--in as much as it may seem as though God is taking away or not providing what we want or ask for, God is providing himself and we just aren't accepting him.

--God WANTS to bless us. We are his inheritance (ps 28:9). When all is said and done, he gets us entirely and fully and perfectly, so it's in his best interest to invest into us more so that we can give back to him more. but if we are taking what he gives to us and splurge it on ourselves, then why would he continue to give us more? Do we not see that the glorious blessings that he gives to us are for use for his glory? They are far too great and powerful, needy and draining for us to provide for them from ourselves and hold them for ourselves. That which we hold onto, is that which is holding onto us. i.e. New car scenario: Got a new job paying more money, or got a promotion -- new paycheck size comes with new credit offers, which enables the leasing of that new car. That new car is shiney and great, but taking up that extra measure in your paycheck. the car breaks down, costs more money to repair, the car needs accessories, something happens and someone near is in need of money, food, clothes, shelter... you wish you could help -- if only you made a little more money, if only you had a promotion, if only you got a raise... but... didn't you just get one...? and what did you do with it? hmm... the Pharasee prayed loud and long about how much he gave to Christ. the poor woman gave an amount far greater than she could afford. --what happened after this moment in the story? the pharasee lost all his riches? the poor woman gained them all? we would like to hollywood the story up like that but things in our society don't quite work out that simply or easily. If you look around, the rich get richer off of the poor getting poorer. But what is it then that the woman gained that the Pharasee did not? ...i'm remembering details of the story wrong... i think... can't find it... need more research to say more.. :-\ --woman gave a crippling portion of what she had, yet was never promised any earthly possessions, but was blessed really and truly.