“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” ~John 6:11
https://www.biblegateway.com

John chapter 6:1-14 tells us of “The Miracle of the Loaves.” Jesus was traveling the countryside teaching to the crowds that were following him. They had seen or heard of the miracles He was performing and they were seeking Him. Jesus noticed during the end of the day that they were in an isolated area with no towns or villages, no lodging or places to find food. Jesus seeing the needs of the people, did not want to send them away hunger. As the disciples were discussing the lack of money and provisions to feed the people, Andrew, the disciple brought a young boy forward to Jesus and he had five small loaves of barley and two small fish and then added, how far with this go? Jesus then had the people sit in the grassy areas and he lifted the bread and fish and gave thanks and distributed it to everyone as much as they wanted and were they were all filled.  Jesus had the disciples gather the leftovers and they filled twelve baskets. This is a great example for us as we seek God in our Lenten Study this week focusing on “Hunger.” Why this miracle? Why this particular group of followers? What is Jesus teaching us to do now?

Why this miracle: Jesus saw the needs of the people both spiritually and physically. Jesus did not want to send the people away hungry, He felt compassion for them. He “thanked” God for blessing the bread and fish.

Why this particular group: Jesus had filled the crowd with spiritual nourishment and He wanted them to be also be physically feed food that would strengthen them to return to their homes and villages and cities to share the “good news” of Jesus and share what they learned.

What is Jesus teaching us to do now: Jesus wanted us to be mindful of the needs of our neighbors, our friends, our communities and our world. Jesus wants us to share our food with everyone, both spiritual and actual food. I am and have been privileged to be part of a group who actively demonstrates and fills the needs of others through community gardens, food pantries, habitat for humanity, mission oriented trips to assist victims of natural disasters and mission trips to feed the souls of God’s children around the world as well as our own community. It’s a beautiful feeling to be able to help others and to teach them to also help themselves through the power of Jesus.

Our world is a wilderness in so many places and hunger is so prevalent our society. The Bible gives us many examples of “being” Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. To continue spreading the Gospel using the gifts that God blesses us with. I invite you to seek out your gifts if you are not aware of yours and give it to others joyfully. Everyone has a gift, some are good listeners, some can build houses/do repairs, some can sing, some can teach…it is an endless list. Be a blessing today.

Bible verses about serving others (the hands and feet of Jesus):

1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”

Matthew 25:35-40 “ I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ..”

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 11:25 “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Hebrews 13:16“ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Breath Prayer: God use me for your glory!

~Blessings and Peace~

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” ~Deuteronomy 8:3

What do you hunger for(?).

hunger     noun hun·ger\ˈhəŋ-gər\
1a : a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient
b : an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food.  The small meal wasn’t enough to satisfy his hunger.
c : a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food died of hunger
2: a strong desire : craving a hunger for success
from hunger : very bad or inept the jokes were from hunger — Mordecai Richler
*Webster Dictionary App

Hunger is a basic human response to provide ones body with sustenance, fuel for the human body to function properly. It is also refers to education, learning and gaining knowledge to be successful in life both personal and professional. I personally feel blessed to have the freedom to discover new ways to feed my hunger. I love being out observing God’s beautiful creation, taking photos of the regular and routine things that are the backdrops of our lives. I like to read, study and discuss politics and religion. I like listening to people tell their story. I crave communication and conversation. I love to write and being creative. All of these things are possible because of God; because God is the creator of all things. The devotional I am reading and commenting about is providing a centralized theme throughout Lent that chronicles the Israelites as the journeyed through the wilderness. Honestly, my belief is that we (humans) continue the same repeated methods of rebellion and disobedience as generations before us did. Have you ever got tired of or bored with something you really wanted and soon after you got it, it lost its appeal (?). I mentioned this yesterday but is important to say again, the Israelites were hungry and what did God give them? Food from Heaven, fresh every single day and what happened, the Israelites got tired of eating the same fresh manna every day, they began to complain and even wished they had never been freed from Pharaoh. Gosh, we are a fickle people aren’t we! God provides in so many ways every single day of our lives, and we often forget even the basic of salutations. The author shares a story about praying and reciting The Lord’s Prayer and how it would draw people together based upon her experiences. She stated that when she attended chapel services on campus they would hold hands reaching across the aisles to one another and it brought to life feelings of community to the participants. I have had the same experience when I was in college and even today in some church services, hold hands with someone connects you on a deeper level with people. It’s reassuring that someone is praying with you and possibly for you.

Are you dependent upon God (?) and if so, what are the things you are dependent for? If you responded, everything; you would be correct.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 | NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 | NIV

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 | NIV

Prayer and Fasting ~Matthew 6:5-18
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%206:5-18&version=NIV

Breath Prayer: Jesus, all I have is a gift from you. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~