Tag Archives: divine provision

Devotion to God, Father, Jesus

Confidence in God

Beloved, let us hold unwavering confidence in God, who has been our help and shield throughout the ages. From the patriarchs to the apostles, we see God’s faithfulness, giving us every reason to trust Him fully.

In the promises to the patriarchs, God assured His presence and provision. To Abraham, He vowed, “The Lord, the God of heaven, will send His angel before you” (Genesis 24:7). Isaac found comfort in God’s guidance, declaring, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you” (Genesis 48:21). Joseph, too, expressed this assurance: “God will surely visit you” (Genesis 50:24).

In the midst of battles and trials, God’s faithful warriors proclaimed His strength. Joshua, standing firm in faith, claimed, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us” (Numbers 14:8). David, confronting Goliath, declared, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). The psalmists echoed this confidence: “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear” (Psalm 27:3).

In times of leadership and decision-making, God’s guidance was sought and trusted. Nehemiah, facing opposition, boldly proclaimed, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us” (Nehemiah 2:20). The chroniclers of Judah declared, “God Himself is with us as our head” (2 Chronicles 13:12). And Jehoshaphat, seeking divine intervention, prayed, “O Lord, there is no one besides You to help” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). He reassures the Philippians, “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). To the Corinthians, Paul declares, “We have such trust through Christ toward God” (2 Corinthians 3:4) and further encourages, “Knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). The writer of Hebrews strengthens us with the words, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Paul urging confidence amidst trials, saying, “Not a hair from the head of any of you will perish” (Acts 27:34). Peter reflects on the hope and faith of holy women of old, who placed their trust in God and adorned themselves with inner beauty through their confident hope in His promises (1 Peter 3:5). Let us hold fast to this blessed assurance, for in every trial and triumph, our God is faithful and His grace abounds.

Beloved, let us take heart and place our confidence in the Lord. His promises are sure, His power is unmatched, and His love is everlasting. In every circumstance, whether in abundance or need, in peace or in conflict, let our trust be firmly rooted in Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Amen.

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Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision. We acknowledge that You are the source of our confidence, our strength, and our hope. As Your word reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We trust in Your promise that You who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Lord, we place our trust in You, knowing that You raised Jesus from the dead and will raise us also with Him (2 Corinthians 4:14). In every trial, we declare, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). We hold fast to Your assurance that not a hair from our heads will perish, as You watch over us with tender care (Acts 27:34).

We look to the example of the holy women of old who adorned themselves with inner beauty through their confident hope in You (1 Peter 3:5). Let their faith inspire us to trust in Your promises, to rely on Your strength, and to rest in Your unending love.

Father, in every circumstance, whether in abundance or in need, in peace or in conflict, we trust in Your boundless love and immeasurable grace. Fill our hearts with the assurance of Your presence, and help us to live in the confidence that comes from knowing You. May Your grace abound in us, empowering us to walk in faith and to share Your love with the world.

We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Visions

The Third Seal: Famine

Revelation 6:5-6 (AMP) states: “When He (the Lamb) broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, ‘Come.’ I looked, and behold, a black horse [of famine]; and the rider had in his hand a pair of scales (a balance). And I heard something like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius (a day’s wages), and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.'”

In this vision, the focus shifts once again to the heavenly throne room. The Lamb of God, with an air of solemn authority, breaks open the third seal. The sound of the seal breaking reverberates through the heavens, and the third living creature, with a voice echoing like a distant call, commands, “Come!” (Revelation 6:5).

Emerging from the celestial realms is a black horse, its dark presence a stark contrast to the brightness of heaven. The horse symbolizes famine and scarcity, bringing with it a sense of dread and foreboding. The rider, somber and deliberate, holds in his hand a pair of scales, representing the measure and balance of essential resources (Lamentations 4:8-9). The Third Seal: Famine represents this vivid imagery and dire warning.

As the rider descends to the earth, a voice from among the four living creatures declares, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine” (Revelation 6:6). This proclamation underscores the severe inflation and scarcity that will grip the world. The Third Seal: Famine clearly emphasizes that basic foodstuffs become precious commodities, and the daily struggle for sustenance intensifies.

The rider on the black horse traverses the land, and his presence is marked by empty markets, barren fields, and desperate people. The balance scales in his hand weigh the scant provisions, emphasizing the dire economic conditions. Those who once lived in abundance now find themselves bartering their labor for meager rations (Ezekiel 4:16-17). The Third Seal: Famine inevitably leads to scenes of hunger and desperation as described.

Scenes of hunger and deprivation unfold as families ration their dwindling supplies, and the stark reality of famine settles in. The disparity between the rich and the poor becomes even more pronounced, as the affluent protect their oil and wine, while the masses struggle to survive on limited grains (Proverbs 22:2).

In the midst of this bleak landscape, there remains a glimmer of divine provision. The command to not damage the oil and the wine hints at a measure of mercy, preserving some essentials amidst the widespread scarcity. This small mercy serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His control even in times of judgment and hardship (Psalm 33:18-19).

As the vision concludes, it leaves an indelible impression of the severe trials that come with the breaking of the third seal. The black horse and its rider embody the harsh realities of famine, calling believers to trust in God’s provision and justice even in the darkest times (Philippians 4:19). The Third Seal: Famine calls for faith in divine sustenance.

#Visions

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