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Looking more at promises of abundant provision, Derek highlights the conditions God has given if we really want to receive from Him. Derek points out that in His great love and wisdom God may withhold something that is essentially good because it is not relatively good for us in our current situation.

What does abundance really mean? Today Derek delves into the explanation of abundance, revealing that it means we have all our own needs met and something left over to give others. Jesus could feed a multitude with a few loaves and fish. He also paid taxes by supplying the coins from the mouth of a fish. That was abundance.

Where does the stuff we say really come from? Jesus identified the problem as coming from inside each one of us. There may be bitterness, resentment, unbelief, impurity, or pride in our heart, but what is inside will eventually come out, even to our own surprise. That is why we are exhorted to guard our hearts.

Using some personal experiences, Derek illustrates what Jesus had to say about the origin of our words, establishing a direct connection between the mouth and the heart. From the Song of Solomon, we see prophetic pictures of Jesus and His bride portrayed with grace and beauty on their tongues and lips.

Why would God allow the Israelites to experience such bitter discouragement in the wilderness after miraculously delivering them from the Egyptians? Listen today and discover God had a plan and purpose in taking them through the wilderness to the waters of Marah (bitterness). It was a plan of great benefit.

Social security has become a major concern in many countries today. The need for such security is real, but we need to look at it from the standpoint of Scripture. The key is to employ faith—in lending freely, giving to the poor, casting our bread on the waters in many places. In so doing, we are sowing to the future when we may find ourselves in need.

Today Derek poses the question: How can we get in to the secret place of security, when Scripture declares that it is hidden? There is only one way into it and that is through the cross of Jesus. We are crucified with Christ and our life is now hidden in Him.

How do you see things in life? Wisdom gives advice and rebuke on how to live, and it’s up to us to decide what way to go. We must fix our eyes on eternal things—things we cannot see but know from God’s Word are real. When storms come in our lives the determining factor will be whether we turn to God, the eternal things, or the temporal, worldly things that will not keep us.

Did you know grace teaches you things? Today Derek looks at Paul’s letter to Titus, who was a young pastor. It instructs him to teach various groups and how to instruct them. Then Paul brings out that it is grace that does the teaching and how it will speak to your circumstances, giving wisdom and guidance. Be prepared to listen.

What do you do to receive God’s grace? The answer is nothing; stop trying to do. Grace is not found in anything you can do; just receive it because of what Jesus has done for you. Stop trying to earn God’s grace and yield yourself without reservation to Jesus.