Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
In the post “Unified for the Impossible”, some thoughts were shared about how Jesus organized with the twelve disciples to make what seemed impossible possible. The lesson for us is to continue this example of working together, applying our strengths, organizing, and sharing.
Jesus changed 5 loaves and two fish into enough to feed 5,000 and he can multiply our efforts to change everything today. Take inspiration from the song Jesus Changed Everything from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound to move us toward doing our part in sharing food for the soul which provides overflowing joy and abundant peace throughout the world today.
When two or more are gathered trying to do some good, there is another at work which provides extra power. The Holy Spirit provides not only the power but unity. Reading today in Mark 6:30-44, the disciples had been evangelizing in the surrounding villages so Jesus decided they should take some time to rest and recharge.
Jesus and the disciples took the day off and went by boat to a solitary place along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The crowds saw them going away so they went by foot to where they were going and waited for them because they wanted to hear more from Jesus.
After teaching into the evening, hunger began to set in so the disciples wondered how all the people would be fed. Jesus suggested that they feed them and asked how many loaves of bread they had. The disciples responded with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Jesus directed the disciples to organize the people into groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all (v. 41).
There was not only enough food for everyone but twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish were left (v. 43). Jesus had taken the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed five thousand. With the help of the twelve disciples, He had taken what seems an impossible situation and made it possible!
There are times in life, when we face what seems like impossible situations but we can be assured that our needs will be met if we follow the model given in today’s passage. An example of working together, applying our strengths, organizing, and sharing.
I’m remembering a few years ago, when our church did a Mobile Pack Event for Feed My Starving Children. We were taking on a very challenging task of making 100,000 food packed meals that would be sent to various places around the world. It seemed to be an impossible feat but because it was organized in such a way that everyone could contribute their time in a very efficient way, the challenge was met.
The event was fun for both parents and children with jobs for everyone to help get all the food ingredients into the food pack meals. Below is a photo taken at the event!
This day with You Lord, we are unified for the impossible to change the world for the better. Your plan for us is about teamwork because we all have a job to do for Your purpose. Help us grow our faith, obey, and do our part to help You make what seems the impossible … possible! Amen.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2
You are thrown into the fire and face pressure each day. As the post “Choose What Will Last Forever” points out, you need to make the right choices in life. Rather than choosing to be liked by the world, choose the solid principles taught by Christ.
This day with God will be amazing because things fall into place because of His grace. Because of our Savior, there will be a change in behavior; following where He leads and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning His ways and giving Him praise.
Reading today in Mark 6:14-29, the ruler of Galilee who was the son of Herod the Great came from a family with a mixed up past. *Herod the Great had massacred children in Bethlehem and killed three of his sons. One of his sons, the one written about in today’s passage had stolen his half-brother’s wife named Herodias and divorced his own wife.
Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted him dead so John was put in prison. She had a grudge because John the Baptist had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (v. 18).
In today’s passage, we are told that Herodias’s daughter danced for Herod and his dinner guest on his birthday. Herod was pleased so he offered the daughter of Herodias anything she wanted. When she consulted with her mother on what to ask for, she said “The head of John the Baptist” (v. 24).
The King was distressed because he had feared John the Baptist and protected him. He had been greatly puzzled by John; yet liked to listen to him (v. 20). He believed John was a righteous and holy man so he didn’t want to kill John.
At the same time, Herod wanted to be popular with his high officials, military leaders, and leaders of Galilee so he had his executioner carry out the order to bring John’s head on a platter to the daughter of Herodias.
Herod would be haunted by his choice of popularity rather than choosing what was right. As the days go by, Herod hears about Jesus healing people, casting out demons, and performing other miracles. Herod begins to believe that Jesus was really John the Baptist who had risen from the dead.
Upon reflection, today’s passage brought up a thought about the photo below which is of the remains of an old Fort near Abilene Texas called Fort Phantom Hill. The only structures still standing are the stone fire places and the stone jail house. The rest of the fort was destroyed by a fire.
Stone will last a lifetime and beyond. Being liked and well thought of is only short term but the victory for the causes of God is everlasting. If we build our life with the stones of God’s solid principles, they will last for eternity.
This day with You Lord, we are thrown into the fire and face pressure each day so help us to make decisions using the vision You give us through Your Word and embrace the discipline of Your Way. We choose to follow Your solid principles that last forever. We follow grace and truth because with grace there is forgiveness and with truth there is a path to follow. We are thankful for today’s passage, trust in the Holy Spirit’s instructions, and constantly desire to grow in faith. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 