Give us this day our daily bread

Yesterday I heard a great sermon on the Lord's Prayer. It was given by a Brit who has been transplanted in France & whose French wife works at our church.

There are lots of nuggets worth meditating upon in the Lord's Prayer, as well as in the sermon. But what struck me were the ones about "give us this day our daily bread." It's a reminder of our daily dependence upon God to provide for our physical needs, including the very basic ones like food.

When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, they literally had to depend on God to provide manna 6 days a week. What didn't get eaten one day ended up getting rotten the next day. However, on the 6th day of each week, they were to gather enough manna for the next 2 days. Only in that situation did the manna remain good for the following day (the Sabbath).

The situation in Haiti the last 2 weeks has reminded many of us about the precarity of life. There already was much human need in that nation and it got exponentially worse during the earthquakes. Many churches and missions have already organized some type of sharing of finances and qualified people (doctors, nurses, rescue people, etc.) to help. After this initial period is over, then there will be a longer-term need to care for orphans, as well as recreate an infrastructure there.

Compared to the suffering in Haiti, I really can't complain. This morning, we have heat & electricity in our apartment, food for ourselves (& guinea pig too), money in the bank, and clothes on our backs and in the closet. My kids will go to schools with books and qualified teachers who care for them and their learning.

Over the years, our living and ministry expenses have been covered by the contributions of individuals, families & churches who support what we're doing. Some of them have suffered due to the global financial crisis. We've received word yesterday from one church that would no longer be able to continue their support. During the last few months, some have had to reduce or end their financial support.

Despite the financial climate, 2009 ended up being a good year in terms of contributions. However, we go into 2010 with some uncertainty about how it will go. On paper, it looks challenging. However, we've seen God provide in some expected and some unexpected ways. We work hard to try to raise support, but are aware that it's the Lord who moves in hearts and checkbooks. He's also provided for some hidden costs, like some clothes that people have given our kids.

In 2010, we are faced with several decisions that will have an influence on our financial situation. Sometime we'll need to do a 6-12 month U.S. Home Ministry Assignment. There's no convenient time to do so, particularly with the kids' school situations. We're also being presented an interesting ministry opportunity, but that might require another change in groups. I guess this is related to another part of the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Got to close & get the kids ready for school.