Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 10, 2014
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13
God normally provides more than enough for His children. More than enough grace to get through a tough time. More than enough time to do His will. More than enough wisdom to make the best decision. More than enough work support to be successful. More than enough provision to care for our family. More than enough friends to stay accountable. More than enough truth to protect us from lies. More than enough forgiveness to forgive others. Jesus is more than enough!
How do you thank God for the extra He has given you? One way is to manage it well with a grateful heart. You can imagine the massive leftovers from feeding thousands of people. So, Jesus clearly instructed His disciples to gather up the valuable morsels for future meals–twelve baskets full. Nothing goes to waste when you steward well the extra God has entrusted to you. It is easier to neglect and be wasteful, but trustworthy people prayerfully manage their abundance.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19).
The Lord is prone to bless those who manage His blessings well. But, those who exhibit sloppy stewardship tend to be lazy in caring for the left overs from God’s provision. Yes, the Holy Spirit looks for faithful partners who will share His abundant blessings with others. Our life does not consist of what we can hold on to for ourselves, but what we can gather, then deploy for God’s Kingdom. We are charged by Christ to make available His abundant provision to needy people.
Therefore, we feed on Jesus, the Bread of Life, so we can fill our baskets of belief with His extra grace. Similar to a niece or nephew who inherits riches from a wealthy aunt, we have received the riches of our heavenly Father. Like the prodigal son we can squander our stuff or we can leverage it for our Lord. We are sons and daughters of the King who have access to a baker that always serves up fresh bread for us to enjoy. Yes, we feast on hot, moist bread out of the oven of Christ’s heart, so it can warm our soul. He gives us more than enough new grace to grace others.
“Those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:11)!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me more than enough to carry out Your plan for my life and work.
Related Readings: Psalm 31:19, 145:7; Jeremiah 33:6; Luke 12:13-21; 2 Corinthians 9:8
Post/Tweet today: We feast on hot, moist bread out of the oven of Christ’s heart, so it can warm our soul. #wisdomhunters
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