The crowds came after Jesus. Jesus knew their hearts just like He knows ours. Last weekend, I sat with a friend who has "no clue" how they come across in life. Do I tell her? Will she listen to me? So sarcastic, so arrogant, so unkind and she really has "no idea." I think I used to be like that---I hope that it's more true about myself that I no longer am clueless but I do realize I am also a sinner who still has unrecognized sinful places that I go to. John 6:26 says - You are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Why do I want Him? Is it because He has satisfied me and I am comfortable with this? What about the signs and wonders? Are they there? Labor. Labor only for the food that endures to eternal life. Is Life coming out of me? Or is it sarcasm, arrogance, and unkindness that people see? What stirs way down deep in your heart?
John 6:28 - "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" And I love Jesus' answer: This is the work of God---that you believe in Him Whom He has sent. Yes, it is the work of God!
The plumbline of Scripture reveals behavior and motives. How do I really come across? What is all this sarcasm really about? I wonder why we are so unkind to our husbands, our children, our friends, even our dogs? Am I satisfied laboring for the food that sustains me now or endures to eternal life? What's really going on inside of me? Am I willing to be disrupted and disturbed by the signs Jesus sends? They were convinced by the Power of signs and wonders and the Power of the Spirit of God. What convinces me to labor for eternal life this day?
Your words pierced my heart today, for I am like your clueless friend. So often I speak harshly, carelessly. Then, I crawl back to Him. I need more bread, without it my soul starves and I lash out, trying to survive on my own without Him. My memory verse this. month was Phillips 4:6.. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
ReplyDeleteI am clueless too. I come from a family of sarcastic people and I have personally hurt a lot of people's feelings because of my mouth.(Someone reading this knows first-hand!) I feel that when I am tempted to be that way it is because I don't communicate my feelings well. Deep down I believe it comes from a place of hurt. I've heard it so many times, but forget so easily that hurt people hurt people. I'm hoping we can all be extra compassionate towards those who are sarcastic. Also, todays readings convicted me that I am very guilty of putting God on a shelf and bringing Him down when I need Him. Forgive me, Lord. To be honest, I have a lot going on today and I came here because I needed a good Word. Ouch, ouch, ouch!
ReplyDeleteWith love and compassion...
Hugs to all of you. I've missed you!
Often we have comfort and conviction all in the same words...I found both today. Laboring in vain after things that perish, instead of coming to the Father for my needs and to order my days. Our work is simply to believe in Jesus. And the rest takes care of itself. He will never turn away from those who turn to Him.
ReplyDeleteSylvia, a song came to mind from today's readings that I want to share with you--my favorite hymn: http://youtu.be/W4CapSBM8UA
"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for(I) the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
He comforts me today with His words. He came to do the will of the Father. He will raise up His own. He is the Bread and the Water. God's seal is on Him.
ReplyDeleteThose words are spoken by the only one found worthy to open the seal in the book of Revelation.
I just ponder that. This is our SAVIOUR speaking. His Words are spoken over 2000 years ago, but they bring life into my day, this day.
We can't be convenient Christians and get through the temptations that arebbegging us to take our eyes off Jesus. We must stay feasting on Him. Daily Bread, Living Water.
I'm sad today about Maria Shriver. What's wrong with us? Our society has overflowed with the sewage and rottenness of sin. Our hearts should be broken over the state of this "Godly" nation. I'm just sick of it. Christ deserves better.
Every one of you who are here desires righteousness, maturity, deeper dependence. It's the longing of your hearts or you wouldn't be here. You'd be more interested in other stuff, maybe some really really good and maybe some really not. Reminded today of Jonah 2:8---may we all not miss the Grace of our Good God whether we are in the belly of a whale or riding in a cruise ship protected from whales. Wherever God has you, don't miss the Grace of your Good God. Someone just stepped on the gas pedal of my life and I'm flopping in the wind. I've been going in to work early, like 6:30am today and working non-stop. Just 2 weeks and it's over but will I make all my 2-week deadlines? Doesn't look possible. Please pray for me---really, we need to both find summer jobs. Every door so far has been shut. Our health
ReplyDeleteinsurance drops us next week. God will provide in abundance.
Mary Lou, Just got your text. Praying Isaiah 30:21 for you. May you hear His Voice and have some direction as to which path to take. Wow. You are in a tight place. Oh God, rain down! What stirs inside of you is a beautiful thing!
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