Cyber-Provision Abraham wanted to upgrade his computer with a new program and sought advice from his computer savvy son Isaac. "Now let me get this straight, Dad." Isaac said. "You want to install this new program on your old computer?" "Right," Abraham said "But it won't work. This program takes more memory than your computer has. You need a new 486 system with at least 16 meg of memory?" "Memory?" Abraham asked. "Yeah ­ it's called RAM ­ Random Access Memory and it lets you run the program you want. You don't have that on your old computer." "Don't worry," Abraham smiled serenely. "That's not a problem, son, because God will provide the RAM." That's silly of course but at least Abraham was right. He knew God would provide exactly what he needed and just when and how he needed it. It's the same today for us. For just as God supplied the actual ram for sacrifice instead of Isaac after Abraham had passed his faith test, God still provides all that we will need for any project or challenge He has for us. So has He presented you with a new opportunity? Whether it's a sheep or a computer program His provision is perfect.       Hiding The Obvious As he was straightening a display of diamond rings in the front window of his jewelry store, Enrique heard the beeping sound of a backing truck from the street. Then as he watched, the truck stopped and backed up to his store. The back of the truck opened up, a ramp slid down and an elephant emerged.  The pachyderm ambled up to Enrique's shop window, swung his head to plunge a tusk through the glass, and then lifted his trunk to suck up all the rings, necklaces and other pieces that were on display. As Enrique stood frozen in disbelief  the elephant returned to the truck and shuffled up the ramp.  Once he was inside and the ramp pulled up, the back door slid into place and the truck drove off. Enrique quickly recovered his senses to call the police. Moments later they arrived and a detective interviewed Enrique. "Could you describe the elephant?" "Heck, how do you describe an elephant? They all look alike." Enrique told him. The policeman had an answer. "Well, there are actually two types of elephants. African and Indian. The Indian elephant has smaller ears than the African and isn't as tall." "Can't help you about the ears." Enrique sighed. "He had a stocking pulled over his head." That's silly of course because how could you fail to recognize something as obvious as an elephant? Yet sometimes that's exactly what happens when we don't see God's presence in our lives, and particularly when we miss His work in our lives at the time at the time He's most actively involved.  He can certainly help us in any number of ways. Perhaps He's answered a specific request we've made, or provided extra strength as we struggle, or maybe nudged us into a new ministry area where we find a new sense of fulfillment. Yet no matter how He does it, as God fills our needs at just the right time and in just the right way. However, often we're not immediately aware of it and it's only when we look back that we see how events worked out so precisely and so perfectly we realize He's been involved. And when we comprehend that then we can experience that familiar sense of awe and wonder that shows that it doesn't depend on who we are but totally on Him.       Seeking Changes As a resident of Dimwit Junction, Hiram shared their propensity for having a unique way of thinking, but since he lived in a rural mountainous area he wasn't always aware of all that modern life involved. However, Dimmie Hiram decided he wanted to see more of the world so he took his family to the Big City to see the sights. They checked into the beautiful modern hotel, and as they had to wait a few minutes before their room was ready, Hiram left his wife sitting in the lobby as he walked around with his son. He gawked at the modern furniture, the stylishly dressed people who were passing by, and even the bright electric lights that illuminated the scene. It was all so new to him! Then he noticed the trio of elevators with shiny steel doors that flanked one side of the lobby. Enthralled, he stood watching people enter the elevator then disappear as the doors slid shut. After a moment then the door would open, and more people would emerge.  Hiram was still trying to understand how the whole thing worked when a wrinkled elderly lady hobbled into one of the elevators.  Hiram watched as the doors slid shut and a moment later the same door opened to reveal a curvaceous blonde woman who emerged. Hiram nodded his head in understanding. "Jake," he turned to his son who was standing nearby. "Go get your mother." That's silly of course but sometimes we're a bit like Hiram when we look for easy solutions to what we want to change. It might be some aspect of our lives, or of someone else's… or even a situation we find it hard to cope with. And often when we see our change as perfect we usually forget to consider what God wants us to do. Perhaps He will alter the situation, or perhaps He will not choose to do so. He has His purposes for what we want to modify and while we may never fully understand His reasons we know they are as perfect as He is. Hiram thought he'd found a perfect way to attain what he wanted, but while I may think the same thing only God can provide the perfect solutions to truly change what needs to be.         Full Restoration Theresa and Oliver were tooling down the rural highway in their new sports car when they encountered the pedestrian. "Look out! You'll hit him!" Theresa squealed, as Oliver jerked the steering wheel to one side and then the other sending the vehicle swerving in an arc. Yet the faint thump was evidence that his efforts had been futile and as he slowed the car to a halt and they emerged to assess the damages they found the crumpled form sprawled beside the road. "There was nothing you could have done." Theresa consoled her husband. "He jumped right in front of you." She kneeled down to poke at the furry carcass. " It's such a shame. I love rabbits – they're so cute." "Well, let's get going. We can't do anything here." Oliver nudged his wife. "I suppose so." She arose. "But you know I've got something here that might help. It's in the trunk." Oliver watched as Theresa returned to the car and searched among the packages. Then, returning to the scene of the accident and leaning down, as she shook the can, popped off the cap and sprayed the furry body. Barely had she done so when the rabbit body shook and the victim popped to his feet. As the astonished couple watched, the newly revived rabbit hopped a short distance away, then turned back, waved a paw at Theresa and Oliver, then hopped further away. Yet a dozen feet away he paused again turned and waved at the shocked couple and then resumed his hopping. This process continued until he had disappeared from sight down the road. After a few seconds Oliver regained his senses and turned to Theresa. "What was that stuff?" Theresa held up the can and displayed the label: "Hair Spray – Restores Life to Dead Hair – Permanent Wave Guaranteed." We'll probably never see that happen but we can personally encounter something like that when we experience the complete restoration of our relationship with God when we fail Him and He forgives us. Let's face it –we're human and that makes us susceptible to the failings or sins that can interrupt our ongoing connection with God. However, those lapses need only be temporary because with confession of our sin God not only forgives but also totally restores us and He does it so completely that He even forgets our deviation- and we don't even need a spray!     Buried Untreasure The Dimwit Junction television station broke into their regular programming with an urgent announcement: "What could be Dimwit Junction's worst air disaster occurred earlier today when a Cessna 152, a small two seater plane, crashed into the cemetery early this morning.  Dimmies Joe and Henry have been working as search and rescue workers and have so far recovered 70 bodies. The number is expected to climb as digging continues." That's silly of course, but sometimes I can do the same in the spiritual sense when I try to dig up and brood about some sort of mistake or failure that should have stayed buried.  I might fret about why I did it – or how I wish I hadn't – and even worry about how people will dislike me because I did it. Futile and ridiculous of course – but so easy to do! However, what takes more effort is to remember that by living in the past or bringing the past into the present I'm totally wasting my time and God's.  Why should I be so concerned about what's happened when His challenges for me lie in the present and the future       Call To The Difficult The foreman addressed the rowers of an ancient Roman galley. "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we'll have double rations for lunch and an hour's rest after that." "Hurray!" Shouted the men. But the foreman wasn't through. "The bad news is that after that the captain wants to go water skiing." Sometimes we find the same in our spiritual life when we experience the good news of privilege of serving God yet there's always the bad news of how sometimes that service is not easy.  We can see wonderful results of God at work in our lives and those of others but it is inevitable that when we do His follow Him we will likely face a variety of struggles. After all, he never promised His children an easy life. Good news and bad news – yet serving Him is worth all the possible struggles. As the old hymn puts it – there's no crown without a cross.       Beyond The Reality Henry was wiping the counter in his diner when the front door opened and as he leaned over the counter he saw the new arrival was a duck The newcomer waddled over to the counter and half flew half hopped up on a stool. "I'll take a cup of coffee and a ham sandwich." He ordered. Henry recovered his composure and turned to draw a cup of coffee and gave the order to the cook. “Uh, we don’t get too many ducks in here and certainly no talking ones." "Well, you'll probably be seeing more of me since I'm working on the building across the street.” Said his customer. The duck ate his lunch and paid, then waddled out again. Henry stepped to the window to see the duck cross the street to where a large building was under construction. Henry told later customers about his unique customer, a subject that particularly and interested one man. "I've got some friends in the circus business," he said. "A talking duck would be a great attraction for them. If the duck comes in again ask him to get in touch with me and there's a good chance you could get a finder's fee if they sign him up." The next day the duck returned and as he ate Henry brought up the offer. "You know I was telling some of my other customers about you. One of them said that you could probably make a lot more money in the circus than what you're doing now." "The circus?" The duck asked. "You mean with the clowns, the three rings and the trapeze artists?" "Yeah - this guy said they might have a job for you." The duck still seem puzzled. "Why would want the circus want a carpenter?" That duck certainly seemed unaware of how special and unique he was and some times I feel the same way when I forget how unique I am as God’s child. Of course I could never claim any special status because of anything I’ve done – it comes entirely from what He does for me because of my belief in Christ. However, because I am His child God provides loving care, guidance and provision, and when I wander from Him and His path He also offers total forgiveness. So if all this is mine then how can I ever humbly underestimate my status in being related to the God of eternity?       Knowing The Whereabouts Joe understood that there might be some times of confusion when he married Dimmie Alice and as it turned out he was frequently surprised with what she said and did. He knew that as a resident of Dimwit Junction Alice wasn’t dumb but just had a unique way of thinking and so he still never quite knew what to expect from her. One example of this confusion happened one day after he’d given her a cellular phone since he wanted to make sure she would remain safe and could call him if her car broke down. Alice carefully listened as he explained how the phone worked and how she could not only call for help but also call her friends and he could call her. Yet it didn’t occur to him that though she seemed to have learned how to use the phone she might not totally understand how it actually worked. However, he soon discovered this lack of comprehension the day after he’d given her the phone when Alice had gone shopping and had only been gone an hour when he called her. “Hi, honey, “ Joe said as Alice answered. “Thought I’d try calling you on your new phone.” ”Wow - this is so cool!” Alice told him. “I can talk to you on a phone that doesn’t have any wires. And it’s so small! But I still don’t understand something.” ”What’s that?” “How did you know I was at Wal-Mart?” Modern technology can indeed be confusing and yet seem almost miraculous to the average person. Though science can explain it, it does seem astonishing that you can communicate with someone on a miniscule wireless devise even if you’re not precisely sure where they are! But such a concept isn’t exactly new; after all we can do it at any time we want - with God - and you don’t even need a phone. It’s called prayer.     The Marching Casket With what he hoped were confident steps, Vladimir slowly and carefully made his way past the local cemetery. Dark clouds scudded across a gloomy sky, obscuring the moon, and adding only to the feeling of trepidation Vladimir felt as he tried not to think of what might be lurking there in the graveyard. His home wasn’t far away and though he was rarely out at night, this particular night he’d had to walk home. Then just as he had just passed the cemetery gate he heard it: “Bump! Bump! Bump!” Just then the moon emerged from behind a cloud, to reveal - the dark shape of a tall moss-draped casket - hopping out of the gate toward him! Vladimir knew this wasn’t logical but he wasn’t going to waste thought on that as he stood in utter terror for a half second, then whirled and dashed off down the street toward his house. However, as he ran he ventured a glance over his shoulder to see the casket still thumping along a good distance behind him-“Bump! Bump! Bump” and even seeming to catch up. Vladimir arrived home, scrambled up the front steps, and then jammed the key into the door. But just as he pushed the door open and turned to shut it -the casket thumped up the steps and crashed through the door behind him! “Bump! Bump! Bump” The thudding object landed in the front hall as Vladimir sprinted up the stairs to the one room where he could lock himself in - the bathroom. Yet as he reached the top of the landing, the only sound in the house was the “Bump! Bump! Bump!” of the casket as it jockeyed up the stairs after him. He dived into the bathroom, slammed the door and locked it - then cowered in sheer terror next to the bathtub as the thumping casket shook the house as it whammed against the door. Then suddenly the bathroom door flew in as the casket loomed up in the darkness. Though he was apparently trapped, Vladimir groped along the wall until he found the medicine cabinet, opened it and in the darkness grabbed the first item he could reach. It was a bottle of cough syrup - which he hurtled at the hulking casket that was getting closer and closer. The cough syrup bottle smashed against the oncoming surface - and the coffin stopped! Though that’s a silly story it does illustrate the possibly innate fear that we have of death and everything associated with it. For death connotes not just the end of life as we know it, but a leap into the fearful unknown. If only we could know for sure that death was not the end but maybe a beginning! How comforting it would be to know that - and maybe the best way to know for sure would be if someone personally demonstrated it! If only someone could come back from the dead… and not only be able to tell us about it, but also to perhaps offer us the same experience! If we only knew that then maybe death wouldn’t be such a scary prospect! We know of course that this is exactly what God has done in the death and resurrection of Christ. He died, was raised and because He had the power to do that He can confidently promise us the same ultimate experience. So maybe a gloomy coffin’ll never chase me on a dark night but if I was then I could confront it with no fear! For because of my relationship with Christ, death has no ultimate power over me - and I don’t even need any cough syrup!       Snow Problem As a resident of Dimwit Junction, Millie wasn't dumb but did have a unique way of thinking, something she demonstrated one snowy day when she had a new approach to what could have been a dangerous situation. It was a blowing, cold day when she came out of the store where she'd been shopping to find the snow had begun to accumulate in drifts. Millie finally located her car in the large lot among the blowing flurries, then as she started the car and turned on the windshield wipers, she realized she could see no further than the end of the hood. Millie knew she couldn't drive home because of the snow yet she couldn't stay where she was. Then she heard the sound of a nearby snowplow. Millie then remembered something her father had always told her. "If you're ever driving in a blizzard and a snow plow goes by then follow it and you'll drive safely." So Millie put the car into gear, and falling in behind the machine as it has passed her, followed closely behind the snowplow. However, soon the plow stopped and a heavily wrapped man came around the back of the machine and up to her window - obviously the driver. "Are you having a problem, ma'am?" He asked. "No. Why?" "You've been following me for quite a while and I wondered." "Oh, that's because I didn't want to get lost. You see, my daddy said if I was in a blizzard I should follow a snowplow. Do you mind?" The driver shook his head slightly and lowered a puzzled brow. "No, I guess not, but maybe you'd like to know where I'm going next." "Oh, yes, that would help." "Well, then, I've finished the Wal-mart lot here and next I'll be going across the road to plow the Kroger lot." Despite her planning, Millie certainly wasn't going anywhere - something I occasionally experience especially when I follow my own life plan instead of God's. My own route always seems so promising and perfect yet what often happens is that nothing really goes, as it should. That's because as an imperfect human I can never see all aspects of the situation as God can and so I'm soon engulfed in problems I not only couldn't foresee but also can't handle. Of course if I'd followed God's plan then while I might encounter difficulties God has not only planned for them but also provided all solutions. So whose route do I take? Do I follow my own way and get nowhere or God's -where I have a sure and secure route?           Ghost of A Chance Felix was an avid photographer, always on the lookout for something unusual to capture on film. Then one day while traveling in Europe on vacation he heard of a local castle that was supposed to be haunted. "I'd love to get a picture of a ghost." Felix told the caretaker of the castle. "No one's successfully done it but maybe I can." The caretaker agreed to help. "I've seen the ghost several times myself and though I've never told anyone else this I've actually talked to him. He's the spirit of the old duke who lived here for many years so he's proud of the place and loves to talk about it." Sure enough, when Felix and the caretaker arrived in the second floor tower they found a friendly and cooperative ghost. He graciously consented to pose for a picture so Felix checked all his equipment and prepared to snap the shot. However, even though the ghost was standing right in front of him, when Felix clicked the shutter, the flash just flickered. He checked it again and snapped a second shot but again the flash failed to fully light the scene. Apparently tired of posing, the ghost faded. Yet despite this evident failure, Felix hoped somehow he'd capture something. However, when he developed the films he could only groan in disappointment. The pictures were completely blank! It was then that Felix learned his lesson - the spirit was willing but the flash was weak. That's silly of course but I've discovered it's the same way when I'm offered a new challenge from God. I know what I need to do and how do to it but often it's just easier not to start, for after all, if I don't get involved in something new then I don't risk anything. Also when I avoid His challenges I get the wonderful chance to remain spiritually stagnant and immature. In short, I can avoid doing His work but if I do accept his challenges then I discover that when I do what He asks of me I can grow into the more mature believer He can use for my benefit and His glory.