WEEK 3 REFLECTIONS

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Day 1 - Trusting God as Provider

“Give Us”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.” 1 John 3:21-22

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11

Heavenly Father, you have given us what we need most, your Son, Jesus. You continue to give good gifts to your children as we come to you, walking out your ways in this world, wanting to do your will. Make me aware of all that has come from your hand.

Father, I don’t always do what pleases you. Today I confess…

Show me what I want to take for myself rather than wait patiently for you to give?

As I trust that you give what is good, I ask…

When I’m uncertain about coming to you, remind me that I have nothing to fear. Help me to be transparent in my need and come to you with confidence.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read Genesis 2-3. Reflect on God’s giving and man’s taking.
• Thank God for the giving of His Son, Jesus, along with anything else that comes to mind. What has God given to you that you can give to someone else today?

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Day 2 - Trusting God as Provider

“Today”

“God again set a certain day, calling it ‘Today.’ This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’” Hebrews 4:7

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

“In his defense Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’” John 5:17

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” Psalm 118:24

Heavenly Father, your mercies are new every day. You know the specific needs of the day and what keeps us from receiving what you have for us. May I rejoice in you remembering at any and every moment I can turn to you. Show me what you want me to know today. 

Soften my heart so I can better hear your voice regarding…

Is there a lie I’m believing that’s keeping me from receiving what you have for me today?

In what area of my life do I need to trust that you and your promises have not changed, and that you are still at work?

May I be present with you, Father, aware of how you are calling me to choose, receive, and walk in your ways today trusting you will provide all that is needed.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read John 9. How can our ability to see Christ clearly change our perspective for today?
• Reach out to someone today and encourage them in the Lord.

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Day 3 - Trusting God as Provider

“Daily”

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” 1 Timothy 5:5

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Heavenly Father, you give us what we need for each day. You are already at work preparing us for what we need tomorrow. Remind me of how you have provided for my needs in the past and give me patience as I confidently wait on you for my current and future needs.

The concerns that cause me to worry the most are…

Today I give you thanks for…

What does it look like to continue to wait on you in my current situation?

There is no area of my life that you are not fully aware of my struggles and celebrations. May I continue to lean into you, giving thanks at all times.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read Luke 18:1-8. Consider how our faith encourages us to keep asking.
• Take note of every person who crosses your mind today and in what capacity. Is the Spirit prompting you to check on them, offer or provide something, or pray for them? Do it as soon as you have the opportunity.

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Day 4 - Trusting God as Provider

“Bread”

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:15

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Father, you care for the least of these - the outcast, the broken hearted, the hungry and thirsty. You provide what satisfies and as your children, you call us to do the same in your name. May the actions I take reflect the truth I believe. You can be trusted to meet our needs.

How have you used others to meet my needs?

In what ways do I hesitate or am I unwilling to help others?

Show me the ways I can display your generosity to those around me.

There is no greater joy than to share you with others. Show me how you want me to use what you’ve given me for your glory.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Reflect on the ways we are called to be generous and all the various benefits.
• Pay attention to the people in front of you today. Be present with them, not quick to move on. Respond as the Spirit prompts.

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Day 5 - Trusting God as Provider

“Give us today our daily bread"

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” Luke 22:19 

Read through these verses a few times slowly.

• What words or phrases do you notice? What catches your attention?
• How is God speaking to you through what you notice? What comes to mind?
• As you pray through what God is saying to you and showing you, how will you respond?

Heavenly Father, you have made a way for every need to be met. Jesus did what only he could do in saving us from our sin, making a way for us to be reconciled to you. He set an example of what it means to provide for the needs of your people. Teach me to walk in your ways sharing with others, as I am grateful for how you have provided for me. I thank you for your presence and…

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