Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 (NIV)
What is it that sustains us? Is it a loaf of bread or the Word of God? Oh, we need nourishment, but not only for the body. We need nourishment for our spirit. May the Spirit of Christ live within us. May our thirst for understanding be quenched by the wisdom and knowledge imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. May this understanding be the foundation of our belief in Jesus. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
James 1:25 (NIV)
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.
In other portions of Scripture we learn that we are not to live by bread alone. May the Word of God, as is found in the Holy Bible, be the bread of life we seek. By living out the Scriptures in the way we live our lives, may we honor the Lord, our God. May the choices we make lead to eternal life with Jesus. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Jesus is capable of doing miraculous things. In this passage, He walked on water and calmed rough seas. He can meet us anywhere and guide us through all the storms of this life. May we remember that He is always with us. We need not be afraid! May we give thanks… and trust in Him each and every day. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Opening Prayer: What makes us weep? How can we find relief? So often we struggle, not knowing where to turn or to whom we should turn. However, sometimes our hearts have been hardened by the battles of everyday life and we are resistant to God’s call. Father God, may our hearts be softened and open to You. May the Holy Spirit draw us toward the One who can provide comfort and peace. May our eyes see clearly the path we should take to find You and deepen our relationship with You. We need You, Lord God. May Your mercy and grace be upon us. May you fix our brokenness and heal our rebellious spirits. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: “What Makes Preachers Cry?” by William H. Willimon, bishop in the United Methodist Church and Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity School.
Will Willimon believes that you can tell a great deal about people by what they consider to be humorous, funny, and delightful. However, he also believes that “grief, tears, and lament, are unfailing indicators of what we value most.” In today’s passage, Luke 13:31-35, Jesus laments over the state of Jerusalem. Jesus does not lament over Herod’s plans for him or over his eventual fate in Jerusalem, but over the state of Jerusalem. What can we learn from Jesus’ lament? And when is the last time you wept over your own city?
Closing Prayer: What is important to you? What is it that you value the most? Father God, may we see our need for You. May we seek You before seeking anything else. May knowing You, and being known by You, be what we desire and value the most. May all our earthly burdens be lifted as we turn to You. May Your healing touch restore us in all ways. Thank you for hearing our prayers and praises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Do we always appreciate the things that have been given to us? Sometimes we take things for granted and forget how blessed we really are. In this passage of Scripture, we learn about Jesus feeding about five thousand people. He is our provider! In addition, we learned how Jesus instructed His disciples to collect the food that was left over. We, too, are not to let the things that the Lord provides go to waste. He provides for us in so many ways. He blesses us with life… spiritually, physically, and emotionally… each and every day. May we appreciate the many blessings we receive. May we share from our abundance, so nothing that we have received will go to waste. May we ask the Lord for those things we truly need and trust that He will provide. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
We do not need to settle; God can do it all! He is all powerful. He is able. He can restore, in us, His image, as is reflected by His Son, Jesus Christ. Too often, we can be found speaking words of criticism or discouragement toward others. May we allow the Holy Spirit to change us – to make us more Christlike. When we are In Christ, we will be of one mind – His! In Him, we can live in peace. May we have the wisdom to see and act in a way that is pleasing to the Lord toward others. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Faithfully Yours Forever 