God – my Provider and Protector.

Real Dudes, 
The other day I was watching the show Mountain Men and one of the men (Tom) on the show had just cut a tree down…his plan was to make a canoe out of it. Once he had the tree down, the first thing he did was peel all of the bark off of it. I was curious…why take the bark off and what purpose does bark have for a tree if it’s not needed once the tree is down? That might be obvious to some of you, but for me, I look at a tree and see the bark, but have never put much thought into its entire purpose. In my research, I found that bark serves a couple purposes: 

• It Provides
  • Shelter for some animals
  • Food source for some animals 
  • Supports a wide range of different species
  • Biodiversity in a forest
  • Insulation for the tree
  • The pores help the tree breathe
• It Protects the Tree from…
  • The Elements
  • Fungal infections 
  • Destructive insects, birds, and mammals
  • Losing moisture

And I also found the reasons for peeling the bark off when building a house or canoe…

• Allows the wood to dry out consistently. 
• Provides an opportunity to remove any unwanted guests that will want to make their home in between the bark and the rest of the wood. 

As was noted above, Provision and Protection are two main purposes for bark. Much like bark wrapped around a tree, I feel it comforting to know that God has wrapped each of us in His constant provision and protection for us. Many benefits come from feeling provided for and protected from outside influences. How have you noticed the Lord providing for you in your life? What is it that you’ve noticed Him protecting you from? Below are some passages to reflect on and to see Him as your Provider and Protector. Spend some time today thanking Him for Who He is, and for what He does for you. If you don’t have God in your life, then what effects are you experiencing from being exposed? 
Nate

Jehovah-Jireh

• God is my Provider. 
  • Genesis 22:13-14 (NASB) Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in the place of his son. And Abraham named that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
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ELOHIM SHOMRI

• God is my Protector
  • 2 Samuel 22:1-4 (GNT) 

1 When the Lord saved David from Saul and his other enemies, David sang this song to the Lord:
2 The Lord is my protector;
    he is my strong fortress.
3 My God is my protection,
    and with him I am safe.
He protects me like a shield;
    he defends me and keeps me safe.
He is my savior;
    he protects me and saves me from violence.
4 I call to the Lord,
    and he saves me from my enemies.
Praise the Lord!

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