Ellie at sunset

Ellie, our youngest daughter in college called yesterday alarmed and said, “I just heard that our government shut down! Is there any reason to fear?” Reassuringly I said, “No, the Lord will provide and we’ll be fine.”  The future of America and its financial crisis looks disastrous but as long as we keep our selves before the Lord, He will see us through. He truly is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — We need to remember to always stay in the river of living water and the truth will light our way.

“Meditate on the word of God day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid or dismayed,  for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in fire.

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalm 46

Sparrows are a common bird on our property and were in Israel at the time Jesus said that not even one of these lowly birds fall to the ground without the Father’s knowledge. (Matthew 10:29) Not one of them is forgotten before Him. (Luke 12:6) Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31)

God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and all the beasts of the field and forest are His. Psalm 50:10-11- These cows were on a hill next to me in ND last week–Can you see the cow looking at me? It was pretty dark outside.

The sunflowers grew over 10 feet tall this year. Our honey bees are busy preparing for winter. They’re tirelessly working to store for  lean times. It reminds me of the verse in Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” We too need to be wise with our resources to prepare for the days ahead like our bees.

“I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:7-8