The Twelve Days of Christmas – Day 7

“Give us this day, our daily bread.” Mt. 6:11
I wrote a stirring testimony about an hour ago and before I could send it somehow I lost it and didn’t realize it – so here goes again…
Last night I made the remark, “I don’t know how anyone could live in this weather without heat.” Just as quickly as I said it, the Holy Spirit checked me and reminded me of more than one occasion when I found myself (and my family) in weather like this – WITHOUT HEAT!
One of the greatest gifts God gave to me was my children – if you had asked me in college if I desired children I would have laughed at you. Even though I was the oldest of six children and was fiercely protective of them- I did not see myself in a maternal role! How many of you know that you don’t need to have a sense of humor – God has enough for all of us!

The years went by and so did the multiplication of my family – and one child after not too many years became eight! You could not have told me that my heart could have expanded so much to have so much love for each and every one. You could not have told me that the fierce protection I felt for my brothers and sisters could give me courage beyond my wildest belief when it came to protecting my children.

That love and that courage God added to the little drop of faith that I had (faith never came easy for me – I was always of the “if you can’t see it – it doesn’t exist) – and multiplied it in ways that would take volumes to describe. I’m just going to share a couple on today-

I remember one time our furnace went out in sub-zero weather – it was so bitterly cold – I didn’t know what to do. Fortunately the stove was gas – so I decided to make soup (really pots of it) – and to bake treats for the kids and let them have an all day pajama party in my bed as they watched TV. It became an adventure!

In keeping with the scripture theme today – I can also remember a time when the cupboard was really bare – (unusual for my house – I bought groceries before I paid the bills so the children would never be hungry) – but this time the storage bins were not only low – most were just plain empty! I remember that for 30 days – an entire month – just like Elijah gets fed by the raven at the water brook – God sent enough for that day – each and every day – for an entire 30 days!

These are just a couple of the hundreds of testimonies I have regarding God’s hand of provision toward me and my family – those times have not only caused my faith to grow – but when I think of the love of God who gently took my deepest fears and provided for me tangible ways to let me know – that He was my daily bread – He was my source of supply – He would keep me and my family and through His grace would give me a Word in my mouth to tell anyone, anywhere that God not only can but will meet your needs and also grant you your heart’s desires!

The Message is not necessarily my favorite translation, but it certainly makes the word relevant in this generation -take a look today’s scripture verse from the Message Bible:
7-13″The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

God Bless You this Day!
Maria