May 21, 2012
Jesus feeds the five thousand. He took what was available—five loaves and two fish—and "looking to heaven, he thanked God for the food." He acknowledged who provided the food and the help FIRST! He thanked God, THEN He gave the food to His disciples, who in turn gave the food to the people. There wasn't "just" enough, there was more than enough, and twelve full baskets were left over. Nothing is impossible with God.
I love what Psalm 150:2 says - "Praise him for his surpassing greatness." Surpassing. MORE than enough greatness. No matter what we face; no matter the size of the battle; no matter what our circumstances; God has surpassing greatness! With God, ALL things are possible.
After feeding the five thousand men (plus women and children), Jesus sent His disciples back across the lake. Jesus stayed behind to send the people back to their homes. After the people left, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. Jesus understood the principle and the importance of getting away from the crowds and spending quality and quiet time with his Father. It is an important principle we need to learn as well. You can't give out to others what you don't have.
If Jesus needed to spend time with His Father, how much more we need to do the same. Alone time with God does not just happen. We must make it a priority. If time is not intentionally set aside, it will not happen. The pressures and busyness of life takes over and before we know it days, weeks, months, and years pass. Jesus sent His disciples away. He sent the people away. He knew the importance of time alone with His Father.
Ministry requires fuel. Not our fuel, God's fuel.
Jesus feeds the five thousand. He took what was available—five loaves and two fish—and "looking to heaven, he thanked God for the food." He acknowledged who provided the food and the help FIRST! He thanked God, THEN He gave the food to His disciples, who in turn gave the food to the people. There wasn't "just" enough, there was more than enough, and twelve full baskets were left over. Nothing is impossible with God.
I love what Psalm 150:2 says - "Praise him for his surpassing greatness." Surpassing. MORE than enough greatness. No matter what we face; no matter the size of the battle; no matter what our circumstances; God has surpassing greatness! With God, ALL things are possible.
After feeding the five thousand men (plus women and children), Jesus sent His disciples back across the lake. Jesus stayed behind to send the people back to their homes. After the people left, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. Jesus understood the principle and the importance of getting away from the crowds and spending quality and quiet time with his Father. It is an important principle we need to learn as well. You can't give out to others what you don't have.
If Jesus needed to spend time with His Father, how much more we need to do the same. Alone time with God does not just happen. We must make it a priority. If time is not intentionally set aside, it will not happen. The pressures and busyness of life takes over and before we know it days, weeks, months, and years pass. Jesus sent His disciples away. He sent the people away. He knew the importance of time alone with His Father.
Ministry requires fuel. Not our fuel, God's fuel.
*******
Our crazy dog (Dozer) swallowed a leather glove on 5/11/12, and had surgery on 5/14/12 to remove it. Two surgeries for swallowing inappropriate things and he isn't even two yet. He is slowly returning to his normal lunatic, maniac, (and lovable) self. 🙂
Addendum: 8/19/16 ~ Here are some suggestions if you are struggling trying to set aside purposeful time to spend alone with God each day. These are the things I did to learn how to discipline myself to daily be in God's word.
What worked best for me was linking my time alone with God with something else I already did every day. For me, something I did every day (and really enjoyed) was reading the morning newspaper. So, I decided that before I would allow myself to read the paper (man's printed word), I would first read the words of God Himself. Something I enjoyed doing would have to wait until I first spent time alone with God.
It soon became a very easy transition and I wanted to spend time alone with God first. I found I couldn't enjoy reading the newspaper if I had not yet read the Bible. I no longer get a morning paper but I still use this same principle. Before Google News, before Facebook, before checking Email, before anything else, I am in God's word. Ideally, the best time to do this is in the morning and I would always encourage you to spend at least some time in the morning before you begin your day. However, if you are one of those people who just cannot get going in the morning and you thrive at night, then by all means, link spending quality time alone with God before doing something you love in the evening. Before the evening news, before an evening walk or run, before—always before. To wait to read a few verses as your head hits the pillow does not give God priority in your life.
Once you start reading His Word and spending time alone with Him, you will want to continue. It changes your life, your perspective, and your priorities. TRY IT! Link your TAWG (Time Alone With God) with something you are already doing. You will be amazed how soon it becomes a top priority in your life.
Next Entry: Matthew 14:1–36 (Continued)
Addendum: 8/19/16 ~ Here are some suggestions if you are struggling trying to set aside purposeful time to spend alone with God each day. These are the things I did to learn how to discipline myself to daily be in God's word.
What worked best for me was linking my time alone with God with something else I already did every day. For me, something I did every day (and really enjoyed) was reading the morning newspaper. So, I decided that before I would allow myself to read the paper (man's printed word), I would first read the words of God Himself. Something I enjoyed doing would have to wait until I first spent time alone with God.
It soon became a very easy transition and I wanted to spend time alone with God first. I found I couldn't enjoy reading the newspaper if I had not yet read the Bible. I no longer get a morning paper but I still use this same principle. Before Google News, before Facebook, before checking Email, before anything else, I am in God's word. Ideally, the best time to do this is in the morning and I would always encourage you to spend at least some time in the morning before you begin your day. However, if you are one of those people who just cannot get going in the morning and you thrive at night, then by all means, link spending quality time alone with God before doing something you love in the evening. Before the evening news, before an evening walk or run, before—always before. To wait to read a few verses as your head hits the pillow does not give God priority in your life.
Once you start reading His Word and spending time alone with Him, you will want to continue. It changes your life, your perspective, and your priorities. TRY IT! Link your TAWG (Time Alone With God) with something you are already doing. You will be amazed how soon it becomes a top priority in your life.
Next Entry: Matthew 14:1–36 (Continued)
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