God as your Source

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

When we seek the Kingdom of God first and put that Kingdom first, the rest will be added, the Bible says.

The Kingdom of God in the first place means: surrendering yourself completely to God and dying to your own self. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; Galatians 2:20a. Lord what do you want me to do?

Don’t be concerned about anything.

(But worrying is human, right?)

Many people live in shortage. They talk about the high prices, they talk about a broken washing machine or a wage that is too low. They worry about everything. Money, future, work, you name it. That is understandable, when it all just works.

But the Bible says, Be anxious in nothing, but in all things, through prayer and supplication, let your desires be made known to God with thanksgiving; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Yes, but isn’t that human to worry? That’s right, it’s human. But we as a new creation live Spiritually. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

In 2013 we were almost divorced… God saved our marriage, but the time we had, where we followed our own “I”, had consequences. We were on the brink of bankruptcy. The maximum we could be in the red, we were in the red business-wise. The Lord had saved our marriage after we surrendered ourselves to Him again. The consequences were not yet resolved. We didn’t tell anyone, but said, ‘Lord, You saved our marriage. You let us know that we can continue to live in this house. Thank You that You will also provide this piece.”

came in a supernatural way. First because of a calculation error by the accountant, which meant that we had to pay much less VAT than usual. I had two weeks to do that. We gave thanks for provision and also did what we could. I sent a reminder to customers who had not paid and God made sure that just enough money came in for the VAT. A few weeks later we suddenly received a large amount back from the tax authorities. This allowed us to start building again. The next quarter it turned out that the bookkeeper had not calculated it correctly and we still had to pay the other part. At that moment it was possible again. Hallelujah!

We didn’t tell anyone our need…

But made our need known to our Father in Heaven.

God is so faithful that He makes the sun rise on the bad and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45b

When you put the Kingdom of God first, He will give you everything you need. A roof over your head, clothes, food.

I regularly come across people who give all kinds of hints in what they need. I would prefer to have this. I’m praying for that. I have faith for sister. I live on gifts. ‘Oh? And why should I know that? Do you hope that I am your source?’ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your desires be made known to God Philippians 4:6 Let your desires be known to God, says the Bible. It does not say, “And hint to all your friends so that they may provide for you.”

Begging, or being provided by the Source.

Recently someone told me about faith for provision for something. The person told me what it was. Too bad, I thought. Suppose the Lord had now spoken to my heart, without being told. Then it would have been supernatural provision. Had I reacted to this now, it would have been a natural supply. I now knew of the emergency.

Therefore I say to you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

Believe that the Father in Heaven provides for your needs. Don’t look at people. It traps you when you start to rely on people. You get the feeling that you have to keep them happy, by being nice to them or something like that. Otherwise they may not give anything more. Foundations also have a hand in this. Be kind to their givers. Show them pictures or videos. Or, for example, by giving gifts.

While people and foundations that have put their hopes in God, don’t have to manipulate you by giving or hinting. They know that God is their Provider. They seek the Kingdom of God first and know that everything will be given to them. They don’t rely on people.

Do not trust in nobles, in the son of man, in whom there is no salvation. Psalm 146:3 Then you don’t have to be disappointed in people who don’t give money. God is your Source, your Provider. Then you don’t have to judge people. Then you don’t have to measure them, if they say no. When you feel a need for something to give, give. The Lord will always provide you, so you will not lack.

Years ago we supported a foundation structurally. Sometimes it was said: If you did not give, we would receive little. That was hard. It was not our calling. It was their calling. We were behind the foundation. At a certain point we didn’t want to give to that foundation anymore, because our hearts were not in it anymore. There was a friendship attached to it, so it was hard to stop. Suppose they got angry. Suppose the friendship ended. We asked someone for advice. We didn’t quite know how this worked. The person said, “If they’re called by God, isn’t God the Provider, isn’t you?” Wow, that was striking language. We needed that. It was even haughty to think it couldn’t do without us. We decided to throw it open and tell what was on our minds. We don’t want to give anymore. “No problem was the answer.” “God is our Source. We are called of Him, and He will provide. That is faith and trust.”

A year later we learned that their ministry had grown tremendously and we were so grateful. God is The Provider. He always responds to faith. Without faith,

however, it is impossible to please God. For whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t rely on people.

Prayer;

Thank You Father that You are the great Jehovah Jireh. Thank You that You never give Your children a stone when they ask for a loaf of bread. Thank you that we don’t have to rely on people, although you often use them. Thank You for teaching us to trust You only because You are a good Father. You know the desires of our hearts, but I also want to tell them to You today. (specify your needs) Thank you that I have already received it.

Amen

Think of what is true

Things are fired at us all day long. The media wants to show us things. The people around us make you believe things and voices pass through our minds.

As soon as we start to believe the things that come into our heads and let them fall for truth in our hearts, something happens.

What do we let down in heart? The things that are true? Or the lies from outside? Things God Says or Things Others Say? As soon as I open a platform on the internet, all kinds of things come at me. War, diseases, accidents, inflation, housing shortage. So much to worry about.

The Bible says the devil comes to rob, steal and destroy. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10a. The devil comes to rob you of your joy, to steal your peace. He comes to kill and destroy. He destroys everything that is good. Many people are focused all day on all the misery in the world and share it with anyone who wants to hear it.

“Did you see what they’ve come up with now? Have you heard what’s going to happen next?” “We’re going to have a really hard time.” One “prophecy” after another is shared. “Maybe we won’t be able to buy anymore. Maybe our money is worth nothing anymore. Soon we will be short.’

I’ve been worried about this sort of thing for a while too. One day I went to the supermarket and I saw people standing with a camera and microphone. They wanted to interview people about the measures taken by the government. It was sometime in early 2021 and suddenly I realized what I was doing. I had my magnifying glass pointed at the one who comes to rob, steal and destroy. I knew I couldn’t give an interview because bitterness would come out of my mouth. I had not filled myself with the things from above, but with things of the world. I decided to repent of this. I have stopped giving the slightest thought to the concerns of the world. No more looking at it or dealing with it. When I do, something immediately happens to me. Peace disappeares and discontent gives way to my thinking. I start to worry. What an honor does the evil one get when we talk all day long about his so-called “successes.”

The Bible says we should focus on the good.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Filip 4:8

When we focus on this, we don’t worry but we rejoice in the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord. I say it again: rejoice in Him! Let your kindness be known to all. The Lord is close to you. Don’t worry about anything, but pray for everything and ask God for what you need, thankful for all He does. Then you will experience the peace of God, a peace that surpasses human comprehension and that watches over your hearts and minds, because you are in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

When we focus on these things, rejoice in the Lord, give thanks for everything, then we have PEACE that pass all understanding. The Bible tells us to bring every thought under the obedience of Jesus Christ.

For we break down false reasonings and every height that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to bring it to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Consider all that is true, that which is noble, that which is just, that is lovely, that which is pure… A thought comes to you, you bring it under the obedience of Jesus Christ. Is it true? Is it clean? Is it fair? Arrows are often mainly aimed at our thoughts. We are responsible for what we do with it. Many people think they can’t help it and they have to take whatever comes to their mind. “I’m going crazy with my thoughts” they say.

 They go to look at it, and then let it sink into their hearts as truth. Fear, bitterness and anger  arise. The truth is replaced by the lie. And what fills your heart,  flows out of your mouth. In Matthew 12:34b, Jesus says, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

When we begin to put the events of the world above the Word of God, we will act upon them.

The Word of God is the Truth. Replace the lie with the Truth.

I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is the truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world. John 17:14-18

When the world says, “It’s all going down,” the Word says, “You are beyond sparrows.” Matthew 6

When the world says, ‘There is want,’  the Word says, ‘But my God, according to His riches, will supply you with all you need, in glory, through Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:19.

When it is cried, “You stand alone, then I know, ‘The LORD is my Keeper, the LORD is my shade, at my right hand.” Psalm 121:5. “He will not fail or forsake me.” Hebrews 13:5.

When the world says, “You may get sick,” I know it says, “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5b

The world says, “Old age comes with blemishes.” Psalm 92:15 says, “In old age they shall bear fruit, they shall be fresh and green.”

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing! Psalm 23.

Hallelujah! When worries come to your mind, chase them away and replace the lie with the Truth of God. Rejoice in the Lord! Then your heart will overflow with His goodness. Streams of living water flow from within you. Water that everyone wants to drink from, instead of stinking, rotting water that everyone turns their noses at and runs away from. Think of things from above and not from the earth.

Now if you have been raised up with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ is, who sits at the right hand of God. Think of the things that are above and not those that are on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

Praise the Lord oh my soul with all that is in you, His holy Name!

Prayer of thanksgiving, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from there  comes my help. My help is from You Lord, Who made heaven and earth. You will not shake my foot; You, my Keeper will not slumber. You, the Keeper of Israel, shall not slumber nor sleep. You, LORD, are my Keeper, You, LORD, are my shadow, at my right hand. The sun shall not strike me by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep me from all evil; my soul he will keep. The LORD will keep my going out and my coming in from now on and for ever. Thank you! Amen.” Psalm 121.

Can I be with you?

Claudia de Breij wrote a beautiful song some years ago ..

Can I be with you?

when the war comes

And if I have to take shelter

May I be with you?

When there is a club I don’t belong to

Can I join you?

.. A hug.. never thought I was going to miss that. With today’s measures, many people have to miss it, especially when they are alone. We need it. It can feel like comfort, warmth, encouragement, security and understanding.

Sometimes words fall short and an embrace can fill in those words. When I closed my heart at the age of 14, I no longer wanted hugs. I had suffered damage, I kept my distance with words. Big mouth, small heart. Protecting that little heart with hand and tooth. Barbed wire stretched around me, don’t come to close…so hurt by life.

In 2017 we leave with a group of women to Romania. What a warm people. Everywhere we come we receive a hug. Spontaneously my heart opened for these people and I changed from a distanced person to someone who can give and receive a hug .. At home I try to continue but I still fall back into the old pattern.

Every person is happy with a hug

What struck me was when I heard it has to do with acceptance. When we don’t get hugs, it can feel that we are not accepted. In the message of Luke it is written that the disciples of Jesus did not want the children to be brought to Him. Parents wanted to have their children blessed. “No, .. get away from Jesus .. he really has no time for that”!

they would say but look what happened ..

Mark 10: 13-16 People tried to bring children to Him [Jesus] to be touched and blessed by him, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw that, he was excited and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to who is like them. I assure you, whoever is not open to the kingdom of God as a child will certainly not enter it.” He took the children in his arms and blessed them by laying His hands on them.

Wow! He not only blessed them, He takes them in His arms! Jesus does not say … be taught well, make sure you know everything, be the best, but He says … become like a child .. I will cherish, protect and take that child (you) in my arms .. When you feel alone, left by everyone .. lack of contact .. Know that Jesus wants to embrace you .. and you can ask .. Lord Jesus may I be with you ..

Be you – tiful

The following tekst is written on my shirt: be you – tiful.

I am thinking over and over this tekst on my shirt : BE YOU

At the age of six or seven years old I came home and told my mother a story. She said: now you are talking just like your friend, now just talk! I had no idea what she meant. I thought that I told her just a story and then she said, just talk….

Or on another moment when I was 18 years old and I visited my sister in law from Zeeland, again my mother said ; you talk like a Zeeuw , that is, you speak with the dialect of someone from the province Zeeland…..

I always wanted to be like someone else, another person instead of who I was. For example; someone that could sing beautifully or that smart woman that said such good things. Or like that person with such striking beautiful hair …. And my character is not as soft as hers….

I took over some pieces of other people

“Be yourself” is what you hear over and over, a message that I thought was so shallow. It seemed so selfcentered. But God made everyone unique, each one his or her very own character, and unique face too. Everyone is made special and unique by the Creator.

For You created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be! How precious to me are Your thoughts God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand, when I awake, I am still with You

Psalm 139 : 13-18

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…..pfff…. to say this is quite a thing for me.. everything You do is miraculous, Your works are wonderful, i know that full wel…. amazing!…..If I could believe it I would not have to compare myself with others. Than I would be loved completely.

Accepted, and being capable of cheering others that God also made wonderfully and fearfully. Being able to realize how great the works of God are, we people woven and formed by the Creator.

Lord, help me to be me! To be more like You meant me to be. To be thankfull that You knew me and saw me before I had any form. That all of me was already written in Your book. Learn me to see other people like You made them wonderfull too! Woven by You, Amen.

Where your treasure is, there will also be your heart

I wanted to be miljonaire, I wanted to earn a lot of money so that I would be someone. To learn was not my thing, I couldn’t do it so I decided to earn a lot of money. Everybody would have it checked, especially the ones who said I was dumb. My husband desired a posh car, a Porsche, so that would match perfectly! We worked so hard, about 80-90 hours a week. Everything was breaking up but even then our goal was to work, and work hard. Our heart was in the company and in earning lots of money, but we really did not earn that much money. But we kept going and our heart stayed in the company.

For where your treasure is , there your heart will be also

‘Do not store up treasurs for yourselves on earth where mot and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in to steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in or steal, so I say, do remember: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Matt 6:19-21.

Last week I was thinking: the moment you set your heart on something, in our case money, then in fact you give your heart away. Focusing on the things on earth capture your heart to do everything to reach the goal you have set on earthly things. When your heart is not in your body anymore, but in things, in fact you are dead.

Matt 6:33 ‘But seek first His Kingdom and His righteouness and all these things will be given to you as well.’

One day we had enough! We had worked so much and it had not given the result we wanted, we were so tired and we had lost ourselves. We decided we had to change and we gave our possessions and our company back to God and changed our goals. Our goal wasn’t money anymore, but living our life with Christ.

‘The world and its desires pass away; but whoever does the will of God lives forever.’ 1 John 2:17

Jesus gives life!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3 : 1-2

Giving away everything gives freedom; and be fully aware to set your heart on the things of heaven above.

A childrens song I learned when I was young is saying:

‘I have a purse that is never getting old.

I have a treasure that never runs out.

I have a treasure in heaven,

I have Jesus in my heart.

He is the King, He is the King.

He is the One who sets us free.

He is the King, He is the King.

He is King forever.

Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth

and He became a man just like you and me

To lead us to His Father

I am the way, He says.

Do not look for treasures on earth.

Their value shall not stay.

I give you a treasure in the Kingdom.

Follow me, you will be rich like a king.

Jesus says to you: I know all your sorrows

because I became a man like you.

So come to me, do not wait until tomorrow

come and I make you free.

I am the light of the world

and shine in the darkest night.

This is the day that your life begins.

Follow me and you will be as happy as a child.

I have a lamp that will never go out.

I have a way that goes up high.

I have a home in heaven

and I have Jesus in my heart.

He is King, He is my King!’