Scripture for Today:  I Timothy 6:17  “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

My eldest daughter had the terrific idea to make silhouettes of all the countries or states in which she had lived!  She framed them all and grouped them around the saying, “Home is where the heart is.”

I only recently learned that the word “silhouette” is actually a family name.  Etienne de Silhouette was an eighteenth century finance controller for the French government.  He so sorely taxed the wealthy, that they described their reduced fortune as a “silhouette” or a shadow of what once was.

Our verse for today speaks of the uncertainty of riches.  They are so ephemeral and fleeting that one cannot find security in an account balance.  Whether they are reduced by unexpected hospital bills, unemployment or taxes, there can never be peace of mind in a nest egg.  Hoping in riches is a losing proposition.  Any number of circumstances can reduce one’s riches to a “silhouette.”

How much better to fix one’s hope in a God who supplies every need!  His resources remain constant and untouchable regardless of the latest economic forecast.  He not only supplies but He richly supplies!  There is no end to what He does for His own.  I know, because I have seen Him come through over and over again!  He gives and gives and He does so to take pleasure in our grateful enjoyment!  What a beautiful giving heart He has!  What a slap in the face it must be to Him to see His children hoping and depending on themselves.

Thank you, Lord, for your unending daily provision!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)

Scripture for Today: Habakkuk 2:1 “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved.”

The view from the ramparts of Haut Koenigsbourg seems to go on forever on a clear day!  This castle was less than an hour from our house and we often took visitors there.  Half the fun is walking these ramparts and identifying the villages in the distance!

Today it is all about tourism, but when this castle was inhabited, these ramparts were important for security.  Its elevated position gave those on watch ample time to see approaching danger and prepare to meet it.

In our verse for today Habakkuk is standing on the ramparts.  He is watching, but not for the enemy.  This prophet of God is wondering when God will deliver them from the evil and violent Chaldeans.  He is watching and waiting expectantly for God to answer.  I can just see him, shielding his eyes and squinting into the distance, thinking, “How long?”  He expects the Lord to reprove him for all his questions and his doubts.  But God does not.  Instead, he is promised that a vision is coming describing the destruction of their enemy.  “Though it tarries, wait for it; it will certainly come.” (verse 3)  So, Habakkuk still had to wait, but with a promise.

God asks me to wait too.  He allows those delays to test my faith.  Having to wait develops in me patience, calm, serenity and strength.  I am to watch and to wait on those ramparts, looking for His answers.  But I wait with His precious promises in my heart, and that makes all the difference!

Lord, help me keep watch with faith!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)