Daily Bread - Staff of Life

In this present day “gluten-free” environment bread might not be as popular as it once was. 

Seems everyone is concerned with counting carbs and watching their starch intake.  However, my Mom always says, “Bread is the staff of life.”

The American Heritage Dictionary defines it this way:

staff of life  -  n. pl.   staves of life or staffs of life.  A staple or necessary food, especially bread.

Bread was the ancient Israelites’ essential food. It was made of flour, either of wheat or barley, ground in a hand mill or quern consisting of two stones. When ground, the flour might be coarse or fine. Flour was generally made into leavened bread, but at Passover only unleavened bread was eaten. 'Spelt' is sometimes mentioned in the Bible; this was grain of poor quality. Poor people ate barley bread.

During the exodus from Egypt, the Hebrews ate a special food provided by God.  Manna came from heaven at night, resembling frost, coming with the dew (Numbers 11:9).  Josephus and other ancient writers attribute the name manna to the question “Is it food?” which helps to explain the Hebrew version of the word man (which is a question) added to hu - thus forming the word manna ("What is it?"). This life-giving substance appeared daily in the wilderness on their journey to the Promised land.

Manna was described as white, delicious in flavor, and may have resembled the seed of coriander, a plant of the eastern Mediterranean area which was both tasty and nourishing (Exodus 16:31).  

It was ground and used to make cakes.  Manna was a temporary provision for God’s chosen people.  It was called bread from heaven in Psalm 105:40, and Jesus Himself was referred to as the true Bread from Heaven in John 6:31-63.

Jesus taught the multitudes in His famous Sermon on the Mount that Kingdom living would be challenging. The Beatitudes were a series of teachings that centered on a declaration of blessedness – spiritual conditions set forth by God for man’s benefit.  In Matthew 5:6 Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” 

As I began to meditate on that verse, I understood that my hunger would only be satisfied in the Living Bread Himself – JESUS - my Manna from heaven!  I need Him every day – afresh and new. I must make time for Him to speak to me and refresh my soul.

One of my favorite devotionals is Our Daily Bread which has been translated into over 40 languages and favored for over sixty years worldwide. Our Daily Bread  has resources to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to people of all nations, helping them grow in Christlikeness and in the knowledge of God’s Word.

If I am to remain steadfast in my love for Him and for my husband, I need to partake of His grace, teachings and spirit-led living every day.  

My practice of prayer, devotionals and studying the Word of God helps me to maintain my Christian walk and witness to others. If you are living in an unequally-yoked marriage you must fortify yourself daily with the Manna from heaven.  

Jesus is your daily bread - eat and be satisfied...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Daily Bread - Staff of Life

Empty Tomb to Full Heart... What Does Easter Mean to You?

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?

   Amazing love! how can it be
   That Thou, my Lord, shouldst die for me?
                      [Charles Wesley  1780]

She was freed from seven devils by the power of Jesus, and joined the women who accompanied the disciples, caring for their needs.  She was from Magdala, on the Southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee. 

She could not comprehend how this Prophet whom the disciples called "The Son of God" would show her such unmerited kindness and mercy.  How could she ever repay Him?

She remembered how Simon Peter spoke of a parable that Jesus taught of two debtors, saying, "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"  Simon answered Him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."  And Jesus said to him, "You have rightly judged."  

Jesus spoke this of the women who had anointed His feet with a costly flask of fragrant oil during a dinner in a Pharisee's house. He continued the parable, saying to Simon and the others, "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.  But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

She watched as the Lord and His disciples traveled throughout Galilee and the surrounding area performing miracles and ministering to the masses.  She observed firsthand how the crowds grew in anticipation of a conquering King... then as they began to fall away when their expectations didn't materialize.  

Who was this Jesus Who had commanded the demons to flee and the Spirit of God to come into her heart? 

Mary recalled as He often withdrew privately to pray to His Father.  She remembered how He taught with authority and wisdom, confounding the lawyers and Pharisees.  He had preached to all who would listen, often late into the day.  She and the others frequently heard the parables Jesus shared as He instructed the people in the ways of righteousness and Kingdom living.

Then she relived the horrors of the days leading up to His crucifixion with the criminals. She remembered the humiliation and pain and gore that surrounded His death. Her tears and those of His mother Mary, as well as the other women who witnessed the Roman punishment had been bitter and frequent since that day.  

When Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus secured His body from Pilate, they took the strips of linen with the spices as was the custom of the Jews to prepare Him for burial.  Mary also went with the wife of Clopas (Mary) and Salome the mother of James and John with spices to the tomb to pay homage to the slain Son of God..


On the Sabbath - the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away. She ran and came to Simon Peter and John - crying and pleading with them - asking where her Lord had been taken.  They both ran to the tomb. John peered into the tomb first, as Peter went inside and discovered the linen cloths and handkerchief lying on the stone.

Mary remembers the pain in her heart as she longed to see her Savior as she stood outside by the empty tomb. She recalled the encounter with the two heavenly messengers clothed in white as they sat - one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had laid. They asked her why she was weeping, and Mary said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."

She heard Jesus say to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?"  And then she said to Him, supposing Him to be the gardener, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."

Mary then grinned as she recalled her response to His reply, "Mary!" with her heartfelt shout of, "Rabboni!". 

Yes - Mary's heart was filled with gratitude and amazement as she gazed into heaven while He ascended to His Father. That was a day she would never forget...

(Scripture references:  Luke 7:40-47; John 19:38-42; John 20:1-18)

What about you?  As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday - what is your response to the Lord?  What does Easter mean to you personally?

Be refreshed and encouraged by this wonderful song 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Empty Tomb to Full Heart... What Does Easter Mean to You?

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !

Our family recently celebrated two birthdays:  my mother turned seventy-five (a milestone), and my sister's birthday is the same day!  This year was indeed a special one!  There's nothing I like better than baking their favorite cake, picking out just the right card, and of course, finding the perfect gift to give!   One of my favorite verses to quote for a birthday is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."  I like to imagine Father God, sitting in heaven, looking down on my "birth" day saying, "Look at my daughter...isn't she beautiful? Today is the day her family celebrates her birth! That which I have created brings Me such joy!"

Psalm 139:13-17 declares, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

Gifts are, of course, the grand finale when it comes to the birthday bash!  Despite our best efforts, we can't make the recipient take the gift! That is something that they have to do.  God extends a free gift to us as well.  He offers us eternal salvation through His son Jesus.  No strings attached.  It's a gift that cost Him everything - but it is ours simply by accepting what Jesus did to secure that salvation, namely, His death on Calvary.  John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."  And again Paul states in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

Sometimes I wonder why someone wouldn't gladly accept a free gift, especially when it comes to their eternal security.  I'm glad God gives us the opportunity to tell others about Him.  When I was still a "newbie" Christian, I purchased bibles for my entire family and gave them as gifts on their birthdays. I don't even know if they have opened them and read them, but nevertheless, I gladly and enthusiastically gave the gifts!  My part is to sow the seed, someone else waters, and God brings the increase (I Corinthians 3:6).  God loves a cheerful giver, and I don't think that just applies to tithing.  The act of giving gifts emulates our Father in Heaven, Who is the greatest giver of all!  I truly enjoy giving a gift and watching the reaction when the recipient opens it!  After all, I spent precious time searching for just the right gift.  Then I carefully and artfully wrapped the gift, using bright colored paper, silky ribbon, and a big fluffy bow. Sometimes I get so excited, I can hardly wait! 

In James 1:17 we see that, "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." I don't know about you, but I only want those gifts that my heavenly Father sends my way!

One thing is for certain, birthdays are fun and we look forward to them.  But nothing compares to receiving our greatest gift in person - a greeting by the Lord Jesus Himself with open arms extended - welcoming us as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your lord." 

Now that's a celebration I can get excited about!

                                           

      

It's a Birthday Bash, and You're Invited !

Father Knows Best

Father’s Day is approaching and I’d like to send a “shout out” to our son for a “Happy Father’s Day”. This will be his first Father's Day since becoming a Dad last October to a beautiful little girl. This is a picture of them that I will treasure forever. What a wonderful thing to see your children become parents, and then you observe the tenderness, love and care they exhibit as they cradle their child – your grandchild, for the very first time.  I was blessed and privileged to be present for her birth.

As children of the Living God, we have the perfect Heavenly Father. When Jesus was speaking to the crowds about worry, wealth and judging, He began teaching on asking and giving. In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus states, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Our Father knows best. He created us and knows are intimate needs. He alone can fill the void within each heart.

In I Thessalonians 2:10-12, Paul is addressing the church about the tenderness with which he and others nurtured the congregation during its infancy. He says, “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Then in I Timothy, Paul writes to the young preacher in a most affectionate way: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” And again in II Timothy 2:1-2, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Paul often wrote to the churches he founded with love and concern as he did in I Corinthians 4. He writes,  “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” (I Corinthians 4:14-17) Paul repeatedly emphasized his emulation of Father God’s love and care for His church in his response and exhortation to believers in the first century.

We all remember the show “Father Knows Best” from the 1950’s and 1960’s. It started every week with the following announcement: "Here are Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, with Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray, and Lauren Chapin in Father Knows Best!" We’d follow the Anderson family each week as they worked through their weekly struggles and dilemmas, as well as interacting with each other at home as the “perfect family”.

The following comment comes from the “Father Knows Best – Official Website” - Jim Anderson wasn't really like a "Father" - he was more like a "Dad", and the TV audience connected. He was a responsible parent who loved his wife and kids. He was a man who would do a paper route in the rain for his sick son, Bud. He was a man who'd always choose to see Kathy in a school program rather than attend an important Chamber of Commerce dinner. His family came first, but it was a delicate balancing act.

This Father’s Day let us celebrate His love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Our Heavenly Father desires reconciliation between fathers and their children. The ultimate example is our being reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus. Malachi 4:6 is a wonderful picture of the pending reward of Christ’s second coming as he speaks of their relationship: “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Your Heavenly Father longs to love you, provide for, and protect you. He will never leave or forsake you. You can trust Him. He is the perfect parent now and for eternity.

Father Knows Best…

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Father Knows Best

There’s No Place Like Home…

While flying back across the ocean from our vacation, I was peering out of the window of the Boeing 767 we were on from an altitude of about 32,000 feet. Sandwiched there between two layers of clouds, I felt like I could step directly into the heavenly realm, right there and then. The sun glistened off of the billowing peaks, as though they were great marshmallow mountains. There was a peaceful serenity as we glided through their expanse. As I surveyed the enormity of the never-ending horizon, I kept thinking about “going home”. I was really missing it, and God gently reminded me that it was only my temporary address while on this earth.

In the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz”, Judy Garland [Dorothy] was thrust into the fantasy land of Oz when a twister picked up the house she was in and landed it in another place and time. She set out on a journey with her dog Toto to find the Emerald City. There she hoped to meet the Wizard of Oz, the one person who could guide her home. Her intentions were to ask him to help her return to Kansas. But of course, the wizard was only a mortal man, not the all-powerful one she had imaged. Once she had in her possession the magical “ruby slippers”, it was a matter of clicking her heals together and repeating over and over (with eyes shut), “There’s no place like home.”

As believers, our time on earth is “as a vapor” (James 4:14). Our true home is an eternal abode –   a permanent residence; incorruptible and without confinement.  Paul states in I Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

Dorothy was searching diligently for the Emerald City in the land of Oz. But we long for “a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. We journey towards the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, a city with streets of pure gold and walls of jasper. She sought after the wizard of Oz for direction, but we look towards our Creator – Almighty God, the Shepherd of our souls for our guidance. Our “ruby slippers” are the shoes of salvation, dipped in the precious blood of Christ Jesus. Our path home was secured by a loving God Who sacrificed His own son that we might gain access to His Glory forever through Him.

As we journey through this life, let us remember to “look up and lift our heads, for our redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). Christ’s second coming is closer that it once was. The angelic host will shout, “Welcome home!”  Then, Jesus Himself will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.”     There’s no place like home…

There’s No Place Like Home…

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ

When you read the three accounts of Christ’s transfiguration on the mount (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9) you come away with a sense of what a tremendous life-changing event it truly was for Peter, James and John. Days earlier Peter had proclaimed who Jesus was when the Lord posed the question to the disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” It was Peter who declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him by confirming that “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

So what happened that day when Jesus and his inner circle of disciples headed up Mt. Hermon? It was one of the highest peaks in the mountain range that bordered much of the promised land that Moses gazed upon in Joshua 13. We know that Mt. Hermon is mentioned in one of the Songs of Ascent (Psalm 133) that yearly pilgrims sang on their way to Jerusalem. This was a sacred mountain, one that was revered and held special significance to devout Jews. Luke tells us Jesus took them up the mountain to pray. These same three disciples would accompany Him to the Garden of Gethsemane soon afterwards. Our Lord was preparing them for the dark days ahead of which He revealed to them prior to this event. Peter even attempted to prevent what Jesus Himself prophesied regarding His suffering and pending death in Jerusalem. Now, approximately six days later, here they were with Jesus, watching something that would transform them for the rest of their lives.

The transfiguration was a demonstration of the glory of Christ’s human life. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. He was the Son of God & the Son of Man. He was the glorified humanity, not the glory of deity. Christ deliberately limited His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience in Himself.  It was all to show the magnificence of His humanity. The account of His transfiguration is stunning. Matthew 17:2 states, “and [He] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Mark 9:3 says, “His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Luke 9:29 tells us, “And as He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. God gave those disciples a glimpse of His Son’s glory! Jesus was in conversation with Moses and Elijah – one representing the Law, the other representing the Prophets. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” The dialog centered most likely on His pending death and resurrection.

Peter, James and John would never be the same again. James was the first of the disciples to be martyred for Christ by Herod. Peter was the evangelist to the Gentiles and became a pillar of the church. He learned, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to tame the tongue that so often got him into trouble while Jesus was here on earth. Peter was so overcome with a mixture of fear and exhilaration that he blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” His exuberance was no doubt based on the fact that if it is good now (on earth), just think how good it will be in heaven! The disciples recognized at this moment that the Son of God was more than the Jesus they knew as a teacher, a rabbi, reformer and leader – He was the express Glory of God in the flesh. The Messiah. John was the youngest of the disciples, and ultimately was the last living witness of His glory. John never forgot how precious the Lord Jesus was to him and even omitted his own name from his epistles and gospel, because of his great love for his savior. Both Peter and John testified to being eye-witnesses to His Glory in their writings.

As they stood on the mount in awe, the luminous cloud spread and overshadowed them, filling them with a sense of terror. God Almighty spoke saying, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him!” There was no time for comprehension as they fell on their faces in awestruck worship. Then we see Jesus as He lovingly and tenderly touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” The three lifted up their eyes and beheld only Jesus.

This pivotal event was the catalyst for these disciples to live with extraordinary abandon in the face of extreme persecution. They would serve Christ and build His church with their own blood, sweat and tears. The transfiguration gave them, and all saints to come, the assurance that Jesus was the God Man come to earth as a ransom for many.

How does the transfiguration transform us? It declares Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords as He appeared in all of His power and glory. It gives us faith in the power Jesus has over death and the grave. It empowers us as it did for three disciples to proclaim how great our Savior i, and change the world one life at a time.

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ