Tag Archive | provision

His Abundant Provision

For about a year now I have had a craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken.® It’s rather unusual, because I’m not one to eat fast food, but I must admit its been calling to me. After most of the year of shutting the thought down, I just decided to get past it and eat some; but the line was long, and the cars just weren’t moving. They must have run out of chicken, and I ran out of time–leaving without chicken!

This past Monday, I was getting ready to go to town to feed the homeless at our local shelter, when I initiated a conversation with the Lord. It is my habit to talk with Him, often, throughout the day so this was not unusual. I’ve been working really hard at paying off my car and house, but at the same time pouring everything I can into books to send to prisons and for the homeless. “Lord,” I said, “You know I want to pay off my house and car, but I just don’t know how I can stretch myself any more.” “So why don’t you believe Me for that?” He replied. You know, He never asks us a question that He doesn’t already know the answer to. He wasn’t asking to find out, but was asking so that I would find out! As I looked inside for the answer, He revealed something in my heart that had been blocking my faith.

I had a few errands to run on the way to the homeless shelter, and a phone call came in as well, so I had put it all out of my mind by the time I got there. There was a pickup truck near the entrance when I arrived and a guy got out of the truck and headed right to me as I was about to unlock the door. I wasn’t afraid, but I was concerned about how I would get in without him seeing the code. When he got near enough, he asked me, “Hey, do you work here?” “I do tonight.” “I just volunteer here on Monday nights.” I replied. “Great,” he said, “Can you use some Kentucky Fried Chicken®?”

“I have 40 dinners here, and I’ve already handed dinners out to everyone that wanted one, can you take them?”

So, what are the chances–

of a Kentucky Fried Chicken® representative showing up on my doorstep with 40 meals?

Not chance at all when God’s involved!

He was so happy I took the meals. Since the homeless got all they wanted at the shelter, I sent them to the park with Bill. He came to drop off the food we would be serving that night. Roast pork loin, fresh vegetables with teriyaki sauce, rice, fresh biscuits and dinner rolls, apple crisp; and tonight, Bill also brought 4 deep pans of fresh croissants, pastries, and giant cinnamon rolls. He had been on his way to bring the food, when he got a call from 9 Bean Rows. They are a local bakery and restaurant that makes the most wonderful bread, pastries and lunches. This place has been incredibly generous this past summer, offering us pastries to give out, quite often, when we served in the park.

I work with 5loaves2fish, and we serve every Monday year round, rain, snow or shine. They started out in the park, but when they heard that if the guests don’t sleep in the shelter, they can’t eat there, they continued all winter at both places. It was when they first started at the shelter that I joined them, which was two years ago. Some are just emotionally incapable of coping with a large group of people in close quarters and they stay in tents all winter. Here in the frozen north, that’s a real tough thing to do! When you are all snug and warm in your bed, think about those that don’t have a real bed. Don’t for a minute think they chose this lifestyle. It is a very hard life they live and my heart goes out to them.

We lavish them with lots of love and heaping plates of great food!

No canned green beans here! Everything is homemade, well, about 98% of it is. Occasionally we feed them hotdogs or brats at the park because they ask for them; and of course, ice cream with fresh strawberries or homemade caramel sauce. Otherwise, everything is made from scratch, even the pasta, and its really, really good! This night a man sought us out at the kitchen door and wouldn’t speak until he had all of our attention–then he just couldn’t speak. I watched him try, as tears welled up in his eyes. He gave the most heart-felt, expressive nod I have ever witnessed; and just turned and left, as the tears took over for him.

He was so overcome, and so were we.

I love these people so much!

So Bill told me to take two dinners home and he took the rest to the park. They too, were getting the same meal we were serving, only it was already plated up in to-go containers and bags. The chicken was an extra surprise for later.

It wasn’t until the next morning that I remembered my conversation with the Lord. I think He must have blocked me from remembering it or maybe it was just that I was too busy thinking about others and serving them, that it never came to mind. When I opened my eyes, before I even had time to think a thought, He said. “I provide in abundance don’t I?” Instantly with that comment, He brought to mind our conversation, the chicken, and 9 Bean Rows; all in a split second, as only He can do!

“So, why don’t you believe for that?” He continued.

Yes, I think I should!

With that I opened my Bible to read–just dropped it open randomly. Have you guessed it already? Yep, where else would He send me but right to John 6, and the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fish!

So, what are the chances of that?

It’s not chance at all when God is involved, is it?

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, “How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten.” John 6:5-13

Rules for the Road

Mar16

Every new direction requires submission.

First, submission to My Word–

My Word is always first and foremost above all things. I will never direct you apart from it–you are never to be without it!

Now, listen and hear My Heart for you; for I have plans for you, that I have prepared you for, and they are ‘for‘ you!

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

You can submit, begin, but if your heart is not willing you will falter and fail.

Be willing to join your heart to Mine.

“Teach me thy way, O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11

Last, let Me lead.

Many find their purpose and willingly strike out in advance of My timing–

Timing is critical!

Wait on Me.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. –” Psalms 127:1a

Many look for provision as a first step–if they don’t see it, they don’t begin. . .

Take the steps of faith first, knowing, I will provide!

Now, let’s, let us, get started . . .

I AM the Way!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“The steps of a man are from the Lord, and he establishes him in whose way he delights. –” Psalms 37:23a

“Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

Confounding the Wise

Oct28

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream.

Pharaoh dreamt of lean ears consuming the fat and full ears. Likewise, the gaunt cows devoured the fat cows. This was to prepare them, in provision, for lean times. (Genesis 41:1-7)

Now I AM preparing, in provision, for abundant times. . .The fat and flourishing shall consume and overtake the gaunt and lean.

Those years are over when harvest comes!

But harvest begins in the mind, just as it did with Pharaoh. He saw it in his mind and cried out for understanding.

Pharaoh had no covenant with Me, yet I used his wealth to provide for My chosen.

Rahab had no covenant with Me, yet I used her to provide safety for My chosen.

Think beyond your understanding, for I will use others that will confound the wise. Others, that don’t know Me, but they will–for I AM!

I will prove it.

Be ready!

“And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Make haste and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry; you shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have; and there I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come; lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty.'” Genesis 45:7-11

“But Rahab the harlot, and her father’s household, and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive; and she dwelt in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” Joshua 6:26

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.'” I Corinthians 1:18-19 KJV

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, ‘He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.'” I Corinthians 1:27-31

Two new books available to help you in these challenging times . . .

“Comfort in the Challenge.” Published in 2019, and written in dedication to caregivers. A book inspired by God, in provision, before awareness of Covid 19. Read it to be comforted, and encouraged. All messages are spoken from the Heart of God as fresh bread. All proceeds from “Comfort in the Challenge” go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland has a wonderfully successful 40 year history, dedicated to helping men, desiring to overcome addiction, find new life in Jesus!

“His Voice in My Heart,” published in 2020. A journey of messages God has spoken over the past seven years. In sorting messages for “Comfort in the Challenge,” ‘prisoners’ welled up in my heart so strongly, that I began to sort messages for this special assignment as well. “His Voice in My Heart” is filled with His messages to comfort, challenge and bring restoration; along with several inspiring true testimonies of God’s healing and provision. “His Voice in My Heart” is a special book in your journey to freedom!

The messages are spoken from the heart of God, but are not meant to replace the Word; rather, they serve to lead you to it, give practical application, and encourage understanding of the Word. It is the Word of God that saves, heals and delivers–Jesus, is the Word. Included in both books you will find many scriptures for your study in the Word.

Both books may be ordered from, Nation of Women Publishing, found by clicking the link below.

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

♥ Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the Gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus ♥

Human nature tends to shoot their best supporting foot, just because it steps a little different than the other. May we all take on the ‘nature’ of God and receive His peace and understanding for one another!

Thank you and God Bless You,

Lori J. O’Neil

More Than Enough

Jun26

I anticipate your needs, and make provision far in advance–long before you recognize the need.

I will always provide for My plan, that you may walk in My will for your life, but I AM more than necessity, I AM abundance!

“For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance;–” Matthew 25:29a

I delight to bring a sparkle to your eyes with surprises along the way.

Your need is My necessity.
Your BLESSING is My abundant Love.

I want you to think beyond making do; I want you to think of what matters to you. Do you understand that you are not children of the slave, but of the free?

A slave or servant would receive a meal to nourish; basic needs are met–clothing, food, shelter. You are the children of the King, and not just a king, but The King.

“And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29

“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise.” Galatians 4:22-23

See yourself with more than you need.

Always give more, with more in mind; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. It’s all a matter of the heart, but first you must believe.

“–give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38

Some find it hard to believe that their needs are met–are not able to reach for more, for their thinking is poor. Why would I want you to be struggling? It is for your sake, that I became poor, that you might be made rich.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” II Corinthians 8:9

Wealth is not the enemy. Money is neither good nor evil, it is a substance useful to meet a need. Therefore, it is the heart that offers, that determines the source.

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22

You need not be afraid of BLESSING.
You need not be afraid to bless.

There is so much more!

“I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe.

But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.” Galatians 4:1-7

“Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? “Cast out the slave and her son; for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” Galatians 4:28-31

“How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. They feast on the abundance of thy house, and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light. O continue thy steadfast love to those who know thee, and thy salvation to the upright of heart!” Psalms 36:7-10

Blessed in My Rest

Mar11

True fulfillment comes from knowing the contentment of resting in My Truth.

I marvel that My children spend so much of their lives struggling and living far below the means that I have provided for them, simply because they have not become grounded in My Word.

If you are struggling, then you are simply living beneath My Truth.

For I paid the highest price, that you might have the best of everything. Do not stand for less, rather, take a stand for My Truth and accept nothing less.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” II Corinthians 8:9

“The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:10-11

“If you then have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

If you settle, it is not My Word that is lacking, but that you are lacking My Word.

Think on that and wake up.

Awaken to My Truth for your life.

“Awake, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. If you will not awake, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:2-3

“Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:11-14

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

For your life in this realm is short indeed and there is so much to do.

May we proceed?

When you settle this in your heart and begin to live in your full potential, then in full confidence we will accomplish all that I’ve intended for your life.

Settle it.

Stop fighting with what is not yours and take what is Mine; I’ve long ago given it to you.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.” I John 2:15-17

“–Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12

For you are Mine and you are BLESSED in My Rest.

“‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'” Matthew 11:28-30

“–‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'” John 8:31b-32

“–‘Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.'” John 8:34-36

“So then, there remains a sabbath rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labors as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:9-13

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:3-10