Back in antiquity, bread was a main source of sustenance for life and therefore a very important part of everyday life. You may remember that back in Exodus the Lord kept His people alive by supplying them with "manna from heaven" a bread substitute, so that they would not starve. Once again, providing the very "essentials" of life to His children.
You might want to read up on the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 13:3-10). The bread was "unleavened" because they didn't have the time to allow the bread to rise, therefore "unleavened" or yeast-less bread. Another passage discussing unleavened bread is found in Numbers 1:6-9). And of course, just as Jesus provided food for them in the wilderness, He also provides spiritual sustenance for His people today. God's Word is referred to as "The Bread of life". Jesus Christ continues to provide this life giving substance to those claiming Him as their Savior and declares in John 6:58, "Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live for ever". The emphasis is on living on the Word of God.
Jesus used four different names for Himself that involve the imagery of bread in John 6. He refers to the "Bread of Heaven" and "the bread of God. He also mentions "the bread of life and "living bread".
However mentioned, it is important that Jesus Christ was the supplier and sustainer of life for those who wandered in the desert and He is still providing that support in His Holy Word today. Pick up the book and see if you don't feel fed from His spiritual inspiration.
And of course we would be unwise if we failed to mention the "miracle of the five loaves and two small fish", which Jesus turned into a feast for over 5,000 people in John 6. What an important name for our Lord as He daily feeds us from His Holy Word. Wanna bite? Open God's word and have a snack.
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bible Names For Jesus Christ! "Advocate"
For more years than I can remember, I have been impressed with the many names given in God's Word for, not only God, but for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as well. I thought it might be nice to write a little about some of the names given to our God.
In our legal system, when you find yourself in trouble with the law, you acquire an attorney and you tell your attorney the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It is important, no matter what the situation, that your attorney know what is the "absolute" truth of your case. This way, and this way only can the defendants attorney adequately represent his client.
That brings me to one of the names given to our Lord, Jesus Christ which is an "Advocate". I looked up the word Advocate in the dictionary and these are the main definitions I found: 1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause; an advocate of peace. 2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor. 3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.
John the Apostle, in his very first epistle wrote "If we confess our sins, His is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV). This is why, Christians MUST be honest with the Lord when we encounter sin, if it is our intention to have Him as our "Advocate. Just one more thought: Here is another scriptural truth about our heavenly "defense attorney" which says, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1 NASB)
Dave
In our legal system, when you find yourself in trouble with the law, you acquire an attorney and you tell your attorney the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It is important, no matter what the situation, that your attorney know what is the "absolute" truth of your case. This way, and this way only can the defendants attorney adequately represent his client.
That brings me to one of the names given to our Lord, Jesus Christ which is an "Advocate". I looked up the word Advocate in the dictionary and these are the main definitions I found: 1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause; an advocate of peace. 2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor. 3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.
John the Apostle, in his very first epistle wrote "If we confess our sins, His is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV). This is why, Christians MUST be honest with the Lord when we encounter sin, if it is our intention to have Him as our "Advocate. Just one more thought: Here is another scriptural truth about our heavenly "defense attorney" which says, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1 NASB)
Dave
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Moment Of Weakness!
It appears that I need to apologize and explain a previous "rant" in which (being a stronger Christian than that), I allowed Satan to get a "foothold" to my emotions concerning my extended family (siblings) and I got carried away.
I know that with Christ, I am a much stronger person. In fact, I had just set up a system of future devotions to display for our Lord, and in a time of weakness, "I fell". That's about the only way I can express it. I took God's responsibility out of His hands and decided for myself what their punishment would be. I know that those of you who follow my blog know what kind of person I am and can understand the lapse in emotional stamina. Please let me say how sorry I am that I "vomited" all over such a beautiful work of God because I was upset and literally devastated by other's behavior. I had no right. Please forgive me.
I am placing this word of apology right over that blog so that it is completely gone from my work. In my lapse of strength, this is all I should have said:
I know that Jesus Christ, stepped down from His throne in Heaven, and came to earth as a helpless little child. He lived among us for some 33 sinless years. He freely gave His life to die for our sins. Was crucified, buried and His body lay in a borrowed tomb for 3 days while His spirit went to "hell" and freed those captive and then at the right moment, He rose from the grave (a feat no other human being has been able to do). Presently He sits at the right hand of the Father making intersession for you and me. Someday, and probably very soon, He's coming back for those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Him.
If you haven't taken that step yet, I would consider it soon as it looks very close now. I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I hope you do t
If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I am working on several devotions about the "Names Of Jesus Christ" This will be a Hugh undertaking and I want and request your prayers of support.
Once again, having made peace with God over the situation, I would simply ask you to remember I am human and sometimes my emotions are stronger than my "fingers" and I didn't mean to offend anyone.
I love you all,
Dave
I know that with Christ, I am a much stronger person. In fact, I had just set up a system of future devotions to display for our Lord, and in a time of weakness, "I fell". That's about the only way I can express it. I took God's responsibility out of His hands and decided for myself what their punishment would be. I know that those of you who follow my blog know what kind of person I am and can understand the lapse in emotional stamina. Please let me say how sorry I am that I "vomited" all over such a beautiful work of God because I was upset and literally devastated by other's behavior. I had no right. Please forgive me.
I am placing this word of apology right over that blog so that it is completely gone from my work. In my lapse of strength, this is all I should have said:
I know that Jesus Christ, stepped down from His throne in Heaven, and came to earth as a helpless little child. He lived among us for some 33 sinless years. He freely gave His life to die for our sins. Was crucified, buried and His body lay in a borrowed tomb for 3 days while His spirit went to "hell" and freed those captive and then at the right moment, He rose from the grave (a feat no other human being has been able to do). Presently He sits at the right hand of the Father making intersession for you and me. Someday, and probably very soon, He's coming back for those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Him.
If you haven't taken that step yet, I would consider it soon as it looks very close now. I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I hope you do t
If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I am working on several devotions about the "Names Of Jesus Christ" This will be a Hugh undertaking and I want and request your prayers of support.
Once again, having made peace with God over the situation, I would simply ask you to remember I am human and sometimes my emotions are stronger than my "fingers" and I didn't mean to offend anyone.
I love you all,
Dave
Monday, October 11, 2010
Fellowship
Finally we come to "Fellowship". Fellowship with the saints of God. Where would we be or where could we go without the fellowship and encouragement of other Christian men and women? I think, "Nowhere!"
We are constantly encourage to join into fellowship with other believers. After all, isn't that where we develop our Christian walk and learn how to speak to God and how to hear from Him? The Bible says "do not forsake the assembling of the saints" (paraphrased).
The Christian that is Spirit directed enjoys the fellowship with God's people all over the world. He enjoys a great love for the Church (body of believers) and he involves himself in it. With this involvement he succeeds in helping to spread the Great Commission throughout the planet.
If you are not in fellowship with other believers, I believe that you are probably "out of your work area" so to speak. This is the stuff that tough saints are made of i.e: Fellowship--this is what energizes you to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt. 28:19,20.
Here are some additional verses to review: 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 5:18-21; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 2:8-12.
So we have taken the time to review eleven attributes or characteristics of the Christian man and woman and they are Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership, and Fellowship. Naturally there can be others but these are of "Natural Growth Experience".
As the great Wizard of Oz once said, "NOW GO!"
Love ya,
Dave
As a point of reference, all of the information I submitted in these 11 devotions came directly from my New American Standard Bible.
We are constantly encourage to join into fellowship with other believers. After all, isn't that where we develop our Christian walk and learn how to speak to God and how to hear from Him? The Bible says "do not forsake the assembling of the saints" (paraphrased).
The Christian that is Spirit directed enjoys the fellowship with God's people all over the world. He enjoys a great love for the Church (body of believers) and he involves himself in it. With this involvement he succeeds in helping to spread the Great Commission throughout the planet.
If you are not in fellowship with other believers, I believe that you are probably "out of your work area" so to speak. This is the stuff that tough saints are made of i.e: Fellowship--this is what energizes you to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt. 28:19,20.
Here are some additional verses to review: 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 5:18-21; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 2:8-12.
So we have taken the time to review eleven attributes or characteristics of the Christian man and woman and they are Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership, and Fellowship. Naturally there can be others but these are of "Natural Growth Experience".
As the great Wizard of Oz once said, "NOW GO!"
Love ya,
Dave
As a point of reference, all of the information I submitted in these 11 devotions came directly from my New American Standard Bible.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Leadership
What is your view of Leadership? For the Christian, we view leadership based on the gift or gifts that the Lord has given us to use here on earth. Some have the gift of "helps" so they lead out in that direction. Another may have the gift of teaching and so they lead in the area of teaching and the discipleship of other Christian men and women. And as such, the Christian is consistent in his encouragement and action by the leadership of the Holy Spirit to work and mobilize others in an ongoing movement to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Very simple. If you have the gift of "evangelism" you will most likely lead out in instructing other the skill of sharing Christ with others along with your own witnessing skills being used everyday. When we go out for dinner I like to ask our server, "if you die before you get home tonight, do you know you are going to heaven?" You can imagine how "good" and sometimes how "bad" questions like that can be. Nobody has ever hit me, though!
But seriously. Think about your leadership role. If you don't ask that question, who's to say anyone in this world will every get the opportunity to ask that person? Try praying on your knees on a cold chemotherapy room floor with shorts on. Sometimes those witnessing experiences get rather long (sore knees...ha ha).
Look at Mark 12: 42-44 where it says, "...Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in our of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and she had to live on." Boy, I guess this poor widow "lead" all the others right into shame.
Read some of these scriptures: Luke 6:12, 13; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 2:8-12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:2,3.
Until tomorrow,
Dave
Very simple. If you have the gift of "evangelism" you will most likely lead out in instructing other the skill of sharing Christ with others along with your own witnessing skills being used everyday. When we go out for dinner I like to ask our server, "if you die before you get home tonight, do you know you are going to heaven?" You can imagine how "good" and sometimes how "bad" questions like that can be. Nobody has ever hit me, though!
But seriously. Think about your leadership role. If you don't ask that question, who's to say anyone in this world will every get the opportunity to ask that person? Try praying on your knees on a cold chemotherapy room floor with shorts on. Sometimes those witnessing experiences get rather long (sore knees...ha ha).
Look at Mark 12: 42-44 where it says, "...Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in our of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and she had to live on." Boy, I guess this poor widow "lead" all the others right into shame.
Read some of these scriptures: Luke 6:12, 13; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 2:8-12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:2,3.
Until tomorrow,
Dave
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Vision
What can be said about our "vision"? As Christians we view the world, its problems, its needs, and the opportunities of life from God's eyes, from His perspective. As we pray for "vision" I think our prayer should sound something like this: "Lord, if You were me, what would You be doing and planning in the Holy Spirit?" We acknowledge that our abilities, talents, and dreams are gifts from the Father in heaven and so we should offer them back to the Lord Jesus, as we trust Him for the fulfillment of each.
The last part of Joel 2:28 says "Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions." May we never lose our dreams or see our visions. God depends on us to hear Him as He instructs our hearts toward His vision for us.
More verses! Isn't this great? Ps. 2:8; Luke 19:10; Eph. 1:18, 19; 3:20, 21.
God help me see your will today. Amen!
Dave
The last part of Joel 2:28 says "Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions." May we never lose our dreams or see our visions. God depends on us to hear Him as He instructs our hearts toward His vision for us.
More verses! Isn't this great? Ps. 2:8; Luke 19:10; Eph. 1:18, 19; 3:20, 21.
God help me see your will today. Amen!
Dave
Friday, October 8, 2010
Love
Ever think of the word "unconditional"? How about the word "supernatural"? As we live our lives as Christian men and women, we experience the unconditional, supernatural love of Christ. Remember in John 18:22 where they "punched Jesus in the face" and when He hung on the cross without putting up a fight. You know its been said "He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me"!
That's unconditional! That's supernatural! That's the kind of love that only God could provide for us. And we as Christians experience that unconditional, supernatural love in our everyday lives as we walk with the Lord. And we are taught that we need to express that same quality of love (agape) in meaningful ways to family, friends and acquaintances, believers and nonbelievers alike. That's tough, I know. Some of us can't even get along with our own families let alone extending that love toward others. But this is the "Love" that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, has taught us through His word and His commands.
Luke 10:27 says, "...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Boy, that's a tough one, huh? Here's a few other verses to review: Eph. 5:12; Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:8.
"Love is a many splendid thing"...and so much more.
Dave
That's unconditional! That's supernatural! That's the kind of love that only God could provide for us. And we as Christians experience that unconditional, supernatural love in our everyday lives as we walk with the Lord. And we are taught that we need to express that same quality of love (agape) in meaningful ways to family, friends and acquaintances, believers and nonbelievers alike. That's tough, I know. Some of us can't even get along with our own families let alone extending that love toward others. But this is the "Love" that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, has taught us through His word and His commands.
Luke 10:27 says, "...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Boy, that's a tough one, huh? Here's a few other verses to review: Eph. 5:12; Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:8.
"Love is a many splendid thing"...and so much more.
Dave
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