, almighty LORD, you have given us our portion in Christ.  Help us to see the love and power in your provision.  Guide us into your presence every moment of every day.  Let us experience the power of your protection as we carry your truth to the nations, the name above every name, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#provision #presence #protection #truthtalk4life

Brothers and sisters, we are deceived if we believe that we can live with a little darkness. Scripture tells us the following about God:

1. For God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5b)
2. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24)

If we love God, let us run from darkness into the light.  For today’s passage clearly states that anyone who does evil (darkness) hates the light (God)  and does not come into the light, that his darkness may be exposed.  Friends there is no fence riding with God. We must abandon the idea that we can manage our sin.  For sin cannot be managed and results in hatred toward God.  Participating in darkness causes us to question our identity as a child of God and produces a desire to hide, just as it did with Adam in Eve in the garden.  Praise God for our advocate in Jesus Christ as the depths of this truth penetrates us and transforms us to lovers of light.

I love the contrast found in verse 21.  “But he who practices the truth comes into the light that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God”.  Notice the focus is not on self, but glorifying God.  We don’t walk in the light so that other see that we are doing so.  Instead we care about the very name of God and bringing Him glory and honor, presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice that others may see how amazing our God is. Obedience is an extension of love and worship.  When we choose to rightly take our eyes off of ourselves, focus on Christ, worship Him, and practice truth, two things happen

• We realize all we need has already been given to us in Jesus.  Darkness cannot draw anyone in who believes they have everything they need in the light.

• We are not afraid of the light, but instead rejoice in it as we know that it brings honor and glory to God.  1 John 1:7  reminds us that if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sin.

So where are you at this morning?  Are you trying to manage a little darkness in your life? Have you been trying to hide from the light because of one area of your life?  Are you feeling disqualified as an ambassador of Christ? What is holding you back from believing that what God provided in Christ was everything you needed?

Lord God, we pray this morning that you would help us in our unbelief.  Remind us of the countless times that you have provided for your people.  Specifically, help us to grasp the magnitude of your complete provision in Christ for us.  Transform our hearts to worship and glorify you.  Give us a desire to LIVE(practice) the Truth in the light. Remove any obstacles that we have allowed to hold us back from trusting in your complete provision, in the Name of Jesus, Amen!