Category Archives: Provision

Bible, Christ, Provision, Riches, Scripture, Supply

ACCORDING TO, NOT OUT OF

PHILIPPIANS 4:19

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

I am not and probably never will be wealthy in the eyes of the world. Being in full-time ministry, and now serving as a missionary, I do not expect to make an extravagant salary. My wife and I are content to live on what our ministry supporters provide. It’s been amazing these past 3 ½ years to see how the Lord has moved the hearts of people to give. I praise Him for that.

Why am I talking about that? Because in today’s verse, Paul points us to the true source of our provision. He says, “My God will supply.” The Greek word translated as “will supply” really means He will fill up, He will overflow, He will cram you full. That says a lot more than just “supply.” And when Paul says “according to His riches” that’s important. He could have written “out of,” but he didn’t. The Holy Spirit wants us to know that we are given richly because He owns it all.

APPLICATION

I just recently memorized Romans 8:32. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” You see, that’s the extent of His giving. He gives above and beyond. He gave His own Son. I read a quote today that said, “The Son of God became a man so that men could become sons of God.” That is giving according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Our riches will not last. Even the wealthiest person’s wealth will eventually give out. But not God’s. His riches go far beyond anything this world has ever seen. Everything that has ever been created belongs to Him. He gives according to His riches because He is a generous God who loves His children. James tells us in James 1:17, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

What should we do with such blessings? We should give “according to” also. We give knowing that God will bless that gift. He will take it a multiply it. I heard a story last night about a nine year girl who wanted to help orphans. With some help from friends, she designed a T-shirt that went viral. In a short amount of time, she had over $9,000 which grew to over $200,000. One little girl’s burden was exponentially multiplied by the Father. As the Father blesses you, turn around and bless another.

Lord, I praise You for being my source of provision and never letting me down.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Abundance, Bible, Promises, Prosperity, Provision, Scripture, Secrets

LEARNING THE SECRET

PHILIPPIANS 4:12

“I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

Have you ever been let in on a secret? Usually, when someone asks you if you want to know a secret, it really isn’t one anymore. If they are telling you, they have probably told others who probably told others who probably…you get the picture. I don’t like to keep secrets. I forget who knows and who doesn’t, and I will probably spill the beans. So…don’t tell me any secrets, lol.

Paul learned a secret. And he blurts it out to the Philippians. He has “learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” The Greek word Paul uses here for “learned the secret” is another one time used word. It is the word mueówhich “conveys the idea of being initiated into a deeper, previously hidden understanding. It implies entry into an experiential knowledge that is reserved for the “inside” rather than mere intellectual grasp.” (Topical Lexicon) Secret societies and cults were common in Paul’s day, so he intentionally used a word that would draw attention to what he was saying.

APPLICATION

What is important to see, though, is what this secret was all about. Paul is still in the process of thanking the Philippians for their gift to him. But he wants them to know if they can’t give, it’s okay. He has made peace with what the Lord has given him. He wasn’t worried about being hungry or having money. Those things just weren’t important in comparison to having Christ.

This verse is in the middle (vs 11-13) of a memory passage I have learned and claimed as part of my missionary fundraising. My wife and I have been missionaries with Trans World Radio (TWR) as part of the Every Man A Warrior ministry since September 2021. We depend on ministry partners for financial and prayer support. There have been times when we had a comfortable balance in our missionary fund and times (like now) when the balance is low. But when I look back at the last almost four years, I am amazed at how He has provided.

Last night in my men’s group we were looking at Romans 8:31-39. Wow! What a passage. And verse 32 struck me as I have been praying for our ministry fund. That verse says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” You see that? He will “freely give us all things.” I am claiming that verse today. How about you? The secret is to know He is the source of peace. No amount of money or things will give you that.

Father God, I praise You that You have opened wide the store houses of heaven. You are my peace.

You can make a gift to our ministry at http://www.twr.org/carl-willis.

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Abiding, Advocate, Battles, Bible, Defense, Enemies, God's Will, Protection, Provision, Rescue, Salvation, Scripture

THE HAND OF GOD

ZECHARIAH 12:5

“‘Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a strong support for us through the LORD of armies, their God.”’”

There are times in our lives when the only way to explain something is to say, “God did that.” I have shared many times about my disease, Amyloidosis, and my two stem cell transplants (2010 and 2020). The only way to explain my healing is God’s hand was in it. He gave the doctors wisdom. He used the treatment to give me a “remission” from this disease for a while. I know He was the one who did that. There is no doubt.

I love this verse today in Zechariah. The “clans of Judah” refers to all the tribes. They all will realize on that day when Jerusalem is defended against their enemies that it was God’s hand and not theirs that did it. The “LORD of armies” did it, not their army. And by coming together and depending on Him, they will be successful.

APPLICATION

Guess what? Nothing’s changed. Isaiah 26:12 is a favorite verse of my boss. In the NIV it says, “LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.” Isn’t that exactly what Zechariah is saying in verse 5 above. If we are honest, we will admit very quickly that anything that is good in us is just Jesus. I know that is true for me.

Yet, God continues to work in and through us to accomplish His will. As the writer of Hebrews closes his letter in Hebrews 13:20-21, he says, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21  equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

One day, when I reach heaven, I will find out just what the Lord saw in us that moved Him to redeem us. We are His creation, the work of His hands. I get that. But our flesh is so corrupt and wicked outside of Christ. Only by Him working in us can we be made into a useable vessel, fit for His kingdom work. Praise Him!

Father, I know it is You Who works in and through me. I praise You for finding me worthy to be used by You.

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Affliction, Battles, Bible, Jobs, Provision, Satisfaction, Scripture, Works

NO WORK

ZECHARIAH 8:10

“‘“For before those days there was no wage for man nor any wage for animal; and for him who went out or came in there was no peace because of his enemies, and I sent all the people against one another.”’”

Last Fall I was in an East African country that was struggling economically. The unemployment rate was extremely high. People were suffering due to high food costs and the lack of fuel for vehicles and their homes. It was hard to hear the stories of families suffering and having to make difficult financial decisions. There was no work and no prospects for new jobs.

In today’s verse God is reminding the Israelites how bad it was before. Nobody was working. There wasn’t even any work for the animals due to poor crops and the damage of war. Sometimes, you just have to be reminded how bad it used to be so you can appreciate the present. Obviously, God felt the people needed that little reminder.

APPLICATION

Have you forgotten God’s blessings in the past? Better yet, have you forgotten how you were before Christ? Think back to that day. Before Christ came into my life, I was wandering aimlessly. I was pursuing all the wrong things. I was spiritually bankrupt. I need God to work on me, and He did. He gloriously saved me when I was sixteen. Now, that did not solve all my issues. I have still made mistakes since then. But it is so much better now.

I have never gone through a time for very long when I did not have a job. My dad taught me to never leave a job until you have another one lined up. I have pretty much always done that. So, it’s hard for me to relate personally to someone who has struggled for months or even years without a job. I have friends who have gone through that and have watched them struggle. I have prayed with them and even wept with them about this.

I want to remind you today of a passage in Colossians 3. Verses 23-24 tell us, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” You see, that is the key. Whatever we do!

Take a minute and list all the jobs you have ever had. Now, thank God for each one. Yes, each one. Every job you have ever had has been used by God to teach you and train you for the next one. I am not sure what job I will have in heaven. But whatever it is, it will be glorious to serve my Master. Don’t you agree?

Thank You, Father, for “employing” me in Your service. I want to always work to bring You glory.

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Accountability, Bible, Blessing, Drinking, Eating, Life, Provision, Scripture

EATING AND DRINKING

ZECHARIAH 7:6

“‘And when you eat and drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?’”

One of my favorite past times is eating and drinking. Can I get an Amen? Lol. Seriously though, I do enjoy that. I have always pursued it with gusto. Give me a large stuffed crust meat lover’s pizza anytime. But today’s verse isn’t criticizing this necessary part of our life. We all must eat and drink to sustain life. No, God is going to address something else here.

This verse is in direct contrast to yesterday’s verse about fasting. He moves from not eating and drinking to just the opposite. The people would have their feast and pretend to make it all about God. In reality, it was all about them. They would gorge themselves and drink to excess. It wasn’t a feast to celebrate God. It was simply a hedonistic practice to please themselves.

APPLICATION

Can you guess where I am going with this? In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who built bigger barns for his crops. Verses 19-21 say, “‘“19 And I will say to myself, ‘You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ 21 Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich in relation to God.’”

Our life is not about pursuing earthly pleasures. It’s not about making ourselves feel better. Our life in Christ is all about a relationship with God. We don’t have to obey to please Him. We obey because WE want to please Him. There is a subtle difference. Do you see it?

Sure! You can eat, drink and be merry. There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking or being merry. But if those are your life’s pursuits, you have a problem. I have found that when I strive to live for Christ, He provides all I need to be happy. He wants me to live a life full of joy and excitement. He truly does. That can come in all sorts of ways, some of which the world would never understand.

O Lord, I know You have my best in mind at all times. I will enjoy Your presence.

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Abiding, Altars, Bible, Provision, Restoration, Sacrifice, Scripture, Temple

A BRANCH

ZECHARIAH 6:12

“‘Then say to him, “The LORD of armies says this: ‘Behold, there is a Man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the LORD.’”’”

When I hear the word “branch” I think of a couple of things – a small stream or creek and a tree limb. Let’s stick with the second idea for today’s verse. Tree limb or branch – can’t you just see that right now? It reaches out to bear fruit or provide shade, depending on the type of tree it is.

But the word used here in Zechariah 6:12 for branch is the Hebrew word tsemach. It means a bud or a sprout. The same word is used in Jeremiah 23:5. “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;’” We all know Who that is pointing to, don’t we? Jesus, our Messiah.

APPLICATION

The Hebrew meaning really changes how I look at this verse. Jesus started as a lowly, little sprout – a baby. But He grew into a man – the God Man. He is the one referred to here in verse 12, not Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, as some think. Sure, Zerubbabel was the one lauded for rebuilding the physical temple in Jerusalem. But it did not last, did it? It was destroyed.

Jesus built the spiritual temple, which can never be destroyed. This Branch of David is the one responsible for the eternal stones that were laid. I love how Peter describes us as part of this structure. 1 Peter 2:5 says, “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Because of my acceptance as Jesus as my Branch, my Savior, My Lord, I have been made a part of the spiritual house. My sacrifices to Him are daily. I offer myself upon the altar daily to be used as He sees fit. A sacrifice’s job is to just lay on the altar, not to give input on how it is used. The High Priest – Jesus – decides that. He is our Branch.

You are my Branch, O God. You delivered me through Your sacrifice.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Prayer, Protection, Provision, Scripture, Temple, Trust

THE TOP STONE

ZECHARIAH 4:7

“‘What are you, you great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring out the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

I once helped my dad and other volunteers build additions to the school we were attending. I watched them pour the foundation and begin laying the block. At first, it was kind of exciting. But for a young boy like me, that did not last until…they were laying the last block on the top of the wall. Whew! What a project!

In today’s verse you see the mention of the “top stone.” Zechariah is being told their enemies (great mountain) will be defeated (become a plain). And then the temple, which had long had its foundation cornerstone laid, would have the crowning achievement completed – the laying of the top stone. Scholars agree that this is a reference to Jesus being not only the cornerstone but also the top stone. He is the beginning and the end.

APPLICATION

Do you see that in your life? I mean, is Jesus your first and last, the beginning and the end? He should be. He should have your highest priority. You have heard that your priorities should be God, family and then church. That is the order of things. That is how it should be. Jesus should be the crowning achievement in your life, your top stone.

When we don’t place Him first, we lose focus. Putting other things before the Lord never works. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Do you believe that? It’s true. He will meet your needs. Just put Him first in your life.

Maybe you have done that, and you still don’t feel He is listening. Hold on, dear one. He is. Keep trusting. He knows exactly where you are. He knows your name. Keep calling out to Him. His timing is always perfect even though we think He is not responding. He is. I promise. Better yet – He promises.

I know You hear my cries, dear Lord. I shall wait for You.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, Contentment, Gifts, Hunger, Provision, Scripture

ONLY HALF

HAGGAI 2:16

“from that time when one came to a grain heap of twenty measures, there would be only ten; and when one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures, there would be only twenty.”

I have been blessed through my years in that I can say I have never gone hungry. Oh, I thought I was starving a few times, but I was really just whiny about not eating when I wanted. There’s a difference in being hungry and truly starving. Not having enough to provide yourself or your family is a real issue in many parts of our world today. Be grateful if you are like me and are blessed with more than you need.

God was reminding the people of Israel to continue to think back to the days when they didn’t have enough. Grain was short on supply, as well as the fruit of the vine to make wine. Those were days of judgment when they suffered because of their disobedience. Now, they were living in relative ease, but they needed to remember where they had been and what God had done for them.

APPLICATION

Maybe that’s you. Do you need to remember where you were and where God has brought you? We seem to forget so quickly, don’t we. In the middle of thanking the Philippians for sending him a gift, Paul says this in Philippians 4:11-12. “11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

Paul reflected back to the lean years. He shared how God had taught him to be thankful in whatever situation he found himself. Boy, we could learn a lot from Paul, couldn’t we? But I love the next verse. Paul reveals the secret to this. It’s in verse 13. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” That is the key. It is Christ in me. It is Christ in you.

When I think back to my “lean” years, I can pinpoint specific events that caused my faith to leap forward. Times when all I could do is trust in His sovereign will helped me grow. Was it fun? Nope. Did I struggle through it? Yep. But looking back I can see the fingerprints of God all over. Will you join me in trying to look closer for God’s fingerprints today? They are there. We just have to look.

Father, I am eternally grateful for Your bountiful provisions. The world may see them as meager, but I know You are giving me exactly what I need.

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Abiding, Asking, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, Faithfulness, God's Will, Hunger, Provision, Scripture

NO SATISFACTION

HAGGAI 1:6

“‘You have sown much, only to harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but there is not enough for anyone to get warm; and the one who earns, earns wages to put into a money bag full of holes.’”

One step forward and two steps back. Never getting anywhere. Have you ever felt that way? It seems no matter how hard you try, you never get the results you are looking for. Take dieting, for example. I can lose ten pounds and before I know it, I’ve gained in back. A lot of that has to do with my eating habits (who doesn’t like fried chicken and mashed potatoes, lol). I know I need to focus and be more disciplined if I want those pounds to stay off.

Haggai wasn’t talking about losing weight, though, in today’s verse. He is passing on the Lord’s point to the people. They were never satisfied with their harvest, their food, their drink, their clothing or their wages. Why? Because they were relying on themselves and not Him. They were striving after all these things, yet their heavenly Father promised to care for them if they would just follow.

APPLICATION

What is your need today? Did you know your Lord wants to meet that for you? He wants to come alongside you and show you the depths of His supply. As we submit to Him and follow Him, He takes care of those needs we have. Will you get everything you want? Of course not. That’s not how it works. We don’t just order room service from God.

Do you believe God’s Word? Philippians 4:19 tells us, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Take that on faith. Believe God will do what He said He will do. Why should you doubt the One who has redeemed you from a fiery end? He has saved and will preserve you.

I have never been wealthy and probably never will. That’s okay. I know I have everything I need. Look up Philippians 4:10-14. Take a good look at Paul’s attitude. We can have that same attitude as we trust God to provide our needs. Will you trust Him today? God knows your needs but tell Him anyway. He loves to hear you talk. He really does.

I am thankful, Lord, for the abundance You have blessed me with. You are a mighty God Who provides for me.

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Bible, Dependence, Money, Provision, Scripture, Trust

SILVER AND GOLD

ZEPHANIAH 1:18

“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD’S anger; and all the earth will be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make a complete end, indeed a horrifying one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.”

“Silver and gold, silver and gold; everyone wishes for silver and gold.” So go the lyrics to the song sung by the snowman in the animated movie classic, “Rudolph, the Red-Nose Reindeer.” Those sentiments are so true. As I write this blog, one of the lotto games is up to $1.35 billion. Everyone is clamoring for that prize, thinking it will bring them ultimate joy. It won’t.

The Lord warns the people in verse 18 that their wealth will not save them in the end. They may think they can escape His wrath, but no amount of silver or gold can expunge the sins committed against God. He does not demand monetary payment for our sins. He demands repentance. He expects contrition. This is a good warning for us today.

APPLICATION

Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:24, “‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’” And we find in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 6, verses 9 and 10, “9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

You see, the Bible has lots to say about money. In fact, by some counts, there are over 2,300 verses on money in the Bible. Do you think God sees the importance of us understanding it? I think so. How you handle your money is a direct reflection on how you trust the Lord. Is money your source of provision or is the Lord?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like having money as much as the next guy. You have to have it to live in this world. But I know my provision is not in what I have. It is in Who I have – Jesus. He is my only true source. I dare not trust in the temporal in exchange for the eternal. How about you?

Remind me, Father, of my total dependence on You, not on the things of this world.

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