"We are made "partakers of the divine nature," receiving and sharing God’s own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God’s provision for us. We say, however, "Oh, I can’t afford it." One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement. We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, "Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle." And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, "All my springs are in You" (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance . . ." (2 Corinthians 9:8)— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time." My Utmost For His Highest

Lord, why is it that You always know what I need? Ha! As if there was any sense in asking that question! Holy Spirit, make the Truth you want me to hear be crystal clear today as we decide more of our financial responsibilities. My tendency probably was to feel pitiful and small about our budget, but as You've said above, all of the world's wealth is at Your fingertips! When You know we are prepared to give much, You give much to us. You raise our standard of living to raise our standard of giving. So, Lord, if it's Your will that we step out in faith and prepare our home to be a welcoming environment for guests, we will obey! Thank You for opening our horizons, for clearing my head of color confusion, and for today to work out exactly the way You want it to. I don't know why I'm always surprised when it does, but it DOES if I let You! Lord, I'm so sorry for losing my temper so easily with the children. Having a 3 year old in an obedience issue phase (read: stubborn!) and a baby more awake and more vocal than ever (read: screamer!) is TOUGH! Some days it's close to the end of the day and I'm thinking "it was a severe struggle", but I know You planned better for me than that. I just haven't surrendered to You. Perhaps it is ME who has the stubborn and screaming issues. My children's influence should NOT be a valid excuse for my behavior. It's more likely that my influence is effecting THEM. Lord, please forgive me. Please forgive my children and help us all love You and each other more.

Father God, my bible study group met together for the last time this morning and I'm so sad I wasn't there! Bless each and every one of their precious souls. They are dear to my heart. Thank You for how you ministered to me through them. It's so wonderful that when I spend time with your women disciples, it makes my heart melt with thanksgiving to You! Send some more my way and make me open to their presence!