Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Give us this day our daily bread.

Do I mean it when I pray those words? Do I even know what a daily portion is?

In this wealthy culture we often hear people referred to as savers or spenders. It seems God works it out so those two opposites join together in friendships and in marriage. I have always been a saver. My husband is more inclined to appreciate the daily gifts as something to be applied daily.

Over nearly fifteen years of marriage God has united us in our use of his provisions. I have learned that saving money simply for the sake of saving is meaningless and lacks faith in God’s daily provision. My “spender” husband has taught me to enjoy today’s provisions today.
My husband has learned that spending only today’s portion is more enjoyable than trying to obtain tomorrow’s provisions today. Just like the Israelites manna from heaven, there are days that God gives more than a one day supply and it is intended to be saved for tomorrow.

I’m thankful for our combined personalities and our open communication that makes our God-designed differences benefit not only our family but those around us. It is a blessing to be able to share our “daily bread” with others. The daily bread encompasses much more than money and material possessions.

God’s mercies are new each morning. There was a time in my life where I stored up God’s mercy for myself. I have learned the joy of offering mercy to those around me.

Moses was the conduit for much of God’s provision to the Israelites. The birth of Jesus is God's provision for all our tomorrows. His Spirit has been given to those who truly believe that he is the only one who provides and determines our daily portions.

Immanuel. God is with us today. Wow. He gives us everything we need for life and godliness, today. How meaningless it is to try to accumulate his infinite provisions. How foolish to try to use tomorrow’s provisions as if what he gives today is not enough.

For both the spender and the saver God says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:25-35 (New Living Translation)
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!

"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24

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the mission:
PROCLAIM the good news; HEAL the sick and oppressed; BRING JUSTICE
~ Luke 4:16-20

Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing (John 14:12)
~ Jesus 


Copyright 2005-2010 Lisa Biggs Crum
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