Catholic priest Desiderius Erasmus coined the Latin phrase vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit. Translation: "Bidden or not bidden, God is here.

Instead of a river, God often gives us a brook, which may be running today and dried up tomorrow. Why? To teach us not to rest in our blessings, but in the blesser Himself.

Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.

For although greed of itself is idolatry, there was still the additional worship of the idols, or . Rachel

A man is called 'spiritually poor,' not because he has no money or anything of his own, but because he does not covet it or set his comfort and trust upon it as though it were his kingdom of heaven.

If we don't use the resources available to us but instead want other resources we don't have, then we're testing God. This is what Satan wanted Christ to do.

Love would never leave us alone

I was also struck by how John wasn't really alone out there because he knew had God with him. My pa was a believer, but we never went near a church or talked much about faith or owned a Bible. That Bible I found was an anchor to hold on to. It reminded me God was with me in the wilderness.~ Trace

A year of contentment is worth more than ten of prosperity.

The most reliable friend you have is your shadow.

I'll never be lonely Even if I am alone For I've a precious Savior Who'll come to take me home. But while I'm here His servant I will be With one foot on earth And one in eternity. And I'll gather His crops To populate His land And if I feel weary I'll cling tighter to his hand.

Like so many American families, our families weren't asking for much. They didn't begrudge anyone else's success or care that others had much more than they did... in fact, they admired it.