2nd Saturdays Sustenance

Thoughts …

If you look at your life and your walk like weather
ups and downs
more severe – heat, winds, rains, cold, storms

there are also times of refreshing and provision to carry you through

wind – sweeping. God is a place of shelter, and enabler that we can stand.
rain – washing –

the phrase “latter and former rain” 

“Literal Meaning. The phrase the “former and latter” rains occurs multiple times in the Bible. Jeremiah 5:24; Daniel 11:29; Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; and Haggai 2:9 in the King James Version Bible (KJV) are just a few examples. Jeremiah 5:24 teaches that God gives us rain. We also find a variation of the phrase in James 5:7

. . . Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season . . . (KJV) Jer. 5:24

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. (KJV) James 5:7

The phrase “former and latter rain” refers to the early and late rains. The former or early rain occurred in October or November. The latter or late rain occurred in March or April. Crops were planted in October or November and harvested sometime after March and April. If we compare Zechariah 10:1 in both the King James Version and the New American Standard Bibles, we discover that the phrase is talking about rain.

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. (KJV) Zechariah 10:1

Ask rain from the LORD at the time of the spring rain – The LORD who makes the storm clouds; And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man. (NASB) Zechariah 10:1

These passages refer to God’s provision and grace in meeting our needs. God takes care of those who follow Him and those who do not. He cares for the ungrateful (Luke 6:35) and those who are thankful.

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (NASB) Matthew 6:31-33
Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it. Isaiah 45:8 ESV

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
(Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

http://www.neverthirsty.org/pp/corner/read2/r00805.html

REFRESH’ING, ppr. or a. Cooling; invigorating; reviving; reanimating.

REFRESH’ING, n. Refreshment; relief after fatigue or suffering.

REFRESH’MENT, n.

1. Act of refreshing; or new strength or vigor received after fatigue; relief after suffering; applied to the body.

2. New life or animation after depression; applied to the mind or spirits.

3. That which gives fresh strength or vigor, as food or rest.

Definitions from Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828

 

1Kings 17 Elijah  –  Refreshing of self for the refreshing of another self

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Can these dry bones live?


Songs …

Songs by Moriah Peters – Stand Stand StrongBraveYou Carry Me

I Need You to Survive, Hezekiah Walker on Wow Gospel 2004;

The Wind, Cece Winans on Everlasting Love,

I’m at Peace, Vicki Yohe

This Too Shall Pass, Yolanda Adams on Day by Day

Stand, Left Behind 2 – Tribulation Force

Songs for the Storm album, Kirk Franklin

Let it Rain, Bishop Paul S. Morton


Refreshments …

Tropicana Farmstand Apricot Mango Juice, Quiche, and Casserole

the breakfast casserole photo by Lynn Ingram