Provision: Prepare your heart to receive what you need!

Remember how the Lord’s Prayer provided by Jesus helps us to pray by first preparing our hearts and praising God? Are you in need of provision? Turn to God and ask for He is good and even has explained to the people who would give their child a rock if they asked for bread or would give their child a snake if they asked for a fish, He is better than them.

‘ “ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will [instead] give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake? If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.

“So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets. ‘

Matthew 7:7-12

God’s Provision:

So today, let’s bring our needs to God who is our provider! Firstly, let’s be the dads who ask and keep asking because we know we can trust God! Secondly, let’s be the dads who knock and keep knocking because we know that God is our provider! Finally, let’s be the dads who keep seeking God’s plan, purpose, and will for our lives, trusting that He will provide us with the wisdom and direction we need to accomplish the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish!

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Therefore, let’s step back and start where it begins by praising and worshipping God and lifting Him because we trust Him and know that He will provide!

Let’s pause and consider what Jesus tells us to do when it comes to prayer:

‘ “Also, when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray [publicly] standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. So do not be like them [praying as they do]; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses. ‘

Matthew 6:5-15

As we prepare for this day, let’s lean in and trust God! Let’s choose to put our dependence on God, our trust in His provision, and answer the call on our lives to live in community, caring for one another! Let’s pause and reflect on what “Give us this day our daily bread.” means before we consider how to apply this verse of the day toward being the dads:

Provision: Give us this day our daily bread.

1. Provision and sustenance: At its core, this phrase is a humble request for God’s provision of our basic physical needs. It acknowledges our dependence on God for sustenance and recognizes that our daily bread represents the necessities of life, such as food, water, and shelter. It reminds us to approach God with trust and gratitude, acknowledging that everything we have ultimately comes from Him.
2. Spiritual nourishment: The phrase “give us this day our daily bread” has both a literal and metaphorical meaning. Beyond physical sustenance, it’s symbolic of our yearning for spiritual nourishment. Just as bread fuels our bodies, we seek guidance, wisdom, and grace from God to strengthen our souls for the challenges we face each day. This phrase represents our longing for a meaningful and continuous connection with God, recognizing that His teachings and presence are crucial in our spiritual journey.
3. Trusting in God’s timing: The prayer emphasizes the phrase “this day,” highlighting the importance of living in the present moment and trusting in God’s daily provision. It encourages us to let go of worries about tomorrow and focus on the present day, seeking God’s guidance and trusting that He will provide for our needs according to His perfect timing and wisdom. It teaches us to rely on God’s faithfulness and to cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for what we have each day.
4. Community and sharing: The Lord’s Prayer is often recited in a communal setting, and this particular phrase reminds us of our interconnectedness as believers. It encourages us to pray not just for our daily bread but for the needs of others as well. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for and support one another, both materially and spiritually. It fosters a sense of solidarity and prompts us to reach out to those who are hungry, marginalized, or in need, reflecting the teachings of Jesus to love our neighbors as ourselves.

How can we apply this verse to be the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be and that God created, purposed, and planned for us to be using today’s verse of the day?

Applying Matthew 6:11 so that we can Be The Dads God created, purposed, and planned for us to be and our wives, kids, and world need us to be:

• Prioritize your family’s well-being: Just as the verse emphasizes the daily bread, prioritize the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your wife, children, and family.
• Provide for your family’s needs: Strive to be a provider for your family, not only materially but also emotionally and spiritually. Take responsibility for the well-being of your loved ones.
• Seek God’s guidance: Ask God to provide you with wisdom, discernment, and direction as you lead and make decisions for your family.
• Trust in God’s provision: Develop a deep trust in God’s ability to provide for your family’s needs, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all blessings.
• Cultivate a spirit of gratitude: Teach your children the importance of gratitude by expressing thankfulness for the provisions you receive, whether big or small.
• Teach financial responsibility: Help your children develop healthy financial habits by teaching them the value of money, budgeting, saving, and giving.
• Model hard work and diligence: Set an example for your children by being industrious, responsible, and dedicated to your work. Show them the importance of doing their best in all they undertake.
• Foster a spirit of contentment: Encourage your family to find joy and contentment in what they have rather than constantly striving for more. Teach them the difference between needs and wants.
• Show compassion to those in need: Demonstrate empathy and kindness towards others who are less fortunate. Teach your children the importance of helping those in need and being generous with their resources.
• Pray for God’s provision: Just as the verse encourages us to ask God for our daily bread, regularly pray for your family’s needs, seeking God’s provision and blessing in all areas of their lives.

So remember, it’s a lifelong journey, and seeking God’s guidance and strength is essential.