Today's Bread

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xvCY0_vaDA

When I Lock Eyes with You ~ UPPERROOM and Maverick City Music

 

Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually]. ~ John 6:35 AMP

 

If you’ve ever fasted, then you know how something as simple as bread can look like a gourmet meal. About 12 years ago, I asked God for something big, so He asked me to give up something big: not eat after 5pm for the next 21 days. The first week, I was SO hungry! By the second week, however, I realized that to “make it through the night,” I needed to eat my carbs by lunch and only eat protein in the afternoon. By the third week, the only thing I was “worried” about was keeping up the intense feasting on God’s Word, when I returned to eating dinners. Unfortunately, by week 2 post fast, my routine returned to “normal,” as did my studies.

 

This year has been a lot like that fast. When we heard the news that we weren’t going back to life and school “as normal,” it was hard on all of us. That’s when I started digging deeper into God’s Word. But when our schedules relaxed for the summer, so did my studies. It was sometime later that Holy Spirit grabbed my attention, saying, “You can’t live on yesterday’s Bread.” Just as yesterday’s or last week’s physical food won’t sustain you very long, neither will yesterday’s or last week’s spiritual food.

 

Everyday, the devil is watching and waiting for us to be weak enough to use for his advantages. When he sees we’re physically—and especially spiritually—weaker, he’ll pounce and try to devour us. As children of the living God, we’re called to be alert and withstand the devil’s schemes. That’s much easier to do when we’re physically and spiritually strong.

 

As we exit 2020, let’s take with us the truths we’ve received and leave the rest behind. For the new year, plan, each day, to feast on the Bread that gives and sustains life, to help us face whatever challenges may lie ahead.

©Heather Potts 2020

Don't Forget Your Bread

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever...” ~ John 6:35 MSG

When you go on a journey, what kinds of things do you need?  You need food, clothes, and hopefully a map or some kind of guide to get you where you want to go.  In the above verse, Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life and says that those who align themselves with Him will never again hunger or thirst.  That word align really stood out to me and drew a mental picture of a straight edge and a string.  The closer the string comes to the straight edge, the less we can differentiate between the string and the edge.  But as Christ-followers, isn’t that what we all want?  If we want to be a true reflection of Christ and His glory, shouldn’t we see less of us and more of Him? 

Sometimes our journeys in life have us walking through shadows.  But as we draw closer to the Father, we don’t have to fear the shadows, even those that overcome us, for the Father promises that as we walk closer to Him, His shadow will overcome us and it’s there we will find rest and protection.  Psalm 91:1, also known as the “emergency” verse says, “He who dwells [remains, lives, stays] in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow [covering, protection] of the Almighty.”  Walking through life's valleys can feel like endless roads, but with the Lord as our guide and His nourishment to keep us strong, I know we will never falter.  

Let’s pray:

Father God, I pray that You would continue to draw us close to your heart.  When we cannot find rhythm for our feet, I pray that we would fall into step with the cadence of Your heartbeat.   Lord, I know that You will never lead us down a path or a road that—as we draw closer to you—we cannot overcome and won't grow through.  Father, I know you've got "exceedingly, abundantly above" plans for us.  I thank You, that You have taken the time to get to know each one of us and because You love us so much You will grow us into Your greatness, a true reflection of Your glory as we continue to align our lives with Yours.  Father God, please be with us today.  Hug us tightly and hold us close.  Kiss us softly and gently wipe away our tears.  I know You will be with us today and always as you guide us out of the valley and into the promised land. Thank you, Father.  It's in Jesus' Name that I pray, Amen.