MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOU NEED

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

Today, as in other uncertain times, we may wonder how we are going to make it.  For Christians, we have a God who cares about us and is able to meet all of our needs.

God has been given many names given to describe Him in the Old Testament.  One of them is Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord Who Provides

The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. This is what we long for when we have a need that is personal and special; One who will see to our needs and provide for us. This is what Jehovah-Jireh means; the Lord Who will see to it that my every need is met. One Who knows my need because He sees. One Who is able to meet my need in just the right time as He did for Abraham, and One Who can meet it fully. For Abraham, it was the ram caught in the thicket that was offered in Isaac's place. For us it is whatever we need.  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil (Psalms 34:15-16).  

The righteous are those who love God and demonstrate that love in their actions toward Him and toward others.

In Genesis 22 we have the account of God telling Abraham to take his only son and offer him as a sacrifice and burnt offering.   

When Abraham’s adult son asked him, where was the sacrifice, he said: My son, God (Jehovah-Jireh), will provide  himself a lamb for a burnt offering.(Genesis 22: 6-8).  God always shows up on time, not our time, but His time.

At the time Isaac was going to be offered up, God provided a ram.  And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:10-12).

Abraham believe that even if he had offered Isaac, God was able to raise him from the dead.  By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead(Hebrews 11:17-19). And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh  (Genesis 22:14)

God provided His Son as a sacrifice for you and me, and raised Him from the dead as he will you and me one day.  Christ has already made provision for your salvation: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  

From these scriptures and others we can learn several things.  We can learn that God’s provision will come in the time of our greatest need.  Where will He provide?  He will provide for us in the mount, that is the place of our trial.  When you cannot see the answer to your need, the Lord will see you and see to your need.  He will be your Jehovah-Jireh.  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil.  (Psalms 34:15-16).

When we have needs, God is Jehovah-Jireh for us.  He can and will provide. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass (Psalms 37:4-5).

We can learn that the provision was made by God Himself. This is a provision that guarantees all other provisions you need. We do not have to interfere with the provision of God.  Do you think that after He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, that you need to try to manipulate circumstances for God to work?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32).  Jehovah-Jireh is concerned about your needs: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

It is not God’s will for you to walk around feeling like a victim.  It is time to quit blaming others for where you are in your life.  If there is a need in your life that has gone unmet, it is time to ask God to help you, and then get busy with the gifts and talents that God has given you to meet that need.  It may take some sacrifice on your part in time and energy for God to give you what you need.   Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God  Romans 14:12

 The supply is there for your need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  This does not say wants.  God will give you what you need.   You have to go to the right source and believe that He is able to help you.  This is called faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He that comes to God must believe that He is (real), and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6).

These needs include more than things.  God can meet your emotional and spiritual needs as well. Identify those things you really need. He can send people into our life to help you meet those needs.  The Holy Spirit is in you to help you, and teach you, how to handle the things that you lack in your life.

It is God’s desire to help you today.

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers  (3 John 2).

THE COMPASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS TOWARD OTHERS

The Compassion of Our Lord Jesus Toward Others

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did many amazing things while He was on the Earth and during His ministry.   Look at His interaction with those He met and how he showed compassion on them and their needs.  His compassion was not just words, but actions.  We need to be more like Jesus as we walk through this world.  We may not have the Power to heal the sick, feed the multitudes, raise the dead, or help needy children, but we do have the power of prayer which we can use to meet these needs.  If it is God’s will, and you ask in Jesus’ name you can help other’s with their requests and your prayers. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. "If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:12-15).

He Had Compassion On Those Who Came To Him

“And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3).  Our Lord had compassion on people who were societal outcasts, to those that others had totally given up on.  The man knew Jesus could help him, but was not sure if he wanted to because of what he was.  Today our Lord “is willing” to help those who are willing to come to Him.  Spread the good news that our Savior is ready to help those who cannot help themselves and when others have no desire to help them. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Mark 2:17).

He Had Compassion On Those Who Others Cared About

“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him…….Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.” (Matthew 8:5-13).   Our Lord had compassion for those who could not get to Him but others brought their needs to Him.  You can take the needs of others to our compassionate Savior. 

He Had Compassion on Those Who Were Grieving The Loss of Their Loved Ones

“While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples…. When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.” (Matthew 9:18-25).  Our Lord has compassion on those who grieve the loss of a loved one.  In this case He caused the girl to come alive again.  If we follow Jesus we will see all of our loved ones who the Lord has already brought back to life and are living with Him in Heaven. At another time when our Lord brought someone back from the dead Jesus said:  “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).

He Had Compassion on Children

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:13-14).  Our Lord had compassion on children.  He did not say wait until they get old enough to understand the Bible and who I am before you allow them to come to me.    He explained His love for children by saying: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:1-5).  Our Lord gave a stern warning about mistreating children.  "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10).

You may not be able to meet the needs of everyone you meet, but you can have compassion on the people God sends your way asking for help.  Someone needs your compassion today, not just your sympathy. Someone needs your prayers, not just your well wishes.   You can make a difference with your prayers and following the Lord in meeting the needs of others.  Have compassion on someone today.

GENESIS 8

GENESIS 8

Verses 1-5  God Remembers Noah

Noah had been in the Ark a full year and ten days.   Noah had found grace in the eyes of the Lord, yet perhaps began to think that he had been forgotten.  When God’s people go through afflictions and problems they seem unusually grievous and long.  God commanded the wind.  He told it to Go, and it went.  Jesus told the wind to cease in the storm and it did.  The ark rested.  God has times and places of rest for his people after their trials and tribulations.    “"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30).

Notice that Noah was safe in the ark - but he wasn’t delivered yet from the flood. God was doing a lot in the background - unseen by Noah - to secure his deliverance. Noah’s job was to wait patiently. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”Isaiah 40:31.   That’s what we should do too.  We are in the Lord, but we have not been delivered yet.  “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” (Colossians 2:6).  “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John 3:24).

Verses 6- 12  Noah Sends A Dove

Noah sent a dove out three times.  Often we have to pray more than once for an answer.  When the dove did not find rest, he returned to the ark.  Christ is our ark and we must return to the ark for rest.  The olive branch that the dove brought back was and is an emblem of peace.  God sent forth His gospel as the dove in the likeness of the Holy Spirit as it descended upon our Lord and Savior.  "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  (Luke 11:9-10).

Verses 13-14  Dry Ground

God can make dry ground to appear even where it seems to have been lost and forgotten.  God did not allow him to go out of the ark for almost two months after he saw the dry land.  God knows what is good for us better than we do for ourselves and we must wait on His timing. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).  We must be satisfied with God’s timing and wait until He decides to show His mercy to us.

Verses 15-19  Go forth

Noah landed on Mt Ararat, about 17,000 feet above sea level. But he doesn’t get out until God tells him to. We don’t need to move until God tells us to move.

God said “Come into the ark”, but He says “Go forth”which indicates that God went in with him, stayed with him all the time, and then sent him out safely.  Jesus said: “I will never leave you or forsake you”.  Though he had been in the ark a year and 10 days, he found himself preserved there, not only for a new life, but for a new world.  One day we will see our new Heaven and new Earth.

Verses 20-22  Noah’s Sacrifice

This is the first altar mentioned in the Bible.  Noah is worshipping and the sacrifice was meant to show God that Noah wanted continual reliance and fellowship with God.  It was probably also to say "thanks for getting me though this!"

He built an altar without particular instructions.  God is pleased with free-will offerings and praises that wait for him.  He offered only those that were clean.  The amount was small, but God wants even our small sacrifices of praise and righteousness

It is no longer necessary to offer sacrifices of animals to God.  “But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,” (Hebrews 10:12).  But there is a sacrifice from us that God will be please with.  “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”(Hebrews 13:15).

THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

The More Excellent Way

“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”                (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Preceding the verse above, Paul has been speaking of the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit such as healing of the sick and foretelling things to come in the future days of Bible prophecy. The more excellent way to use our gifts  is the way of loving all men with God’s power controlling our lives.  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

There are many gifts that the Bible mentions that are given to Christians to be useful to our generation.  In I Corinthians 12:28 Paul mentions that included in the list of gifts given to the church is the gift of teaching, gift of preaching,  gift of helps, gift of administration, and the gift of governing.  There are also many individual gifts the Lord has given us such as artistic gifts, musical gifts, gift of good health, gift of encouragement, the gift of giving financially, the gift of praying for others, the gift of faith to believe that the Lord can do all things, the gift of convincing speech to lead others to Christ, and the gift of knowledge. I do not think there is anyone who hears or reads this message that does not have one or more of these gifts.   Paul tells us to desire the best gifts.

Let us take whatever gifts God has given to us and use them in “a more excellent way”.  After we have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit sets before us a challenge to use our gifts to glorify God and to help others.  The gifts God has given to us are not to make us rich, famous, or proud.  “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.”  (James 1:16-18).

If you have the gift of good health, the Lord wants you to use it in “a more excellent way”, and not waste it on things that would destroy it.  Find a way to improve your health by exercising, eating right, and avoiding things that will rob you of that gift that many people wish they had.  “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  You already have the best health care program on Earth, called “God Care’.  “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases”  (Psalms 103:2-3).  But you are accountable for the things you do with this gift.“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”(Romans 14:12).

If you have received the gift of financial security, remember that God who owns Heaven and Earth has entrusted unto you part of His riches to be used for the glory of God and for others.   "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”  (Matthew 6:19-20).  You will have no reward in Heaven for what you do not lay up while you are on the Earth.  This includes money, works of love, and devotion to your Lord and Savior.  Use your money in “a more excellent way”. "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.” (Malachi 3:8-9)

If you have the gift of knowledge and understanding, use it for the glory of God.  Some have been given the ability to read, remember, and speak about things in a way that others can understand and learn from them.  Can you sing with a voice, or play an instrument that will draw others to think about the love of God?  Will you give unto God the things that are God’s and give Him all the goods of your heart? “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.” (Psalms 51:10-14).

Every gift that has been given unto us should be used with our best effort and in “a more excellent way”.  Evaluate your gifts today and follow this life philosophy:  “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24).  Remember, our God is a God of excellence.  “O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:9).  “How excellent is your loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings.”  (Psalms 36:7).

Start today.  Ask for forgiveness where you have failed and choose to do better with what God has given you.  You will find that the better you use your gifts the more they will increase and many people will be blessed by your life.