Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42
--------------------------------------------------------
"A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the..." Luke 8:5 I say that to say this. Today, I'm the sower. This word is the seed and the soil, well, that is your heart. Today its my job to throw the seed. It is yours to receive it and to bear fruit from it!
In the five verses above we see two women who love Jesus. Today I would like to take a quick look at Mary and not because I'm knocking Martha, because I'm not. When I look at Martha in this exchange I want to say to the world at large, "He who is with out sin, let him cast the first stone." After all, who among us has never been distracted or as the KJ puts it cumbered with much serving. If that person exists I guess he can grab a rock if he so chooses. Personally, as someone who works two jobs, runs the youth ministry, writes for two devotionals, is a foster mom to past and present kids, as well as friend and family obligations I get how easy it is to get distracted with what "needs doing." Martha loved Jesus just as much as Mary. She received Him into her house and what that means is she welcomed Him. Remember, that by welcoming Him in she also welcomed a minimum of twelve other guys. Can you honestly say that a minimum of thirteen men showing up at your house wouldn't cause you to worry about their needs, especially if Jesus was one of them. Wouldn't you want to make sure their every need was met and to make sure They had a good meal? Martha loved Him as well.
I would like to take a serious look at Mary because of what the Lord would like to say to us today. It says that Mary also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. Between this and the words that Jesus speaks about her you get the feeling that Mary is sitting at His feet glued to every word that He speaks. There is such a sense that she is sitting there, soaking up every little thing. Each word being absorbed with a hunger for more. It might be just me, but I think that is what good soil looks like?
After Jesus is all done explaining the parable of the sower He uses these words ..."Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him. Luke 8:18
If we want more of God at work in our lives we need to be like Mary and make a place at his feet! We need to be a sponge that soaks up revelation from His words every time we get near. She sat at His feet, hungry for every word that He spoke and we need to be the same way if we want to bear fruit for the kingdom.
Jesus said take heed 'how' you hear. Not 'what' but 'how' you hear. He said to take heed which means 'to look at' how you hear. So take a look. Are you a sponge absorbing everything you can each day as you draw near or do you have a different attitude. Are you like the wayside and the word disappears from your thoughts and actions as soon as it is done? Do you listen and grab a hold for a short period of time and then it fades away? Do you become so overcome by trials and circumstances that His word is lost under the pile or do you approach with a hungry heart? Are you a sponge soaking up every revelation or is it time to say, "Move over," to all the things that would prevent you from spending time at His feet?
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. He said, "Come, join Me, I've saved you a spot here at my feet!"
Monday, April 7, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Just Like Our Dad
There he is!
I quickened my steps so I would catch up to the man.
"Wait!"
The men that always seemed to be around him stopped. One of them spoke quietly to the teacher, motioning in my direction.
"We are preparing for a journey," said one of them who glared impatiently at me.
"This will only take a few minutes."
The teacher looked at me, studying me. He didn't speak, just waited patiently for me to ask my questions. The people said wondrous things about him. Some said he was a prophet. Some said he was a fake. Quite a few said he was the Son of God. I was about to find out.
"Good Teacher," I said, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
He shook his head. "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." He held my gaze. My heart thumped like horse hoofs on a stony road. The Son of God? "You know the commandments; 'Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honor your father and mother.'"
There was nothing profound or life-changing in there. I had been following these commandments all my life. "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." Maybe he wasn't the Son of God...
He looked at me. Really looked at me. Like I was a loved one. Like I was family. Then he said it. "You lack one thing. Go, sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in Heaven."
What?!
"Come, follow me."
He wanted me to give up all that I had worked for in life? All my riches? My house? My life? To follow him? I had responsibilities! Obligations! People that counted on me! I couldn't just leave. There was no way I could give all that up for him.
I shake my head no. There is a sorrowful look in the teacher's eye, like a man who just lost his one and only child. Without another word, I turn around and walk away from him.
With a broken heart, that will never be the same.
Based on Mark 10:17-22
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." Ephesians 5:1
Children like to play dress up, play house, pretend to be their parents. They can't wait to grow up and be the adult. In their minds, it's unset bedtimes, endless amounts of ice cream, and no homework.
In our minds, it's work, bills, and eighty-seven other things we can't keep track of simultaneously pulling at our attention.
Be imitators of God like children.
How?
It's no mistake that immediately after Jesus tells the people to receive the Kingdom of God like little children, that the rich young ruler comes onto the scene. You can find this in Matthew 19, Mark 10, or Luke 18.
Jesus heard what this young man was saying. Mark 10:21 says that Jesus looked at him, and loved him. Because Jesus loved him, He told the young man what was lacking in his life, what he needed in order to inherit eternal life. He needed to give up all that he had, and follow him.
Jesus loved that young man. He wanted Richy to follow Him, learn, and become a child of God. He was giving him a place to learn how to imitate God. However, Richy would only be able to do all that if he gave up all of the adult distractions around him and all the things he had worked for in life.
Be imitators of God like children.
How?
It will mean different things for each of us, but one thing remains the same. In every case, you have to be about your Father's work, constantly striving to be like Him.
"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of you minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24
Go to God and tell Him, "I want to be just like You, Dad."
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
I quickened my steps so I would catch up to the man.
"Wait!"
The men that always seemed to be around him stopped. One of them spoke quietly to the teacher, motioning in my direction.
"We are preparing for a journey," said one of them who glared impatiently at me.
"This will only take a few minutes."
The teacher looked at me, studying me. He didn't speak, just waited patiently for me to ask my questions. The people said wondrous things about him. Some said he was a prophet. Some said he was a fake. Quite a few said he was the Son of God. I was about to find out.
"Good Teacher," I said, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
He shook his head. "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." He held my gaze. My heart thumped like horse hoofs on a stony road. The Son of God? "You know the commandments; 'Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honor your father and mother.'"
There was nothing profound or life-changing in there. I had been following these commandments all my life. "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." Maybe he wasn't the Son of God...
He looked at me. Really looked at me. Like I was a loved one. Like I was family. Then he said it. "You lack one thing. Go, sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in Heaven."
What?!
"Come, follow me."
He wanted me to give up all that I had worked for in life? All my riches? My house? My life? To follow him? I had responsibilities! Obligations! People that counted on me! I couldn't just leave. There was no way I could give all that up for him.
I shake my head no. There is a sorrowful look in the teacher's eye, like a man who just lost his one and only child. Without another word, I turn around and walk away from him.
With a broken heart, that will never be the same.
Based on Mark 10:17-22
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." Ephesians 5:1
Children like to play dress up, play house, pretend to be their parents. They can't wait to grow up and be the adult. In their minds, it's unset bedtimes, endless amounts of ice cream, and no homework.
In our minds, it's work, bills, and eighty-seven other things we can't keep track of simultaneously pulling at our attention.
Be imitators of God like children.
How?
It's no mistake that immediately after Jesus tells the people to receive the Kingdom of God like little children, that the rich young ruler comes onto the scene. You can find this in Matthew 19, Mark 10, or Luke 18.
Jesus heard what this young man was saying. Mark 10:21 says that Jesus looked at him, and loved him. Because Jesus loved him, He told the young man what was lacking in his life, what he needed in order to inherit eternal life. He needed to give up all that he had, and follow him.
Jesus loved that young man. He wanted Richy to follow Him, learn, and become a child of God. He was giving him a place to learn how to imitate God. However, Richy would only be able to do all that if he gave up all of the adult distractions around him and all the things he had worked for in life.
Be imitators of God like children.
How?
It will mean different things for each of us, but one thing remains the same. In every case, you have to be about your Father's work, constantly striving to be like Him.
"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of you minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24
Go to God and tell Him, "I want to be just like You, Dad."
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
"Our Strong God"
To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike? They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes a god; They prostrate themselves, yes they worship. They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands; from its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of his trouble.
Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Isaiah 46:5-9
--------------------------------------------------------------
I have a question for you. Did you know that our God is a strong God who saves? I have another question for you. Did you know that our God is a Strong Tower that we need to run into? I have another question for you. Did you know that that He is Mighty and that there is none higher, none greater than our God?
These may seem like strange questions to be asking a people who is called by His name but sometimes I think we need to to be reminded! There is no one like our God! He alone is worthy of being high and lifted up! Sometimes when life 'stuff' happens we can forget that He is Mighty enough to handle it. Sometimes, too many times, God's people forget that He is our Strong God who is more that able to deliver us! We don't have to live under our circumstances! We serve a strong and Mighty God. We serve the one true God!
In 1 Samuel 5:1-5 there is a record of God being God just because He is! ...When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when he people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only the torso of Dagon was left of it. There is nothing, no one, and no circumstance that is bigger or greater than He is! It is time that we, as His people, declare it loudly and clearly to the whole earth. It is time the we stand forth as witness to declare that He is God, there is no other!
---------------------------------------------------------------
"You are My witnesses," says the Lord, And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.
I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior.
I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed,
And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,"
Says the Lord, "That I am God." Isaiah 43:10-13a
God Himself asks us to be a witness that He is alone is God. We need to remember that as we face our trials, temptations and circumstances. We need to be declaring to our trials, temptations and circumstances that He is God and He is well able! He is a Mighty Strong God who is well able to take care of anything we face even if He has to go into the fire with us! We need to bring His presence into the midst of the things we face and He; as our strong God will take the head and palms off just because He is there. Nothing and no one can stand because He alone is GOD!
Strong God by Meredeth Andrews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAXgKPtAiMA
Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Isaiah 46:5-9
--------------------------------------------------------------
I have a question for you. Did you know that our God is a strong God who saves? I have another question for you. Did you know that our God is a Strong Tower that we need to run into? I have another question for you. Did you know that that He is Mighty and that there is none higher, none greater than our God?
These may seem like strange questions to be asking a people who is called by His name but sometimes I think we need to to be reminded! There is no one like our God! He alone is worthy of being high and lifted up! Sometimes when life 'stuff' happens we can forget that He is Mighty enough to handle it. Sometimes, too many times, God's people forget that He is our Strong God who is more that able to deliver us! We don't have to live under our circumstances! We serve a strong and Mighty God. We serve the one true God!
In 1 Samuel 5:1-5 there is a record of God being God just because He is! ...When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when he people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only the torso of Dagon was left of it. There is nothing, no one, and no circumstance that is bigger or greater than He is! It is time that we, as His people, declare it loudly and clearly to the whole earth. It is time the we stand forth as witness to declare that He is God, there is no other!
---------------------------------------------------------------
"You are My witnesses," says the Lord, And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.
I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior.
I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed,
And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,"
Says the Lord, "That I am God." Isaiah 43:10-13a
God Himself asks us to be a witness that He is alone is God. We need to remember that as we face our trials, temptations and circumstances. We need to be declaring to our trials, temptations and circumstances that He is God and He is well able! He is a Mighty Strong God who is well able to take care of anything we face even if He has to go into the fire with us! We need to bring His presence into the midst of the things we face and He; as our strong God will take the head and palms off just because He is there. Nothing and no one can stand because He alone is GOD!
Strong God by Meredeth Andrews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAXgKPtAiMA
Friday, April 4, 2014
Enjoy the Bread
He had lost his grip!
The wave was crashing down around them, and the rope that James had been clutching for dear life had slipped through his fingers. The water rushed over the opposite side of the boat, dragging him along with it. He blindly groped for anything to cling to that would keep him from washing over the side of the boat. His left shoulder slammed into edge of the boat, and reacting like only a fisherman could, he threw his arms around the edge, and attempted to anchor his feet against the dock. The water flowed around him, and he slumped to the ground in relief.
Without loosening his death grip, he looked around the deck. One, Two... He swung his head to look behind him. There's Peter and John. Looks like everyone's safe.
Peter waved at him. "Come on!"
James reluctantly let go and ran across the deck to meet Peter.
"Jesus is sleeping in the stern."
His eyebrows shot straight up. How was Jesus sleeping in this? Together they ran over to Jesus. Peter gripped him by the shoulders and shook him, clearly in a panic. He yelled over the roaring wind, "Save us, Lord. We are all going to die!"
James spotted another wave building to crescendo. If that beast hit them, they'd capsize for sure.
Jesus opened his eyes and sat up slowly. He looked around, seeing the dark, angry sky, the rain pelting them on all sides. The wind howled it's battle cry, and the wave loomed over them. It was too late.
Peter persisted one last time, "Save us, Lord, or we will all die!"
Jesus shook his head. "Why are you afraid, ye of little faith?" Then Jesus stood up, and walked to the edge of the boat. James saw the calm way he stood there, even though the wave was about to cash upon them. Then with all the authority of Heaven, He spoke.
"Wind, be quite. Waves, be still."
James blinked his eyes. Then he rubbed his eyes and looked again. Just like that everything calmed. The sun was shinning against a bright, blue sky. The waters were completely still. He rushed to the edge. The water looked like glass. It didn't even so much as lap against the side of the boat. The wind blew on his face, drying him, caressing him.
Slowly James turned to face Jesus. Who is this?
Based on Matthew 8:23-27
Okay, so Jesus and His disciples are on a boat, and this storm comes up out of nowhere.
Why?
When these passages are read and taught, we immediately go to how we are supposed to trust Him in the storms of our lives.
There's more.
Everything that happens to, around, and for Jesus happens for a reason. Examples: to showcase His glory, to declare His loving provision, and to kick the devil square in the teeth.
The storm is raging around them, and their first response ins't to act like big, tough men. A bunch of them were fishermen for crying out loud! No, they run to Jesus. They wake Him up, asking for Him to do something, to save them! Similar to how a child runs to their father, begging for help.
Then when Jesus calms the winds and the sea, they are surprised. They say, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?"
They went to Him for help, then they were surprised when they got it.
Remember Zachariah, John the Baptist's father? He did the same thing. He had been earnestly praying for a son. Then one day Gabriel show's up and goes,"You're going to be a daddy." Zachariah's response, "What are you talking about? Impossible."
"What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:11-13
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
He doesn't say all that for show. I can just picture God throwing up His hands and saying, "They just won't believe that I want to give them the bread." Do we run to God and pray to Him because we trust our Father? Or do we run to Him and pray to Him because we are supposed to do that?
God, our Heavenly Father, wants to bless us. He really does. He wants to save us from the storms, give us miracle children, and really, really good bread. He wants to do all that because we are His children. Don't ever doubt that. Don't be surprised when He blesses and saves you. Take it. Enjoy it.
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
The wave was crashing down around them, and the rope that James had been clutching for dear life had slipped through his fingers. The water rushed over the opposite side of the boat, dragging him along with it. He blindly groped for anything to cling to that would keep him from washing over the side of the boat. His left shoulder slammed into edge of the boat, and reacting like only a fisherman could, he threw his arms around the edge, and attempted to anchor his feet against the dock. The water flowed around him, and he slumped to the ground in relief.
Without loosening his death grip, he looked around the deck. One, Two... He swung his head to look behind him. There's Peter and John. Looks like everyone's safe.
Peter waved at him. "Come on!"
James reluctantly let go and ran across the deck to meet Peter.
"Jesus is sleeping in the stern."
His eyebrows shot straight up. How was Jesus sleeping in this? Together they ran over to Jesus. Peter gripped him by the shoulders and shook him, clearly in a panic. He yelled over the roaring wind, "Save us, Lord. We are all going to die!"
James spotted another wave building to crescendo. If that beast hit them, they'd capsize for sure.
Jesus opened his eyes and sat up slowly. He looked around, seeing the dark, angry sky, the rain pelting them on all sides. The wind howled it's battle cry, and the wave loomed over them. It was too late.
Peter persisted one last time, "Save us, Lord, or we will all die!"
Jesus shook his head. "Why are you afraid, ye of little faith?" Then Jesus stood up, and walked to the edge of the boat. James saw the calm way he stood there, even though the wave was about to cash upon them. Then with all the authority of Heaven, He spoke.
"Wind, be quite. Waves, be still."
James blinked his eyes. Then he rubbed his eyes and looked again. Just like that everything calmed. The sun was shinning against a bright, blue sky. The waters were completely still. He rushed to the edge. The water looked like glass. It didn't even so much as lap against the side of the boat. The wind blew on his face, drying him, caressing him.
Slowly James turned to face Jesus. Who is this?
Based on Matthew 8:23-27
Okay, so Jesus and His disciples are on a boat, and this storm comes up out of nowhere.
Why?
When these passages are read and taught, we immediately go to how we are supposed to trust Him in the storms of our lives.
There's more.
Everything that happens to, around, and for Jesus happens for a reason. Examples: to showcase His glory, to declare His loving provision, and to kick the devil square in the teeth.
The storm is raging around them, and their first response ins't to act like big, tough men. A bunch of them were fishermen for crying out loud! No, they run to Jesus. They wake Him up, asking for Him to do something, to save them! Similar to how a child runs to their father, begging for help.
Then when Jesus calms the winds and the sea, they are surprised. They say, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?"
They went to Him for help, then they were surprised when they got it.
Remember Zachariah, John the Baptist's father? He did the same thing. He had been earnestly praying for a son. Then one day Gabriel show's up and goes,"You're going to be a daddy." Zachariah's response, "What are you talking about? Impossible."
"What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:11-13
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
He doesn't say all that for show. I can just picture God throwing up His hands and saying, "They just won't believe that I want to give them the bread." Do we run to God and pray to Him because we trust our Father? Or do we run to Him and pray to Him because we are supposed to do that?
God, our Heavenly Father, wants to bless us. He really does. He wants to save us from the storms, give us miracle children, and really, really good bread. He wants to do all that because we are His children. Don't ever doubt that. Don't be surprised when He blesses and saves you. Take it. Enjoy it.
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
"All The Multiplying Necessary"
“Make sure you don’t eat it all on the way. You’ll need some for later!”
The young boy standing impatiently responded with, “I won’t,” as he made a quick grab at the small bundle his mom was holding. As soon as he had it in his hands he turned and ran down the road to the group of boys his age who were obviously waiting for him to catch up with them.
The young mother stooped, picked up her one year old daughter, a similar bundle of food and headed down the road after her son at a much slower pace. As she walked she hummed a tune that her mother had taught her as a child about the mercy of God and let her mind wander to the words that Jesus had spoken the day before. …“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but whatever He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” …Greater works than these? She wasn’t sure what greater works He would do. She had heard some of the stories about lepers being healed, water being turned to wine. What else would He do? She picked up her pace; after all she didn’t want to miss seeing whatever greater work He might do today!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesus said to the disciples closest to Him, “You give them something to eat.”
She watched as they answered in frustration, and more than a little panic in their voices, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
He calmly asked, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
Her eyes scanned the crowd. Looking to the spot where she had last seen her son and his friends. They had opted to get a spot a little closer to where Jesus was sitting then to sit with her and Abigail under the tree. She could feel the crowd start to stir as they realized that something was up. The disciples were having no luck with finding food. Their expressions of worry growing with each shake of the head as they received a response to their questions, “Do you have any food to share?” There were heads shaking, “No.“ everywhere. As the buzz of the crowd got louder she looked towards where the people were pointing just in time to see her son run up to Andrew and shove his bundle into his hands. Beaming he said, “You can have mine. Its five loaves of bread and two fish! Feed them with this!”
Her heart sank as she looked at his beaming face. She realized the crushing blow he was about to receive. Instead, Andrew turned to Jesus as he approached, and said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” She held her breath as her son turned and looked at Jesus expectantly. Jesus simply smiled at him and said to His disciples, “Make the people sit down in groups of 50.”
He then took the loaves and fish, gave thanks for them and started to distribute them to His disciples, who in turn started giving bread and fish to the people.
Instead of getting louder as the food was passed out the crowd seemed to get quieter as each group received its food. A sense of awe hung in the air as people realized that the bread and fish just kept coming. Thousands and thousands of people were being fed to the point that they all had as much as they wanted. And when the magnitude of what was happening hit them it caused them to cry out, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Luke 6:5-14
~ The boy and his mother went home, this time they traveled together and though they were once again pondering His words from the day before, “and He will show Him greater works, that you may marvel.” This time they didn’t need to wonder just to marvel. ~
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. Mark 10:15
A child doesn’t see the size of the crowd. A child doesn’t see that what he has isn’t enough. A child doesn’t reason it out and decide not to bother. A child would never say, “But what are they among so many?” When a child see a need, they always respond generously with the attitude of, “Here take mine.” fully believing that it is enough.
You and I need to ‘despise not small beginnings‘, or even small amounts. We need to take the mustard seeds that we have, and plant them, trusting that He will do all the multiplying necessary!
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
The young boy standing impatiently responded with, “I won’t,” as he made a quick grab at the small bundle his mom was holding. As soon as he had it in his hands he turned and ran down the road to the group of boys his age who were obviously waiting for him to catch up with them.
The young mother stooped, picked up her one year old daughter, a similar bundle of food and headed down the road after her son at a much slower pace. As she walked she hummed a tune that her mother had taught her as a child about the mercy of God and let her mind wander to the words that Jesus had spoken the day before. …“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but whatever He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” …Greater works than these? She wasn’t sure what greater works He would do. She had heard some of the stories about lepers being healed, water being turned to wine. What else would He do? She picked up her pace; after all she didn’t want to miss seeing whatever greater work He might do today!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesus said to the disciples closest to Him, “You give them something to eat.”
She watched as they answered in frustration, and more than a little panic in their voices, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”
He calmly asked, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
Her eyes scanned the crowd. Looking to the spot where she had last seen her son and his friends. They had opted to get a spot a little closer to where Jesus was sitting then to sit with her and Abigail under the tree. She could feel the crowd start to stir as they realized that something was up. The disciples were having no luck with finding food. Their expressions of worry growing with each shake of the head as they received a response to their questions, “Do you have any food to share?” There were heads shaking, “No.“ everywhere. As the buzz of the crowd got louder she looked towards where the people were pointing just in time to see her son run up to Andrew and shove his bundle into his hands. Beaming he said, “You can have mine. Its five loaves of bread and two fish! Feed them with this!”
Her heart sank as she looked at his beaming face. She realized the crushing blow he was about to receive. Instead, Andrew turned to Jesus as he approached, and said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” She held her breath as her son turned and looked at Jesus expectantly. Jesus simply smiled at him and said to His disciples, “Make the people sit down in groups of 50.”
He then took the loaves and fish, gave thanks for them and started to distribute them to His disciples, who in turn started giving bread and fish to the people.
Instead of getting louder as the food was passed out the crowd seemed to get quieter as each group received its food. A sense of awe hung in the air as people realized that the bread and fish just kept coming. Thousands and thousands of people were being fed to the point that they all had as much as they wanted. And when the magnitude of what was happening hit them it caused them to cry out, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Luke 6:5-14
~ The boy and his mother went home, this time they traveled together and though they were once again pondering His words from the day before, “and He will show Him greater works, that you may marvel.” This time they didn’t need to wonder just to marvel. ~
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A child doesn’t see the size of the crowd. A child doesn’t see that what he has isn’t enough. A child doesn’t reason it out and decide not to bother. A child would never say, “But what are they among so many?” When a child see a need, they always respond generously with the attitude of, “Here take mine.” fully believing that it is enough.
You and I need to ‘despise not small beginnings‘, or even small amounts. We need to take the mustard seeds that we have, and plant them, trusting that He will do all the multiplying necessary!
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
For His Glory!
"Out of the way!"
A man shoved past me. "Sorry!" He yelled as he kept on running. I was heading to see John. John the Baptist.
I had been coming to hear John preach for months. I would get up early to tend to my duties, trade things at the market, then I'd go home, kiss the family good-bye, and come out here to hear John's message. Later, I'd trudge home in the wee hours of the morning, tell my family all that I'd learned, sleep, and start the process all over again.
It was a good system.
I caught up to the group surrounding John. The man that had pushed past me was waving his arms and talking fast. He almost looked angry. I quickened my pace so I could get in hearing distance.
"Rabbi, that man is baptizing people across the Jordan-the man to whom you bore witness! And all the people are going to him now!"
John smiled. "Good."
The crowd gasped. "What?" People shouted in surprise.
"Good. A person can't receive even one thing, unless it is given to him from Heaven, from God. You all heard me say time and again, that I was not the Messiah. Rather, I was sent before him, to prepare the way." He looks at all of us, and his smile gets even bigger. "A bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. I am the friend of the bridegroom. My joy is complete."
Everyone just stares at him in dumb shock like a bunch of sheep.
John shakes his a little. "He must increase," he waves his left hand towards the Jordan River, "But I must decrease."
I tilt my head a little. I think I understand what John is saying. He actually looks me in the eye. I hold his gaze and nod at him.
We belong to Jesus.
The Messiah.
Based on John 3:25-30
This man comes running up to John, freaking out because this other guy (Ahem, Jesus) was baptizing people, with the underlying tone of, "Teacher, Teacher. The guy you bore witness to is stealing your followers."
John's response: "And your point is?"
John knew that Jesus was the Savior, the Son of God, the Messiah. He knew that Jesus had been given the power and authority of Heaven. He reminds his followers that they always knew he wasn't the Messiah, but that he had been sent to prepare the people for Jesus.
Then he says something really incredible in verses 29 and 30: "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."
He's saying, "I was just Jesus' Best Man. He is the Groom. His Bride is going to Him, and that's great! I'm so happy. Now, it's time for me to take a step back because the most important person in the Bride's life, is the Groom. She needs more of Him. My job is done."
He wasn't worried or tweaked out at all. He was happy! This was the point all along. John's number one goal in life, his purpose, was to prepare the way for others to know Jesus.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15
We all have different calls on our lives, and one that's the same. We have been given a Great Commission. A call very similar unto John the Baptists. We are preparing the people for Jesus' second coming.
Is God increasing in your life? Is He increasing in the lives of those around you? How are we preparing the way?
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
All for the glory of God. That was John's secret. That was how he didn't become puffed up with self-righteousness, and how he was able to boldly declare God's Word to the people. Take that truth into your hearts and remember, "I am always doing this for God."
Those words are our battle cry. They are our personal reprimand. They are the strength in our weakness. The are a promise of what is to come. Remember, all for the glory of God, and you can face anything, do anything, and be what God has called you.
Will you do it all for the glory of God?
Pick up your sword, and prepare the way, my friends!
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
A man shoved past me. "Sorry!" He yelled as he kept on running. I was heading to see John. John the Baptist.
I had been coming to hear John preach for months. I would get up early to tend to my duties, trade things at the market, then I'd go home, kiss the family good-bye, and come out here to hear John's message. Later, I'd trudge home in the wee hours of the morning, tell my family all that I'd learned, sleep, and start the process all over again.
It was a good system.
I caught up to the group surrounding John. The man that had pushed past me was waving his arms and talking fast. He almost looked angry. I quickened my pace so I could get in hearing distance.
"Rabbi, that man is baptizing people across the Jordan-the man to whom you bore witness! And all the people are going to him now!"
John smiled. "Good."
The crowd gasped. "What?" People shouted in surprise.
"Good. A person can't receive even one thing, unless it is given to him from Heaven, from God. You all heard me say time and again, that I was not the Messiah. Rather, I was sent before him, to prepare the way." He looks at all of us, and his smile gets even bigger. "A bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. I am the friend of the bridegroom. My joy is complete."
Everyone just stares at him in dumb shock like a bunch of sheep.
John shakes his a little. "He must increase," he waves his left hand towards the Jordan River, "But I must decrease."
I tilt my head a little. I think I understand what John is saying. He actually looks me in the eye. I hold his gaze and nod at him.
We belong to Jesus.
The Messiah.
Based on John 3:25-30
This man comes running up to John, freaking out because this other guy (Ahem, Jesus) was baptizing people, with the underlying tone of, "Teacher, Teacher. The guy you bore witness to is stealing your followers."
John's response: "And your point is?"
John knew that Jesus was the Savior, the Son of God, the Messiah. He knew that Jesus had been given the power and authority of Heaven. He reminds his followers that they always knew he wasn't the Messiah, but that he had been sent to prepare the people for Jesus.
Then he says something really incredible in verses 29 and 30: "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."
He's saying, "I was just Jesus' Best Man. He is the Groom. His Bride is going to Him, and that's great! I'm so happy. Now, it's time for me to take a step back because the most important person in the Bride's life, is the Groom. She needs more of Him. My job is done."
He wasn't worried or tweaked out at all. He was happy! This was the point all along. John's number one goal in life, his purpose, was to prepare the way for others to know Jesus.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15
We all have different calls on our lives, and one that's the same. We have been given a Great Commission. A call very similar unto John the Baptists. We are preparing the people for Jesus' second coming.
Is God increasing in your life? Is He increasing in the lives of those around you? How are we preparing the way?
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
All for the glory of God. That was John's secret. That was how he didn't become puffed up with self-righteousness, and how he was able to boldly declare God's Word to the people. Take that truth into your hearts and remember, "I am always doing this for God."
Those words are our battle cry. They are our personal reprimand. They are the strength in our weakness. The are a promise of what is to come. Remember, all for the glory of God, and you can face anything, do anything, and be what God has called you.
Will you do it all for the glory of God?
Pick up your sword, and prepare the way, my friends!
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
"His Shadow Power"
And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Acts 5:14
------------------------------------------------------
As I was going to sleep last night and asking the Lord what I should write for you today He brought this cartoon image to mind. It is a scene were you have someone standing there terrified, trapped with their backs against the wall, shaking, making ooh noises, and just waiting for the big scary monster to get them. They know it is big and scary because they can see the shadow as it approaches. The closer it gets the bigger the shadow and the more afraid they become. Then it turns the corner and it is simply a weird looking fluffy ally cat or something and the relief they feel as they realize that the big scary monster is just a dumb cat is felt by all!
The reason they had been afraid was because the shadow the cat cast in the light made it appear to be something it wasn't. They were deceived. Our enemy is a master at using the light to deceive men into believing that he is so much bigger and badder than he is. 2 Corinthians 11:14 For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." I love how in Isaiah 14:15-16 it says about him ..."Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who gaze at you, and consider you, saying, 'Is this the one who made the earth tremble who shook kingdoms..." This verse tends to leave us with the idea that Satan isn't really anything to fear. After all, we know his end. Read Revelation 20 you'll see Jesus wins! So the next time the enemy comes at you to kill, steal, or destroy... remember that its just a shadow trick and no matter how big his shadow might appear it is nothing compared to the shadow of the Almighty.
Now picture if you will the same scene; only this time as the big scary shadow is coming closer and getting bigger; cry out to God! Watch and you'll see an even BIGGER shadow come along and overtake the first shadow so that it completely blocked out and isn't even there anymore.
It is at this point in the message that God would remind us of all the verses like Psalm 57:1 ...And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. or how about Psalm 63:7 ...Because You have been my help Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Each of these verses tells us that under His shadow is the place to be! A couple of my personal favorite 'shadow' verses are Psalm 17:8-9 ...Keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked the wicked who oppress me, from the deadly enemies who surround me. and Psalm 91:1 ...He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Take a look at Psalm 36:7-9 ...How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. In His presence, under the protection of His shadow we are kept safe and our needs are met! We known the fullness of real joy and the only thing we see is light - not the scary shadowy lies of the enemy.
In Isaiah 49:2 it is talking about Jesus and it says...And He made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, and made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me." and in Isaiah 51:16 ...And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, "You are My people." In both verses we see that the anointing and inpartation to fulfill callings by both Jesus and God's people take place in that place of abiding under the shadow of His wings!
If you and I will spend more time concerned with abiding in the shadow of His presence and less time worrying about the deceiving shadow the enemy throws than we might be surprised by the effect our shadow has on those around us!
And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Acts 5:14
Can you imagine? Being so immersed in God; so immersed in the things of heaven; so drenched in His anointing that your shadow passing by effects those it touches. Healing, deliverance's, and even believers being increasingly added to the kingdom all because time under His shadow allows yours to make a difference as it passes by!
So anyways, just a thought I had last night as I was praying about what to share with you today.
Is it just a thought or a truth about Abiding Under His Shadow?
Does abiding under His shadow truly give us a touch of His Shadow Power?
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
------------------------------------------------------
As I was going to sleep last night and asking the Lord what I should write for you today He brought this cartoon image to mind. It is a scene were you have someone standing there terrified, trapped with their backs against the wall, shaking, making ooh noises, and just waiting for the big scary monster to get them. They know it is big and scary because they can see the shadow as it approaches. The closer it gets the bigger the shadow and the more afraid they become. Then it turns the corner and it is simply a weird looking fluffy ally cat or something and the relief they feel as they realize that the big scary monster is just a dumb cat is felt by all!
The reason they had been afraid was because the shadow the cat cast in the light made it appear to be something it wasn't. They were deceived. Our enemy is a master at using the light to deceive men into believing that he is so much bigger and badder than he is. 2 Corinthians 11:14 For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." I love how in Isaiah 14:15-16 it says about him ..."Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who gaze at you, and consider you, saying, 'Is this the one who made the earth tremble who shook kingdoms..." This verse tends to leave us with the idea that Satan isn't really anything to fear. After all, we know his end. Read Revelation 20 you'll see Jesus wins! So the next time the enemy comes at you to kill, steal, or destroy... remember that its just a shadow trick and no matter how big his shadow might appear it is nothing compared to the shadow of the Almighty.
Now picture if you will the same scene; only this time as the big scary shadow is coming closer and getting bigger; cry out to God! Watch and you'll see an even BIGGER shadow come along and overtake the first shadow so that it completely blocked out and isn't even there anymore.
It is at this point in the message that God would remind us of all the verses like Psalm 57:1 ...And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. or how about Psalm 63:7 ...Because You have been my help Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Each of these verses tells us that under His shadow is the place to be! A couple of my personal favorite 'shadow' verses are Psalm 17:8-9 ...Keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked the wicked who oppress me, from the deadly enemies who surround me. and Psalm 91:1 ...He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Take a look at Psalm 36:7-9 ...How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. In His presence, under the protection of His shadow we are kept safe and our needs are met! We known the fullness of real joy and the only thing we see is light - not the scary shadowy lies of the enemy.
In Isaiah 49:2 it is talking about Jesus and it says...And He made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, and made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me." and in Isaiah 51:16 ...And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, "You are My people." In both verses we see that the anointing and inpartation to fulfill callings by both Jesus and God's people take place in that place of abiding under the shadow of His wings!
If you and I will spend more time concerned with abiding in the shadow of His presence and less time worrying about the deceiving shadow the enemy throws than we might be surprised by the effect our shadow has on those around us!
And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Acts 5:14
Can you imagine? Being so immersed in God; so immersed in the things of heaven; so drenched in His anointing that your shadow passing by effects those it touches. Healing, deliverance's, and even believers being increasingly added to the kingdom all because time under His shadow allows yours to make a difference as it passes by!
So anyways, just a thought I had last night as I was praying about what to share with you today.
Is it just a thought or a truth about Abiding Under His Shadow?
Does abiding under His shadow truly give us a touch of His Shadow Power?
Check out http://snackpackdevotionsforkidz.blogspot.com/
Following us on Facebook or Twitter options are now available!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)