Stuff that spoils...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 141, 142/ NT - John 6:22-59

"Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” -- John 6:26-27

Not long ago a news item mentioned opposition to McDonald's "Happy Meal"  toys. Some people believe that children only ask for happy meals to get the toy; they don't really care about the food in the box. Just imagine someone being more concerned with a toy that breaks in no time rather than a nourishing meal. Don't work for the stuff that spoils.

Speaking of food, there were numerous people who would follow Jesus anywhere, as long as he fed them. They were all about the momentary pleasure of a full stomach. But Jesus wanted more; he asked that people follow him for eternal reasons that would nourish the soul. He didn't want anyone working for the stuff that spoils.

Why do you follow the Lord my friend? Do you want some blessing in your job or special provision for your future? Are you satisfied with the immediate, and not really interested in the eternal? Jesus counsels every person who shortchanges themselves by seeking the toys of this world. He has so much more to offer... so don't work for the stuff that spoils.

    Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - 1 Sam. 25:1-19 / NT - John 6:60-71

Questions...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 140 / NT - John 6:1-21

"He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do." -- John 6:6

Have you ever asked someone a question just to hear what they would say? You already knew the answer, but you were interested in knowing the thoughts of the other person. At times such answers will reveal more than just thoughts; they might open the door to their entire belief system... or unbelief.

Jesus wanted to test the faith and vision of Philip with his question. The Lord will also press our hearts with questions that rise from our time in the Word and prayer. He has already decided what He will do and how He will do it, but He probes our hearts. This is a time for deeper faith and spiritual growth.

Don't just passively read and pray my friend. Pay close attention to the questions that rise and allow time to open your heart to the Lord. Make room for God to do greater things than you have seen before and never place limits through unbelief. Remember... they gathered twelve baskets of fragments from the five barley loaves.

    Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Psalm 141, 142 / NT - John 6:22-59

"Grace"...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 56, 120 / NT - Luke 9:1-17

"And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd." - Luke 9:16

At the conclusion of a long season of providing food for flood devastated families in our community we had a thanksgiving supper. This supper was prepared particularly for those people who had faithfully donated time, food and facilities to make this effort possible. Thousands of upon thousands of food items had been disbursed and it was time to show our gratitude for the provision.

As the five loaves and two fish were to be distributed, Jesus said a blessing over them. It was a very simple meal indeed, but one that would satisfy a very needy and hungry crowd. While Jesus knew what He was about to do, a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing was offered. It was a public prayer that acknowledged the Giver of all provision for life and health. Such a prayer came from a trusting and grateful heart.

Is it too much to stop for a moment before every meal and say a blessing over the food my friend? Has the Lord not been faithful to provide every ounce of food to nourish your body? Is He not worthy of honor for His kindness and is He not the source of all that we have? Never hesitate; to say "grace" before a meal is a simple expression of a trusting and grateful heart. 

    Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 140 / NT - John 6:1-21

Hardened hearts...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 52 / NT - Mark 6:30-56

"And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened." -- Mark 6:51-52

For some years I worked in the field of private security. I observed all kinds of criminal activities and reached the point of absolute cynicism. One afternoon I arrested a young woman who had stolen a winter coat for her small child. For a fleeting moment I almost lost sight of a hurting and desperate mother sitting at my desk. Familiarity and busyness had almost hardened my heart. 

Imagine the disciples walking with Jesus every day, watching him perform miracles again and again. They saw such wonderful works of God and yet they missed the point and didn't understand. How could this be, you might ask? How could anyone participate in feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, having twelve baskets of food left over, and be oblivious to the miracle? Familiarity and busyness can harden the heart.

God is doing tremendous things in your life right now my friend. He's performing miracles moment by moment and if you're not careful, you're going to miss it. Stop and look at the flowers bloom today. Slow down and feel the breeze across your face. Watch the grass sprout up with new color and fresh life. Step back and watch the Spirit of God mold your life into the likeness of Jesus. Don't be so familiar and busy that you harden your heart.

    Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 56, 120 / NT - Luke 9:1-17

Unbelief...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 34 / NT - Mark 6:1-29

"And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief." -- Mark 6:5-6 

The great Bible expositor, G. Campbell Morgan, grew up in a Christian home and never questioned that the Bible was the Word of God. But in college, his faith was severely challenged by the philosophies of the day, and he began to entertain doubts. After a steady exposure to skepticism and unbelief, he wrote, "There came a moment when I was sure of nothing.”

The surrounding region was abuzz with reports of miraculous works performed by Jesus. The evidence was in and the numbers of lives touched and changed were numerous. People traveled great distances to hear the Lord and receive healing. Should there not have been a "mighty work" done where ever He traveled? Such would be true were it not for "unbelief".

Unbelief cripples the soul and hinders the mighty work of God. The Lord responds to belief and unbelief. Where there is doubt there is darkness. Where there is faith there is freedom. What is your "Faith Quotient" today my friend? Jesus said in Mark 9:23, "All things are possible for one who believes". Is your life marked by the "possibilities" of faith or the "impossibilities" of unbelief?

    Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 52 / NT - Mark 6:30-56

Satisfied...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 31 / NT - Matt. 14:1-36

"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children." -- Matthew 14:20-21 

"All You Can Eat" Buffet Restaurants have been quite a phenomenon in our country. Many of our neighbors come from other parts of the world where these just don't exist. Most of the world goes to bed with barely enough food to meet the need. Due to rising unemployment, there are more Americans than ever who go hungry as well. Satisfaction for these people is a real miracle.

True satisfaction is something only the Lord can give. As this event tells us, when God blesses the little, it brings satisfaction. No one really needs an "All You Can Eat" Buffet. But God knows our every need and when we place our lives in his hands he is moved with compassion (vs.14) to provide. The simple truth for all of us is; when we find satisfaction at the end of the day, it's a real miracle.

Are you so influenced by "All You Can Eat" Buffets that "satisfaction" has a new definition? When the world provides there never seems to be enough, but when the Lord provides, we will always be satisfied. While God's provision is miraculous, to be satisfied is even a greater miracle. As the song says, "Only Jesus can satisfy your soul"!

    Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 34 / NT - Mark 6:1-29

Little Birds...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 27 / NT - Matt. 10:26-42

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -- Matthew 10:29-30

One of the world's best-known and most abundant small birds is the "House Sparrow". It lives in towns and on farms worldwide, having accompanied Europeans from its original home in Eurasia and northern Africa. Introduced into North America in 1852, it spread across the continent within a century. A little bird, beyond counting, blessed with God's caring.

Jesus spoke of dangerous times of opposition and persecution for the Christian. But there is never a time that the Lord isn't with every believer, just as he is with the sparrow. The time never comes that Jesus doesn't care. We may feel as if we are one among so many, but the Lord watches over every one of his children. He values those who are his.

Do you feel that you are so very small in the works of the kingdom? Or, that your struggles are not to be compared to the needs of others? Remember that a high price was paid and you are greatly valued by your Lord. You may be one among the countless billions, but you are one assured of countless blessings. "So don't be afraid."    

    Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 31 / NT - Matt. 14:1-36