Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 1, 2010
“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” Matthew 14:19
Jesus takes the little I have to accomplish much for His purposes. What I give to Him in faith—He gives back to me multiplied—so in turn I can pass on to people in need. Christ’s cycle of blessing is simple but profound: give—receive—give. Five loaves of bread and two fish consecrated by Christ becomes a feast that feeds at least 10,000—including the women and children. Almighty God does not hold back His blessings.
A small portion of passionate prayer produces a prayer pregnant with results. A little bit of money leverages a large Kingdom return at home and around the world. A normal life broken by Jesus, He makes whole and uses it to bring healing to other hurting hearts. A relationship left at the Lord’s altar, He revives with the ability to give love and forgiveness. Give what you have to Jesus and He will give it back to you much better.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you” (Psalm 51:12-13).
Furthermore, Jesus modeled thanking His heavenly Father before eating the meal. This is why we give thanks to God before we partake of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether in the privacy of our home or in the public’s eye, we close our eyes and give gratitude to the Provider of our provision: all in Jesus’ name. A public blessing will bless some and offend others, but God is glorified. Look for other believers and bless them by paying their bill.
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).
Lastly, the Lord chooses many times to deliver His blessings through His available and trustworthy disciples. Stay close to Christ and He will empower you with resources and instruct you in how to distribute His blessings to individuals, even the masses. Give your raw realities to Jesus: He transforms them and then entrusts you with their deployment to the needy. God has blessed you, so you can be a blessing—therefore—remain blessable.
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11).
What do I need to surrender to Christ for His blessing? How can I bless others with what God has blessed me?
Related Readings: Romans 14:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Timothy 4:4
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Dear Mr. Bailey,
I have been enjoying your daily devotions for just over a week now and they have been a great blessing to me. Thank you for making these resources available – I start each day with them now. That being said, there is one thing about them that gnaws at me at each reading. The Scripture you quote does not capitalize the name of our great God, thereby continually missing an opportunity to honor Him with our attitudes, words and lives! Thank you for taking the time to read this and again thank you for this daily devotional.
In His service, Sandy Rodgers
Sandy you’re right the NIV does not capitilize the personal pronouns of God and Jesus. The NASB and KJV do.
I will prayerfully consider a change.
Thanks for how you honor the Lord.
In Christ,
Boyd