Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
How often food is mentioned in the Bible. Moses and his people were given manna to sustain themselves in the desert, but told to only gather what would be eaten that day. Jesus turns water into wine. And barrels are filled with oil. Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about food and drink. Jesus takes the small loaves and fish and feeds multitudes. Jesus shares bread with his disciples before his being crucified. What about, “man does not live by bread alone.”
Yet does bread have other meanings? Of course it did for the Lord’s Supper. But how do we apply it in our daily lives? I don’t think we are meant to sit idly by and expect to be fed, clothed, or housed. The disciples were on a mission to spread God’s word – that was their occupation.
I am reading Elisabeth Elliot, author of God’s Guidance, A Slow & Certain Light, with Study Guide. It is a study on the Lord’s Prayer. How many times have we recited this model of prayer, yet be immune to its meaning? Do we even think about it, or is it something we have memorized and repeat without thought. When we petition Him for bread, we are acknowledging that God is our provider of all things. In her book, she “likes to picture the Lord handing me a platter at the beginning of each new day. On it are the things he has chosen as best for me, and my prayer for daily bread is answered. My part is to receive whatever he gives. Guidance for a decision that need not be final until next Wednesday may require one small move or commitment today. I accept that and act on it without haggling with God because he has not yet granted me all the information I’m itching for. Perhaps patience is his gift of bread for today, or quietness, or the gift of uncertainty, that I may rest in his love, confident that when the time is ripe, the guidance will be clear.”
Certainly a more thoughtful interpretation than I had given it. How about you? What are your thoughts? I write to express my thoughts, but I do appreciate hearing from you.
Have a blessed day!
Wishing you many blessings this Easter. I'll be meditating on God's will for me. I hope you will do the same. Is it enough for Him to know that the desire of my heart is to serve him?
No art today- nothing can compare with His Glory.
Thanks for stopping by.
The Merry Fox, that is. It is named after my grandmother. Her name was Mary Alice, we called her Mama Alice. She was born before 1900 and lived to be almost 100. She was a very pleasant woman who enjoyed playing the harmonica while the grandkids "square-danced". She came from a family of pastors and preachers. She played the piano and organ for her church. She also endured many hard times. However, she remained faithful and true in spirit. Her favorite saying was "Trust in Jesus and obey and He will lead you all the way."
I'll write more about her in future posts. Meanwhile I hope you enjoy the paintings I post. I really appreciate your comments!
How I love Spring! The new growth of leaves on the trees hides the bareness of winter. Lawns sprout up with wild flowers -- wild violets, Easter flowers, little buttercups, tiny little daisies -- yes I know some call these weeds especially when in the lawn, but to me they represent the newness and freshness of the Spring. God's promises of what is to come.
Dogwoods are blooming. The magnolia is beginning to show buds. The red maple is shining and showcasing its blooms.
Some say that when Spring is in the air, so is love. My love for my family is always present. And so is my love for God.
A watercolor I painted. I hope you enjoy my small messages and my paintings!
Have a great day!
Many of us know the saying "Your talent is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to Him."
Is art my "talent", or is it my desire? Maybe my talent was to be a good mother and wife. Maybe my talent lies in my bookkeeping skills that keep my bills paid, or spotting good "sales" that keep my bills low.
Aren't these all talents? Does one talent pre-empt another?
What if you feel your talent isn't appreciated by others? Does that mean you have no talent in that area? NO! Being appreciated by others is a good feeling, but is that honoring God? Using all of your talents is honoring God. That's all. It is between you and Him.
Let all of your talents shine! God Bless You!
