mine!

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

- Isaiah 43:1

 

“It’s MINE!”

I’m pretty sure each one of us has heard those words out of the mouths of children whether it was our own children or someone else’s kids or even as siblings growing up. 

We still hear it today out of some adults along with the justification of “possession in nine tenths of the law”.

Three interesting facts here:

1. the origin of that phrase is thought to be an old Scottish proverb “ possession is eleven points in the law, and they say there are but twelve”.

2. the principle was applied in 1878 to decide the dispute between the Hatfields and the McCoys over ownership of pigs and

3. modern courts do not formally observe the “nine tenths of the law” principle.

All of that history stuff aside, I am so glad that God is very clear that I am His.

Just like a child is possessive of a much loved toy, God is possessive of His children.

He loves us and will do everything to protect us, we are His.

Reading deeper into chapter 43, we find that God promises to protect us from water and fire and He will gather His children together for His glory.

“You are mine”.

Those are very comforting words to hear in this world full of turmoil.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

poor

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

- Proverbs 28:27

 

“Homeless, hungry, anything helps.  God Bless”

We see people holding signs like that at busy intersections all across the country, at entrances to shopping centers and even at gas stations.

In 2019 the figure given for homelessness in the US was a staggering 567,715 individuals and I am sure it has increased since the pandemic as so many people lost their jobs as a result of social distancing due to Covid 19. 

In a 2017 survey it was revealed that 94% of panhandlers do use the funds they receive from donations to purchase food they need and only 3% of panhandlers do not want some form of permanent housing. 

So how do you know when you see that person holding a sign that they are one of the 94% that are legitimately homeless and in need?

You don’t.

There will always be people that try to take advantage of the generous nature of others.

So how do we determine to whom we should give our help so that we follow the word of God?

I believe we should listen for His voice. 

Many times when I see someone holding a sign, I will say “God, what do I do here?” and often I hear Him say “help them”.

I have been known to buy groceries or a meal and my husband has taken people to the gas station and filled their vehicle with gas. 

We may not always hear God’s voice telling us to help specific individuals or we may simply not be comfortable handing them money or speaking with them, but there are other ways to help. 

Check into donating or volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food pantry or homeless shelter.

We can’t solve homelessness but we can take care of God’s children.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

unspoken prayers

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

- Romans 8:26-27

 

Quite often I see requests for “unspoken prayer, God knows the need” posted on social media and various websites.

Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace of mind that God knows our heart, body and mind?

That we can sit in complete silence and God hears our broken hearts, understands our deepest needs and yes, answers our prayers.

We don’t have to make our requests out loud and in public, we don’t even have to share our needs with other humans.

God knows what we want and what He has planned for us, even when we can’t see it He is still answering our prayers, leading us where we need to be and listening to our cries.

Unspoken prayer is still heard by our mighty God.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

my right

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”

- 1 Corinthians 10:23

 

We humans seem to believe that we have the right to do and say anything we want to do and say regardless of how it may affect others.

Something that is offensive to one person may not be offensive to many others, but today’s culture has deemed that if one person takes offense then all must take offense and the offending item, words, books, movies, plays, they are all eradicated from our society no matter the historical significance.

While we can’t always please every person at every moment, we also can’t forget where we started. 

We can’t erase the mistakes we made, and we should not forget them, because we don’t want to repeat them!

We have the right to do and say anything we want, but we do need to THINK.

Is it True

Is it Helpful 

Is it Inspiring

Is it Necessary

Is it Kind   

In our history we didn’t always THINK.

In our present we don’t always THINK.

We can’t erase the past and we shouldn’t forget it, but we should strive for a better future for everyone.

THINK.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

rock solid

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

 

There is a place in Spring Green, Wisconsin called “The House on the Rock”.  It was built by a man named Alex Jordan in the 1940’s and 50’s, opening to the public in the 1960’s.

The house is structurally designed to emulate Japanese building styles, surrounded by Asian inspired gardens and Jordan incorporated the natural rock formations of the Wisconsin hills through the house. 

Inside, there are many rooms with eclectic collections arranged by type, including the world’s largest indoor carousel, a doll carousel, an aviation room, Streets of Yesterday and an Infinity Room among many others. 

It’s definitely an all day trip, it took us 5 hours to go through and is amazing to see all of the collections and hear the story behind the house.

If you know anything about Wisconsin, you know the winters can be harsh and brutal and that house, built on any other foundation but rock would have fallen years ago.

The Infinity Room extends 218 feet out over the valley with glass walls and a section at the end with glass on the floor and through that, looking out (or down) you can see miles of God’s amazing work. 

Just as Jordan build his house on the firm foundation of rock, we too must build our faith on a firm foundation. 

We can’t be on a shifting journey with a strong belief one day and limited belief the next.

The Bible tells us to hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice.

Where are you building your house?

 

#dailybreadbykitty

peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

- John 14:27

 

Over the years my favorite time of day and day of the week has become Saturday mornings.

For the longest time I would wake up before anyone else, gab a cup of coffee and a book and curl up on the couch with a cat and a blanket and just soak in the peace.

God’s peace surpasses all understanding, He gives us His peace, expecting nothing in return.

Peace means many things to many people, it can be quiet in a world of turmoil, it can be freedom from the pain of disease or addiction, it can be a simple touch when we are lonely.

Peace should fill out troubled hearts, overtaking everything sad that is in there.

Peace can be found by simply seeking the Father.

Peace.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

taxes

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

- Romans 13:6-7

 

In case you needed a reminder, today is tax day in the U.S.

Some people are excited about getting their taxes done, because they always get money back.

Other people are not so excited because they have to pay in, or for whatever reason the government retains their refunds.

Still others really don’t have an opinion either way because they have figured out how to get the most out of their taxes and the amount they get in their state return covers what they owe for federal. 

Regardless of how we feel about taxes, it is the law that we pay them, both government law and God’s law.

I am glad that most tax collectors are nicer today than they were in Jesus’ time.

God directs us to give what we owe, and that is often more than just money, it is also about honor, respect and even love.

You can’t expect to be honored, respected and loved if you don’t show the same to others.

 

#dailybreadbykitty