— To uplift, inform and challenge —

Fellow Soldier,

One perk many seniors enjoy is a sense of entitlement to freely offer counsel (solicited or not).  Although at times it might be frenetic or pathetic, it appears to be genetic and sometimes, even prophetic (license for which can probably be found somewhere in the book of Proverbs). :)) “Boy! ... you need to ...” was the way my direct and sagacious grand-dad often introduced his words of wisdom.

Having thus (hopefully) justified what’s to follow, we most earnestly commend its exercise as the best medicine for all manner of temporal trials, temptations, fears and worries.  It’s the premier elixir to strengthen the sense of security, fortify against fear, produce peace of mind and provide for a person’s needs.  Yet, it is so simple, it’s nothing short of, well ... AMAZING!

Amazing Provision

God’s ways are very different than man’s.

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:25a,33 (emphasis added).

First, the “all these things shall be added” part.  We’re now in our 36th year of conspicuous provision from on high ... rather amazing because so much of it comes as a surprise. Though tempted to call ourselves “unconscious competents” (those who do well at something without understanding why) — doing so would be a disservice to Jehovah Jirah, our Provider.

Fortunately, early in our walk we chose to trust Him as fully with our lives and needs as understanding and courage would permit. Though playing a pitiably poor part, our Provider has been inordinately gracious.

Houses, cars & Bibles

Pleeeze now ... understand that we’re bragging on God, not our efforts, and do so to encourage you to trust Him more.  He surely is not a respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). Uncomfortably, we also note that, by virtue of still being “amazed” by His ways, might suggest a measure of unbelief (sigh).  In spite of this, His sure provision contradicts the fact that on paper, we perennially look like an imminent economic disaster that’s found a place to happen.  It’s truly amazing!

In addition to being awed by big items such as houses and cars, everyday things mottled with His “fingerprints,” elicit amazement. e.g., Bibles: two of our best, leather-bound study Bibles cost 25 cents and one dollar (we also just splurged on a third for an outlay of two bucks).  Look at the math: $3.25 bought $196 of vital items.  A 98.4% discount!  Punch line?  We had to sell $192.75 less of our time and energy to have these valuable resources.

Wrist-watches are another

Though having had many, I’ve not bought a new one in over 50 years.  They too manifest when needed.  In 2002 I paid fifty cents for one that lasted 7 years (before its face drifted around, requiring major mental maneuvers).  We then found another in a box of garage sale office supplies.  Two years and 3 ($5) batteries later, I realized its face-light switch stuck, thus draining them.  Then, just last week after sharing this with Diane, at the first sale was a good looking, 21-jeweled, self-winding, calendar, oldie with a sweep second hand and a great band.  Two dollars!  It works great, though having discovered it is a collectable, I’ll sell it, buy another cheapie and thus will have been paid for decades of watch-wearing.  Amazing!

One may call this methodology and rationale, whatever suits, but we view it as a means of divine provision (also ministry opportunity). Surely, not His only or necessarily best, for His ways are unlimited.  However, it’s bought  us many hours for Kingdom activity; effectually “buying” time otherwise needed to earn more money for new items; could write a book.  It’s truly amazing.

— IMPORTANT NOTICE —

Provision is not the goal; it’s a result.

This is crucial.  Jesus tells us that if we seek His kingdom, righteousness and Him, first ... provision is assured.  Here is where some well-intended become self-deceived and slip into a metaphysical trap.  Giving lip service to “seeking,” they elevate acquisition of provision as their goal.  Using scripture as cover ("ask and it shall be given ... call that which be not as though it were," etc.) they seek first for provision; opting for the gift over the Giver.  It’s the thinking Jesus targets when he tells us not to seek as do the gentiles (Mt 6:32).

Conforming to Christ is our goal, whereas provision is but sustenance for that sanctification odyssey, and believing otherwise suggests the need for a priority audit.  Though we might be skilled at fooling self and others, only a fool dare believe they can bamboozle God.  All things hidden will come to light (Heb 4:12,13).

Take no Thought

Jesus tells us to “take no thought for your life” (Mt 6:25) and to “... seek ye first the kingdom of God” (v33).  Their difference might be likened to looking in a mirror, versus the Bible.  In the first we see self, but scripture reveals God.  Get this: those printed words are from His mind; His will for us.  “Take no thought” doesn’t mean we’re to be irresponsibly thoughtless; but, not to worry and “Seek” is an urging to earnestly pursue. “First!” Ah, this is where some falter ... recalling: “No other gods before me” (Ex 20:3).  But Jesus knows what’s best for us and most pleasing to God.  Then again, one in love fervently pursues the focus of their affection; even elevating the lovee above vitals, and often sacrifices to please (Job 23:12).

Switching from a fixation on navel lint, to God — His Kingdom and righteousness, helps spiritual growth by focusing on His wisdom and will for our lives.  With Him our foremost love ... “first” is not a rub.  We want to spend as much time as possible with this Lover Who also encourages us to not worry about “... what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body.” This Jehovah Jirah provides and we, in effect, become kept persons. “What ye shall put on.” What does it matter if our attire is retro and worn ... so long as we please Him?  Who cares a whit anyhow?!  Who’s opinion trumps God’s love?

How about life itself?

Do, or will we deem its comfort above passionately pursuing Christ?  Will we spend our last dime to heroically preserve or enhance it when, in fact, a dose of suffering is divinely prescribed to perfect His work in us? (see Deu 8:2-4)  Such questions might make us uncomfortable, but are well for Jesus’ followers to entertain.  Surely it’s appropriate (if not vital) to ask the mirror just how far we’ll go to maintain our physical being and lifestyle; especially in our own strength.

These questions are neither idle nor intended to induce guilt, but to provoke serious thought as to what extent we are willing to trust our provision and very lives to a loving God Who gives and guarantees both.  Otherwise said: to what degree will we take God at His Word?  It’s frightfully true to observe that as we take His matters into our hands, we trespass on holy turf.  For what it’s worth, we’ve stumbled upon an amazing (there I go again) freedom, peace and contentment by simply trusting Him.  Even though our lives are pitiably imperfect.  “Amazing” because none deserve anything ... yet our gracious God provides everything for all.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Ps 63:1; also 27:4,5).

Love & Faith’s reward

With a believer’s primary goal being a vibrant relationship with God, the question is: how?.  Surely, He’s not hiding or hard to entreat (Rom 5:1,2).  After all, His fingerprints cover creation; scripture recites all we need to know and His Spirit lives in every born-again.  He’s the proverbial elephant in the room ... but visible only to the eye of faith.  We can do the entire Christian drill, but if not by faith, it will avail nothing.  Because “... without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6).

Are we goofy, head-over-heels “in” love with God, or is our love merely intellectual?  In other words: heart or head?  If the latter, we can escort our cerebral love that final 18 inches by simply living out His Word by faith. Then ... enjoy the trip, because He honors true faith in myriad ways; including provision.  Just a blessed outworking of His love and our trust in Him.  Want more?  Okay: love God with your head, heart, mouth, hands, feet, time and dime.  Isn’t that just what lovers do?  Do we love Him to gain?  Heavens NO!  It’s to honor and glorify Him Who loved us from the get-go.  HE IS GOD!

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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