Jesus knows what he was placed on earth to do, he knew that he would be crucified by his own people, He told his disciples “The work of God is this: To believe in the one who he has sent”. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and I can’t wait see why. It takes me back to when the serpent convinced Eve to eat the fruit, the serpent said “He forbid this fruit not because you will die but because he does not want to you be like him” how can you try to convince someone to even try to compete with the creator of all things? Is this what Judas was trying to do? Take Jesus Christ down, how could you go against someone performing miracle after miracle in front of your eyes all the while knowing you do not have the same power. Not only that but Jesus was trying to TEACH Judas the way to eternal life…
Sarai’s treatment of Hagar is so heartbreaking to read about – but seeing El-roi step in and acknowledge her and bless her son is so heartwarming. Sometimes we just need to know that we have a God who sees us ❤️
Struck by the connections between God providing for the people in Abraham’s life (an heir for him and Sarah, a land for Abraham’s descendants, protection for Ishmael and Hagar) and Jesus providing for those around Him (feeding the 5,000, calling the storm for the disciples, “The Bread of Life” for all of us).
When Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave him too, and Simon Peter responds with “Lord, to whom shall we go?” really stood out to me today. I think we should strive to give that response when we feel like we should stray. To who else would I go?
I hadn’t realized Jesus eluded to Judas betraying him so early on. I wonder if it was sometimes challenging for Jesus to travel with the man he knew would betray him. But he loved him and allowed him to follow Him anyway. Yet another thing that set Jesus apart from mankind
i love this “Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 NLT
Jesus is everything that we need.
John 6:27 “Don’t work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life” -so many possible different ways to look at this! Be purposeful…. What are we doing in our day to day lives that will last for life? Or have impact on our futures, generations to come.
What stood out to me is that Sarai didn’t trust God and yet God was still faithful to her. God does not change no matter when we mess up or when we don’t trust He will not break a promise. I am so glad that salvation is not based on what I do that his love for me is not based on what I do I can’t earn it. I am so thankful for that!
Jesus is the bread and blood of eternal life. Praise God for his sacrifice that we may have eternal life, and walk in close proximity to God through the spirit He gives us. Thank you Jesus for the hope you have provided us.
53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. – John 6:53
I’m always so taken be the fact that God sees us, such a beautiful example in Hagar and Ishmael. That God cared enough to come and speak to her and bring her back home. To provide for them even though there was so much turmoil. Not alone. God makes a way and blesses Ishmael. So much Grace here for Abram, Sarai, and Hagar.
32Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
26Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
These verses stood out to me!!
It reminds me of the song lyrics by Natalie Grant, Help me want the Healer more than the healing Help me want the Savior more than the saving Help me want the Giver more than the giving Help me want you Jesus more than anything”
Verse 63 really stands out to me: “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing.” (NLT translation). By faith we are saved, not by works. We must believe.
In John 6:66-69 …. I can not love Peter’s response to Jesus’ question enough….
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter has always been my favorite disciple. He followed, he failed, he got back up and was willing to be crucified upside down for the Savior. It shows that we may have good intentions in our faith. Life can derail us. But if we have a relationship with Christ, we have the promise of eternal life.
Abraham just simply obeyed God
I pictured Hagar going back to Sara & reconciliation taking place & how she must have told her Master & Sarah, I have seen the Lord, how beautiful that we too can love those who may have hurt us or wronged us because we have seen the Lord & God expects us to walk in peace.
Praise God for his word today.
I think it’s beautiful when Jesus said he chose the 12 disciples even though he knew one would betray him. I feel that I am like that one that he chose yet I betray him day in and day out. I sent I fall into my Temptations I lie I judge and I hurt others, but yet God still shows me. This reminds me of the verse that says that God leaves the 99 to save the one. So if you are struggling to know your worth and if you are valuable or not just think the creator of the universe the one who created the beautiful ocean in the sky and the vast number of cells and hairs on your head, created shows and goes out of his way to save you
With the trouble in the country right now, today’s reading was just what I needed. Thank you, Lord, for being the bread of life. No matter what happens, we will be taken care of.
So many of Jesus’ Jewish followers would’ve turned away because “eating his flesh and drinking his blood,” when taken literally, went against Levitical law. Their ears and hearts were not opened by God to understand the true meaning of his words. I am so thankful for the rite of Holy Communion, and miss it so much in this season. May His grace and peace be with you ladies.
1. Eve convinced Adam to eat the fruit. Sarai convinced Abram to go into Hagar. Even through my screwups God already has a plan and a purpose.
2. Even seeing miracles didn’t make some believe, they just wanted more. Judas was there going along with the crowd, yet Jesus knowing that he would betray him still allowed Judas to be there. Am I like the crowd, just there to see what I can get or do I truly desire to have a relationship with Christ.
3. John 6:27 My earthly work doesn’t matter as much as my heavenly work. What am I doing to bring more people to Christ?
I love what you said there “playing church” I feel there are many times in my life I was doing that and just going through the motions and not intentionally growing my relationship with God
So many good things this morning! 1) Abraham was immediately obedient with circumcision for the men in his household. He didn’t argue. He just did it. 2) The ending of John 6. How often did I “play church?” How often did I just do things that made me sound and look like I had my act together? I think about those times now and wonder if I would have been considered a “Judas.” He went along with everything and got to have a front row seat to the miracles and teaching, but he didn’t allow it to penetrate his heart. And then, Jesus knew! That’s a “duh” statement, but Jesus knew Judas wasn’t being real. But Jesus allowed Judas to be there anyway. That’s what He did for me all those years I wasn’t being real and I was abusing my relationship with Him.
today’s reading for John really helped me open my eyes to how amazing Jesus really is. Not only was he helping so many with his signs and blessings, but once he was getting noticed for them, he left. He didn’t want attention, he was doing all of these things for God, and wanted nothing in return. That is how we should all be.
My favorite part was that Jesus went to the mountain to be alone after he became too popular. The people wanted to make him a king but he isn’t of worldly things- he isn’t a worldly king. In this moment I feel as though he is showing how humble he truly is. He doesn’t want the title of king, he just wants to spread gods word.
I struggle sometimes with my faith and continue to hold tight to Jesus the last part of this reading is strong to me. I will continue to follow Jesus all the days of my life even more so when I am tempted by unbelief.
27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Yes, thank you Lord for this powerful reminder. I am in awe of your living word.
Verse 65 He said “this is why I said to you that no one can come to me unless it is grand to him by the Father”.
How can we know that we are chosen? How can we ascertain that our faith in Jesus is not futile or pointless, and that we may not have eternal life because we were not chosen?
I have similar quarrels about the Lamb’s Book of Life which says that everyone that will go to heaven had been decided a long time ago.
Ephesians 1:13 says “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” – it is my understanding that when we have true faith we are sealed with the Holy Spirit for our future inheritance, eternal life with God. We know we are sealed when, in walking with Jesus in faith, we see the fruits of the spirit in our life as God sanctifies us. I pray that helps!
A few things. “ 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.”
Does this have any relation to how the devil was once an angel of God and left Him? Was that was Judas stayed? Can someone help me? Does this mean anything or am I crazy?
26Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
This just points to where we find our satisfaction…very humbling and convicting.
Day 7 completed. I’m learning more than I have being raised in the church. It’s nice to finally be doing it for me rather than to please my parents. I know sometimes it’s hard to understand and sometimes I question, but in my heart I want my relationship with God to grow.
Found it very interesting that after he spoke the “offensive” truth about feeding on his body and drinking if his blood only 12 remained! Jesus didn’t shy away from an offensive gospel. He didn’t sugar coat it if anything he worded it in ways that made people run and hide.. I wonder why? He knew they would turn away!
John 6:38
What a great example Jesus sets for us in this passage. He reminds us that we are always living for God and not for ourselves. We don’t create and live out our own will, but God’s will that He has put in place for each and every one of us. This also ties in perfectly to the story of Sarai and Hagar. When we have patience with God and understanding His will for us, we will have a multitude of blessings. But when we try and take His will for us into our own hands, we will never end up with the results we had hoped for.
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that ensures to eternal life” I really needed reminding of this today as I’m in the middle of exams but, in reality, they mean nothing because the results are only temporary – it is eternal life which we should be striving for
My favorite part is that Jesus went to the mountain to be alone. Often I find myself seeking solitude and feeling guilt over it. I love that the Lord found strength in solitude.
Unfortunately, modern circ is different from what they did in the OT. Modern circ removes the whole foreskin(and it’s protection and benefits) and is much more painful and traumatic. I don’t say this to guilt/shame you. I didn’t know any better before either.
Check out YourWholeBaby.org.
Circumcision was different in the OT compared to modern medical circumcision though. Modern removes the whole foreskin(and all of the protection and benefits it provides) and is much more painful.
Check out YourWholeBaby.org.
Why did God tell them to be circumcised in the OT, but then in the NT, it says that in new life there is neither Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised (Colossians 3:11)? New life in Jesus Christ, I assume?
Because I’m the NT, it is a circumcision of the heart. A cutting away of what is bad or sinful. It is becoming the new creation. The term has become figurative and no longer literal like it was in the OT. See these verses: https://www.openbible.info/topics/circumcision_of_the_heart
“Lift your eyes” He sent Jesus. It’s interesting to me how many times that truth was reworded so followers and the twelve would understand yet they still question it
I love verse 27 of John ch. 6, “ But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.” We need to stop spending our days so focused on earthly things and lift our eyes and minds to eternity and eternal life. Reminds me of Lauren Daigle’s song “Look Up Child”, we need to lift our hearts and keep ourselves centered by focusing on our eternity instead of our short stay on Earth.
I’m a little confused why Abraham wasn’t punished for having a son with Hagar. Maybe his form of punishment is that Ishmael is to have a combative life, but even then God tells Abraham that he will bless Ishmael.
“ I am the bread of life whoever should come to me shall not hunger” anther reflection is the lords prayer, he says to pray “ give us this day our daily bread” Jesus is the bread, we need Jesus daily, he came as the word in the flesh, dwelling in the word and praying for Jesus will be giving us the bread of life!!!
“God said, ‘No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac’” (Genesis 17:19). Abraham thought he could help God out. Like, “okay, you promised, but it’s not happening, so let’s see how I can help you”. Sounds so crazy … but I do the same thing! Instead of waiting on God’s plan and His time, I jump ahead and try to figure out how to make it work. Oh God, give me grace to wait on you every time!
From what I understand- and I am no bible scholar lol- is that circumcision was a visible sign of God’s covenant with His chosen people, Israel. It was what distinguished Israel from the rest of the world. It signified the covenant God had with Israel. People saw this, and knew that they were a people that was blessed and chosen by God.
In the N.T. Once Jesus died on the cross and rose again and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was given to people of all nations who believe in Him. It was no longer just Israel that was set apart, but all who believe in His name. This is the new covenant. The Holy Spirit is what distinguishes God’s people from the rest of the world, no longer circumcision.
So quickly we forget Genesis 1 and John 1, that this Jesus is the Creator of the universe and God over all things. The Pharisees and Abram and Sarai alike ask “how?” and the answer is that God is not a god of our mind’s creation. He is the Almighty and Supreme over all things. He is utterly worthy of our belief and trust.
John 6, 70-71
Jesus knew when he picked the twelve who was going to betray him. Why would he trouble himself with Judas.
My thought is because of his irrational love, love that we as human beings can just never fully understand. What do you think?
Sorry I‘m late..
I think it’s because he needed Judas to fullfill that role… if he didn’t pick Judas… who would take the role? Would the story of the crucifixion be the same as we know it?! God in his all knowing power knew someone had to betray Jesus.. and therefore Jesus choose Judas for that reason.
A God who sees, El Roi; a God who draws men to Jesus, the living Bread of life
“What shall we do so that we may work the works of God?”
Believe in Jesus
How many times have I been Sarah in my own life and impatiently taken God’s will into my own hands? This story is a prime example to me that we need to trust God’s promises, or we will have less than pleasing results when we do things on our own. I’m thankful that he redeems every situation, but this story reminds me of the gravity of our choices (Ishmael becomes the father of Palestine, Isaac the father of Israel, who still fight to this day).
Genesis 16:13 “Truly here I have seen the God who looks after me” (ESV) How beautiful is that?! The revelation Hagar receives of who God is. A God she would never have met until this moment! How often do we forget that we have the same God Hagar did! Oh Lord, help me to never forget that it is YOU who looks after me ❤️
I love that God finally blessed Sarah and Abraham with a child of their own but my heart always weeps for Hagar and the way she was treated when I read this passage.
I don’t feel like we give enough attention to the fact that Abram legitimately raped Hagar. We never talk about how she must have felt and the trauma she went through. We never talk about how awful it was of Sarai and Abram to put her through that.
While it was sad- and not the correct thing to do. The way things were done then were much different. Hagar was given to Abram as a wife. No where in the passage does it say there was rape involved. Don’t add your words. In those days, that’s what happened. They lived under different rules then we have today. We live under grace. They did not. It was much different.
I may be wrong- but I think the culture of this time often would use other women for children if the wife of a man was unable to have children. We see this happen a few times through out the Bible, Rachel and Rebecca being an example- although both were taken as wives. The Bible is obviously not condoning this behavior, rather the sin nature of man is being manifested. The angel that speaks to Haagar comforts her in her distress. And acknowledges that wrong has been done to her. “The Lord saw her distress” he in no way is ok with what Abraham and Sarah do in this passage.
I think the lesson we learn from this, is that our sin, like Sarah and Abraham’s, has consequences. It hurts others and ourselves. We also see that The Lord sees the injustice and wrong in this tarnished world, because of our sin, and still hears us. He sees us. And cares for us. He will not leave us. We also see that God is sovereign and full of grace and forgiveness. God had a plan for each person in this account, including Ishmael. This all happened for a reason-just like in our own lives. Through out the Bible God uses some of the biggest mess ups for his glory. I myself, am no exception.
I’m so glad you wrote this out. I was struggling with that passage ( I’m obviously super behind schedule on reading). Thank you for the insight! I had seen where someone else wrote about how we try to be like Sarah and “take charge” of situations when the reality is that God has a plan for us and there are consequences when we try to intervene in his master plan. Little did Sarah know (when she gave Hagar to Abraham) that she would bear a son in God’s time. I am so guilty of wanting to rush things that I think are God’s will rather than trusting in his perfect timing.
I may be wrong- but I think the culture of this time often would use other women for children if the wife of a man was unable to have children. Women of this time who were unable to have children were seen as useless. We see this happen a few times through out the Bible, Rachel and Rebecca being an example- although both were taken as wives. The Bible is obviously not condoning this behavior, rather the sin nature of man is being manifested. The angel that speaks to Hagar comforts her in her distress. And acknowledges that wrong has been done to her. The lord “took heed of her distress” A blessing is even given to her through Ishmael and the
I think the lesson we learn from this, is like Sarah, our sin has consequences. Both on ourselves and others. We also see that God is not blind our hurt, but rather He cares for us and hears us. Through it all, God is sovereign. He had a plan for Ishmael’s life, as well as Hagar.
Husbands listen to the wisdom of their wives (Adam are the apple Eve offered, Abram went to Hagar). I want to be a woman after God’s heart so I may speak His truth into my own husbands life and not lead him astray.
I love verse 37 when Jesus says whoever comes to him, he will NEVER cast out. We can feel safe and secure in our salvation. We have been sealed. And it’s not anything that we did, but it’s what He has done. So cool ❤️
Day 7! As a mom of a one year old, I love reading about the circumcision. I had a friend speak to her dr about it in detail and he said that on the 8th day (as God ordained) the blood adjusts in our body, so that the circumcision is less painful. Very cool how God created us to work!
Isn’t it neat that God renamed Abraham and Sarah (essentially calling them his own in the process) AFTER they didn’t believe is promise and went ahead with their own plan? Even in our doubt, He is faithful.
I love how Abraham waits an additional 13 YEARS before God renews his covenant and tells Abraham that, yes, he will have a son. Then in John, Jesus blesses the bread and tells his disciples to hand it out BEFORE they see that it is enough. I am reminded to step out in faith not knowing how or even when God will fulfill his plans.
Such good thoughts. I’ve been really enjoying the song “Faithful” by Sarah Reeves, lately. It’s such a good reminder that God is faithful to us, even when we can’t see our next steps, and even when we aren’t faithful to him.
One of my favorite stories to read in the Old Testament is from our reading today, about Abraham and Sarah. I absolutely love reading about God’s steady faithfulness and unfailing love, in the midst of our brokenness and matter of taking things into our own hands. HE remains faithful. AMEN! So encouraging!
I also love this story because it is so refreshing to see how God always looks at the heart. He knew Abram wanted to be faithful and loved God. It’s like he upped the ante for him and for Sari. He changed their names, changed their lives, and changed humanity through them because of their heart condition of faithfulness. I love it.
I love this story for the same reason as well! We have seen how faithful Abraham had been up until God came to him in this moment and seeing how obedient he was in each action he made, yet when God comes to him and tells him that they will give birth to Isaac, Abraham is struck with unbelief! God does not go back on His covenant because of Abraham’s moment of humanity, His grace is so much greater and reassures Abraham of his steadfastness in His promises. God sees our humanity and loves us still!!
John 6:29 & 37 both really struck me. Verse 29 because it reminds me that what I am called to do is believe in Jesus. I get caught up and stressed out about doing all the things when in fact the priority is believing.
Verse 37 because Jesus promised that he will never cast me out.
I actually love that this particular plan lines up stories from the OT and the NT to show the parallels. The story of Isaac and Ishmael is a story of one of them being chosen while the other is not; in the John passage, it talks about Jesus providing for EVERYONE to show that He doesn’t have a short supply that’s only for specific people, but instead, he is able to make a short supply provide for thousands of people. Way. Cool.
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself – Jesus turning away from earthly power to save every person is so meaningful. Surely as king he could have instilled in one people God’s word, but it was never about one group of people. He came to save all people!
Where should we go…he has words of eternal life. So true, but still we often go and look somewhere else.I pray today that he will be patient and always leads me back to his word and help me to understand more.
Jesus was such a remarkable man who didnt want earthly power because he knew that what was important was our relationship with God and reconciliation with him. Our earthly bodies and needs are all so insignificant and temporary in the light of eternity with our loving father!
Abraham pleas to God for Ishmael reminded me that our parents prayers are sometimes the thing that keep us in our present time and surround us in our future.
I precisely desired to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things that I might have tried in the absence of those basics documented by you
One thing that just gets me is the fact that Jesus all along knew that Judas would betray yet He still loved him & poured into him just like the rest of the disciples. Jesus knew all along what Judas would do & it didn’t stop Jesus from anything. What a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ love and grace.
I always shake my head at Sarai making he own plans rather than waiting on God (and Abram going along with it), but how often do I do the same thing… Trying to make things happen in my own will and strength rather than depending, waiting on, trusting the Lord. No wonder I am so tired’
Thoroughly enjoying reading the Bible (God’s Holy Word) with this app. I’m learning so much and I can’t stop reading :) All glory and honour to our Heavenly Father forever and thank you to the people that made this possible
I’m so happy that I found this app. This challenge is helping me to become closer with God and understand my faith more. I was born into Christianity but I have never read the Bible or chosen for myself that this is the life I want to live until now.
The Word became flesh! We eat and drink out of it and God fulfills us with it so that we don’t need anything else but Him! His word that gives us eternal life ❤️
Today many are discouraged including those in the Christian community we need to remind one another where our true hope is. We also need to introduce others to the one Jesus Christ whom we have our hope in.
A few things from this passage that encourage me in my walk today… one: Jesus chose his disciples. And he chose them knowing they would have unbelief along the way. He also knew the one who would betray him. He knew their weaknesses, but also knew he was the answer to all of their weaknesses. Vs. 66, when many turned back and no longer followed him…this verse stings. There are friends of mine that this verse makes me think of. It’s heart breaking–but it isn’t a new issue. There will be people who turn back and no longer walk with Jesus, and may my heart remain in this posture: Lord, to whom shall we go?You have he words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the holy One of God. (Vs 68)
love what Simon Peter answers to “Do you also want to go away?” at the end of chapter 6: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
What a good reminder when we feel discouraged and feel our prayers have gone unanswered and are tempted to seek help elsewhere. To whom shall we go? Christ, the Son of the Living God.
I was just reading vs. 44- and it made me stop and think. I have many people on my life that I’m often unsure of how to “witness to” or “bring yo Jesus”. I found this verse encouraging because in the end God calls who He will. Yea, I need to be showing His light, but I can’t force anyone to believe. Maybe it’s a burden a few others need of their hearts too
At the end of this reading, I thought it was a very interesting reminder that Jesus kept Judas around and a part of his Twelve even though he KNEW Judas was going to betray him. It was just a reminder in my every day life to love my enemies. Jesus treated Judas as equally as he treated his other disciplines. What an example of how much God loves us, despite our mistakes and messy lives.
I want this faith and I want to be able to hear God this clearly. I want to trust in him enough to blindly follow his lead. Abram may have not fully understood why he had to be circumcised but he heard god and obeyed, without hesitation. I wish I could hear Him better.
My commentary leaves me with so many thoughts about how when we take control and go against God’s will, we create problems for ourselves.
1. A lack of faith can cause problems. (Sarai)
2. Participating in wrong and doing nothing to help solve it adds to the problems. (Abram)
3. Running away from our problems doesn’t help. (Hagar)
And despite all the wrong choices in Genesis 16, God still accomplished His plan through Abraham. Ultimately, God works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Don’t look at things from a worldly perspective. Look for God’s will!
In John v. 26-27, the men are following him for signs and miracles, not because they believe him. They want him for what he can do, not for who he is, the savior of the world.
It really struck me today that Jesus knew who his betrayer was from the beginning, but he still loved Judas and accepted him into his inner circle. Sometimes I’m tempted to think that I’m better than Judas because I would have never betrayed Jesus like he did… And then I remember that it was my very own sin that took Jesus to the cross. But just as Jesus loved Judas despite knowing the inner workings of his heart, he loves me in the same way. He knows all of my sins, every single one, all the ways I have betrayed him, and he still desires me to be close to him. While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. I am accepted and redeemed. Thank the Lord! Forgiveness and grace are beautiful things, my friends! ❤️
John 6:40 ‘For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
What God really wants for us is eternal life!
John 6:64 Jesus KNEW from the beginning who those wee who did NOT believe and who would BETRAY HIM. . . but He still loved them all, He called them all, taught them all, mentored them all. He desires the best out of all of us EVEN WHEN He sees the very worse from the very beginning. . . and desires the best
Gen. 16:2 “and Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” Husbands listen to their wives, we need to make sure we are giving them something Godly to listen to filled with FAITH not schemes.
Gen 16:11 God even shoes mercy to the people that have been hurt by their “leaders”. Yes, you’ve been hurt but submit and GOD will supply the miracle and provision.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Where are we going to go now that we know the truth? We know that Jesus is our bread of life and nothing else will satisfy.
John 6: 27 ‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” What an amazing reminder that our behavior and efforts on earth should be for eternal happiness, not for material possessions during our short time here.
Also, I found it very interesting that we keep seeing all the benefits of these OT people listening to God, but Ishmael was born out of Abram listening to Sarai instead of God. What a great reminder that all other humans are just as fallible as we are, and we should remember to listen for the voice of God, not the voice of man
And also that God still blessed Sarah and Abraham despite their trying to take things into their own hands and not relying on God. Thankful for a God of second chances. He can still lift us up and restore us when we make mistakes.
67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Where else can I go? The Lord is the true Holy One, and there is know one else to turn to. Jesus has the words of eternal life, I would be a fool to leave Him. Lord, help me to see that you are the only answer, even when everyone else is turning around and leaving.
Love verses 53-59 in John chapter 6! Jesus tells us to come and eat and drink from him! Just like Heather W said, his body was broken for us and he is willing to give of himself. He is self replenishing and able to meet the needs of those the Father draws to him! Reminded me of a John Piper quote which reads “God is a a mountain spring not a watering trough” he is self replenishing and we only need to come to him with thirst, to serve him with our thirst and hunger! In doing that we show that we are aware of our incapabilities and show that we believe he is MORE ABLE!
Just this year I connected the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, with unlimited bread once he broke it and blessed it. It points to Him! His body becomes broken and thus provide life for ALL of us. We’ve always heard that He is the bread of life, and that his body was broken for us in communion, but this is the first time I’ve connected it with his miraculous feeding with 5 loaves and 2 fish!
I love Genesis 17:20 when God says to Abraham, “As for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him.” How great is it that we serve a God who hears us and listens to us!
In my moms bathroom she has a newspaper article hung. I’ve always loved it but I can appreciate it so much more now after reading this. Earthly possessions are no good in the life to come. Only a relation ship with the Father can truly save us and bless us after this life ends.
I love how Jesus says believing in not just seeing and only wanting to be with Him because he can provide miraculous things!!! Believe is feeding off Jesus, like her says, eating His flesh and blood, and believing that He is the manna, the Bread of Life, that through you excepting Jesus in your heart and believing that only through Him can you breathe new life!!!
I haven’t written any comments of my own but I just wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to the discussion. I have enjoyed learning and growing from the opinions of all you wonderful sisters in Christ.
You are the One Who sees me. Gen 16:13. Sees me in all this mess I have made. And yet invites. Invited by grace. And. John 7:63 He still speaks these Words to us. So full of Spirit and Life. May we live truly alive today.
John 6:15 “Therefore, when Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to be he mountain by Himself” I love this passage because it shows the humility of Jesus. He did not want to be recognized because it was the Father that allowed all the miracles to happen, not himself. It’s such a reminder to remain humble and be in Gods word. My background is politics (which is all about arrogance) so for me it’s so good to remember that before (or when) I feel myself being self-confident to go away and be in Gods presence.
Ishmael is considered by many to be the father of the Arab nation and an important part of Islam. Historically speaking, the Hebrews and the Arabs never got along well. Conflict is a constant between them.
I love that even when we are ugly God still loves us and fulfills the desires of our hearts. Sarai was pretty terrible to Hagar, but God still blessed her with a baby – it was just in His timing and not hers. I need that lesson on a regular basis.
I also just love Simon Peter and wish I could be his friend. He seems like someone that would just be the most loyal and genuine friend.
it was no doubt a very difficult thing for Hagar to obey God and go back to the person who was mistreating her. I put myself in her shoes and that sounds so very hard to submit yourself to someone who was so mean that you fles from them.
John 6:67 breaks my heart. How discouraging it is when we bring the gospel to others who turn us away. This shows us a taste of how sad it must have been for Jesus to see people not believe in Him.
Why did Sarai freak out when her servant became pregnant? Isn’t that what she wanted? Maybe she just felt a certain type of way once she realized she had her husband’s child within her, right?
Yeah I always just assumed that once Sarai actually saw her plans come to fruition, it broke her heart. Maybe she was just caught up in the excitement of the idea of having a child before, but when she actually saw the child and realized that it wasn’t hers, she felt emotional.
The magnitude of the covenant God made with Abraham takes my breath away. And Abraham wasn’t going to see the true fulfillment of that promise. Think what God will do with each of us, and our descendants.
What a great perspective, Gigi! It makes me wonder how many times we think God is not answering our prayers or taking care of us/our loved ones the way we want him to, when in reality, we just don’t see the fulfillment of the promise due to its great magnitude.
My favorite part of the John reading is in verse 68 when Peter says to Jesus “Lord, to whom shall we go?” I just love that he recognized that there is no one to follow or turn to but Jesus. It inspires me to live that way, that despite whatever or whoever is pulling at me in this life, there is only one way to turn and that’s to God!
I don’t know if my comment got deleted or what happened, but I had a very legitimate question about Gen 17:13 and why God chose circumcision as a representation of “My covenant in your flesh”. Why only males? Why that specific area? I’m genuinely asking (I’m scared maybe someone thought I was joking around, but I promise I’m serious!) :)
Emily-
Thank you SO much! That was great. Really interesting. I wonder what he’s basing that on though..he didn’t reference any sources or scripture or anything that “backs up” his point, so to speak. Something to look into! Thanks!
I have three boys, and to honestly say without sounding too ignorant, I had them circumcised after birth ‘because our bible says to’ when I actually didn’t know why the bible said it, who said it, the scripture or meaning. So reading this was very important to me as a mom. We need to really know the origin of why we perform certain practices, including the Lords Supper ( or communion) as was discussed in depth here saw well. So very enlightening for me.
I have a few questions… In Genesis 16:12-13 it talks about how Ishmaels hand will be against everyone and vice versa & that he will live in hostility and then in verses 17:20 it says how blessed & fruitful Ishmael will be…did I get people mixed up or am I missing something?? Also another question I have is why didn’t Hagar ever really get justice from how Sarai treated her?? It didn’t seem fair that she was mistreated and God tells her to submit and then blesses Sarai…if Ishmael wasn’t going to be apart of the original plan of being Abrams heir why was it necessary for her to have to go back just to have to leave later? (I hope this doesn’t sound disrespectful at all, just questions I had :))
I believe its because Isaac was the promised child and the other is consequences for Abraham & Sarah not waiting and trusting God’s plan and timing. God BLESSED Ishmael and made a COVENANT with Isaac. Back then Hagar was what we consider a slave so she had to submit to her master Sarah. Ishmael was fruitful-the Nation of Islam is from his seed. Hope I helped and not confused you :)
My daughter, named Sarah, is wanting a child. I knew her name before she was born.so I am believing, and declaring a son. This spoke loudly to me today. A son of promise, and purposes.
The story of Sarai and Hagar reminds me that even in a culture and a time when the Bible was written and many women were considered oppressed, God chooses to speak to women and show His faithfulness to them, not just men. So many people people argue that Christianity and the Bible is biased toward men, but this shows the opposite. Our Father is the “One who sees us,” ALL of us. And even in spite of our manipulation and attempt to control, He chooses us and uses us. I look forward to reading more of His faithfulness in the Old Testament!
Yes! Patience in His timing with things in my life is something I continue to work on. Love how certain verses are standing out in relation to this as I read along with you all. So grateful.
How patient is our Lord?! Nearly half of John 6 is Jesus repeating Himself as people fail to understand Him over and over. As a teacher, I know just how easily it is to become frustrated when someone doesn’t understand something and you have to repeat yourself over a few times. Yet, Jesus doesn’t just give up and say, “AHH, forget it, figure it out on your own,” like so many of us may have been tempted to. No – He stays, and simply (or not so simply – metaphorically) states His point over for them so they can come to a deeper understanding and belief. So patient and so loving. I’m sure I’m just as bad sometimes – but it’s encouraging to see His patience and gentle prodding to know that He’s not just going to throw His hands up one day and say, “I’m done with you” even if I fail to understand what He’s saying a lot of times.
Also, another thing that jumped out at me… Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him when He was walking about “recruiting” His disciples. He knew this. Yet He still befriended him and invited Him along. Could He not have just avoided meeting him and not dealt with the pain and suffering? I was overwhelmed with the love of Christ tonight when I really thought about His sacrifice and what He willingly did for us on that cross.
Rebecca! I think your observation about Jesus knowing about Judas’ betrayal and befriending him anyway is very astute. Thank you for a new perspective! My thoughts are that it is meant to teach us…about the nature of Jesus, love, obedience. Well done!
6:27 “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
So often we work SO hard at our jobs (which we should be good stewards in all that we do to bring Glory to God) but we often get into a routine of doing what has to be done to “put food on the table”. We work incredibly hard at our jobs because we get paid. Think about if we worked that hard at our relationship with Christ? I’ll be the first one to admit my life gets crazy and often my devotions are one of the first things to get pushed aside…just look at me now! It’s 11 pm and I’m just now doing today’s. I know that if I thought of my relationship with Christ as the ULTIMATE paycheck (eternal life) every day, things might be different. Just a little food for thought.
John 6:35 jumped out at me. Jesus declares that his flesh is bread. If we consume him and his word we will never be hungry again. Same with his blood. We will never be hungry or thirsty for worldly possession because Jesus is enough. He FILLS US UP – so full that we shall never hunger or thirst and have eternal life through him. I want to constantly be FULL with his almighty Grace and everlasting Love!
This really stood out to me today too! Especially because just today I heard someone talking about how the physical food we eat becomes a part of us after we have eaten it and compared it to when we “eat” the word/Jesus it and he become part of who we are!!
This struck me as well. Thanks for sharing your insights, Laura and Erin. Being a very visual person I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around the metaphor. :)
Was just thinking about how Jesus is always repeating himself. To the woman at the well, to his disciples, to Abraham. How wonderfully patient! I love that this applies to me, Especially when I’m constantly distracted by technology, the world around me, all kinds of things. His message to me always stays the same and his love never gives up. What an incredible gift!
In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 that Philip is a cynical believer, his answer is of human calculation & doubt and that doesn’t ease his hunger is so similar to me me right now as I search for ways to pay for college. Sometimes I’m so focused on feeding the 5,000 that I forget God only asks for 5 loaves and 2 fish and that He will take care of the 5,000. I’ve also noticed that God has repeated His promise to Abraham over and over but even Abraham laughed & doubted God. In the end, his return to faithfulness is what made Him righteous. My prayer is that I may dispel doubt & turn to God once more.
Verse 66 – ……..many of his disciples turned away and deserted Him. This tells me that ad believers and evangelists who spread the Gospel we can expect ridicule and can overcome it.
The amount of times Jesus tells everyone that He is the bread of life, yet He never gets frustrated with them…FIVE times that I counted He tells everyone that He has come, He is the one. He never gives up on the people until they give up on Him. This reminds me that He will NEVER give up or give out on me!
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” How I love to rely on my works to deem me worthy before God. What a powerful reminder that Jesus has completed the work for me! A call to me to rest in Him. A call for my heart to truly believe in Jesus as my saviour, my solution, my substitute! In entering into this rest, I find the freedom to work :)
A really cool connection I made while reading John . The story of the feeding of the 5,000 is fascinating in matthew. In Mt 14:15 “when evening came, the disciples approached Him and said “this place is a WILDERNESS and it’s late send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Im just noticing now that they used the word “wilderness” paralleling exodus 16 with the manna that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. I guess I just never noticed the wording choice of “wilderness” before! Also, I love that in the story told in Matthew God broke the loaves and gave him to the disciples to distribute! The miracle was God’s alone, but the disciples were the vessels playing a role in the multiplication as well! I know I’m getting ahead of myself but I can’t help but draw connections! The different but yet very similar perspectives in the gospels are always really neat!
You guys–I’m totally seeing myself in the crowd of John 6.
My thoughts: After Jesus fed them, they demanded He be their King. He already was, but they acknowledged it all wrong. Rather than see the miracle as God’s sovereignty in action, perhaps they saw Jesus as a man that could simply give them what they wanted?
I know that when I see good things happen, I rarely sit and ponder it within proper context. I ask God to move in my life, give me a miracle, show up! I don’t always sit and be awed, say “thank you” or give praise.
I pray I take the time to dwell in His presence more.
Abraham tried to get ahead of God. He had a promise that he would have a son … so he tried to make it work out in a way that made sense to him. So easy for me to do! I want to “figure it out” or “make it work”. I feel like I have to be working … instead of waiting. Need to learn to “be still and know that [He is] God”! Need to learn to wait quietly and “see the salvation [rescue, deliverance] of God.
I love the “I AM” statements in John. After providing food for the large crowd He tells the disciples that He is the bread of life… “I AM”, present tense, the bread of life. Not “I was” or “I will be” but “I AM” presently all that you need.
Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” … I thought how sad it must have been to be in such a position. Yet, despite it all she was told to go back. Interesting how life is not always a peachy road. How many times do we want to run away (or plainly run away)…for legitimate reasons, yet God wants us to stay, go back, and endure… Abraham’s approach of dropping on the floor and laughing at what God said…is a testament that we can be honest with God, we can question His motive, but in the end, obedience is key. Ouch! It hurts to admit and state this, because it is honestly so hard to do at times…
I was saddened by that statement as well, and Jesus asking the 12 if they will do the same was just as heartbreaking… Interesting observation on the numbers!
AND! To add to my previous comment in chapter 15 after God told him NO your heir won’t come from a slave, but from you it said Abram BELIEVED God and God credited it to him as righteousness.. But then Abram tried to make it happen in his own strength! A little over 10 years had passed since Abram truly BELIEVED gods promise and nothing was happening. After such a long time don’t we begin to get a bit weary and try to make things happen on our own?! I guess what I loved about this is even though Abram HAD faith, he still had fleshly doubts! But I think Abram BECAME such a great man of faith because of that time! I don’t believe we just become that way over night. Very very encouraging!
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
The Jews complained at eating manna every day. Jesus says he is the bread of life to feed on daily. Only he can satisfy. Let’s taste and see that the Lord is good!
God spoke to my heart through these passages that through HIM the impossible is possible. Often I doubt the big dreams Hod has whispered to my heart and like Sara and the disciples doubt his power and abundant provision. If our God can allow a women of 90+ to bear a son and He can feed 5,000+ with the small offerings of a child–he can and surly will fulfill the desires he has given us.
I haven’t event finished the whole reading yet but just LOVED that this was included in scripture:
3 Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.”
4 Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” (From a previous chapter)
1 Abram’s wife Sarai had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
(Todays reading)
Abram previously said it would have to a slave who would be his heir, God said NO he will come from you.. Then we see Abram trying to make it happen out of his own strength. How often have we all done something like this?! I know I have. If the Bible was full of perfect people, none of us would even be able to relate!
I thought the same thing! I definitely always revert back to my own doing or strength when I fear the lord won’t come through for me. This just shows this human nature is a common thread we must all rise above.
The simplicity of the message of the gospel blows me away. The people asked, what must we DO? But Jesus tells us just to believe and draw near.
I’ve realised that Jesus does not ask of me ANY of the many things that I ask of myself. All he asks is that I believe and come near. That. Is. It. Why oh why do I make things so much more complicated??? He doesn’t ask for righteousness, a perfect record, pure thoughts, a loving heart, a healthy weight, or a successful accomplished life… All these are good things, but they are not requirements of coming to Him! They are the fruits, the evidence of his love poured into my life.
The call is simple. Come near and encounter the Christ! Forget the rest. For they pale in comparison to what we receive from Him as we draw near. My vision is so short sighted. Jesus offers more than I could ever dream to hope. It’s not the kind of wisdom, success, or accomplishments that the world values; the blessings that He offers are eternal, un-changing and so satisfying in Christ!
Jesus reiterates that no one can come to him unless the Father enables him again and again in this chapter.
Wow, the fact that we out of our own will couldn’t choose this life/ this walk with Jesus but that God has purposefully selected us and called us because of his great will and mercy. What love!
Me neither! I spent a while figuring out what on earth that meant! The ESV study bible describes it in the footnotes as a “miraculous instance of what is taught in psalm 107:23-32 (esp vv 29-30).”
I love that we got to read about Abraham and Phillip’s doubt back to back today. God is consistently there for us though! God has enabled us to believe this wacky wonderful story (verses 44 and 65 in John 6) and He can always overcome our doubt.
I loved in John that we see God work a miracle through the little boy who offered something whereas the disciples offered nothing and only thought of the calculated cost. The fact that there were leftovers is incredible and a big reminder for us to trust God with all of our resources. Just watch what He’ll do!
I was hit in the heart by this line in Genesis this morning “You are the God who sees me” (Gen 16:13) Soooooo beautiful! He sees me even when I am hiding, when I am running away from him! He sees me in my shame and sin and brokenness…and not only sees me, but comes looking for me in order to bring me back to Him! We have a God who sees us, who pursues us, who refuses to allow us to run from His mercy, and who loves us too much to leave us where we are! I pray today will be a day where we stop running and allow ourselves to be found by Jesus, the Lover of our souls!
Yes! The literal translation is El Roi. The God who sees me. I love using this name in my prayer time. Especially when I feel under valued or overlooked, I remember that one if Gods names is El Roi and He sees me and knows me. Amen!
Thank you for sharing this Yasmin! I might just pray that prayer tonight. I am so comforted to know the Jesus sees me and knows my heart so completely. He knows all of our hearts! Yay!
So true! Even when I (think I) want to run from God, to give it all up, He will not let me. He pursues me. And when I come to the end of myself, He is waiting for me to return
I am struck by the grace that was offered Abraham and Sarah. Despite straying from Gods path and committing sins with huge consequences God leads them right back into the middle of His will and blesses them. Their mistake don’t disqualify them from either immediate blessing in this life or from being a key part of Gods plan to save humanity.
I totally agree. That always struck me when reading Romans 4 as well. Abraham was justified by his faith, but he had his periods of questioning and he messed up. I have faith but sometimes I question things. And I think God shows us that that’s okay. He knows our hearts and stays with us.
Isn’t it awesome that God can accomplish his purpose and plan through sinners like Abraham and Sarah and you and me despite our sin! We think, we need to take matters into our hands sometimes but God uses all things for good and His glory! I often think of the old song “Trust and obey” (as I sing it to my kids) and how I need to do that each day and every moment. 1)Trust God at His Word and that his plan is best. 2) live obediently to the call he has placed on my life and not try to make it happen!
love that song!!! Many times that song has popped in my heart stirring me to trust him in my life and simply walk in obedience!! For there is joy in that!!
Yes , my main mode of ugliness is rolling up my sleeves and jumping in to get things started. This can be seen as a cultural ideal or a sad attempt at fearful control. Anyway, I long for the peace of waiting for Jesus’ plan. Such peace but also hard work in a fulfilling way that makes us mean hard on him and not on ourselves and our own understanding and efforts!
Kristen, I love your take on Trust and Obey. Because of my upbringing, I have tended to grow bitter toward that song. But your perspective is so refreshing and freeing!
I love this verse, too. It stood out to me! I love your point of how simplistic it is. Just simple, and it really takes the weight that I often put on myself of having to do it all or fix it all when God is saying, be still and know… “Believe in the one he has sent.”
Jesus knows what he was placed on earth to do, he knew that he would be crucified by his own people, He told his disciples “The work of God is this: To believe in the one who he has sent”. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and I can’t wait see why. It takes me back to when the serpent convinced Eve to eat the fruit, the serpent said “He forbid this fruit not because you will die but because he does not want to you be like him” how can you try to convince someone to even try to compete with the creator of all things? Is this what Judas was trying to do? Take Jesus Christ down, how could you go against someone performing miracle after miracle in front of your eyes all the while knowing you do not have the same power. Not only that but Jesus was trying to TEACH Judas the way to eternal life…
I figured out the font so that makes me happy
One week in! Loving the start of this routine feeling so blessed by studying already. Great things to learn through scripture this year.
Sarai’s treatment of Hagar is so heartbreaking to read about – but seeing El-roi step in and acknowledge her and bless her son is so heartwarming. Sometimes we just need to know that we have a God who sees us ❤️
Struck by the connections between God providing for the people in Abraham’s life (an heir for him and Sarah, a land for Abraham’s descendants, protection for Ishmael and Hagar) and Jesus providing for those around Him (feeding the 5,000, calling the storm for the disciples, “The Bread of Life” for all of us).
When Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave him too, and Simon Peter responds with “Lord, to whom shall we go?” really stood out to me today. I think we should strive to give that response when we feel like we should stray. To who else would I go?
65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” – John 6:65
I don’t think I fully understand this verse. It sounds strange. Could anyone help explain?
65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” – John 6:65
I hadn’t realized Jesus eluded to Judas betraying him so early on. I wonder if it was sometimes challenging for Jesus to travel with the man he knew would betray him. But he loved him and allowed him to follow Him anyway. Yet another thing that set Jesus apart from mankind
37 Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out. – John 6:37
‘You are the God who SEES me, for she said, I have now seen the One who sees me.’ – Genesis 16:13
The story of the fish and the loaves is so powerful!
How amazing that He is the bread of life! We need not hunger for anything but Him!
Jesus satisfies completely. No more hunger or thirst.
i love this “Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 NLT
Jesus is everything that we need.
John 6:27 “Don’t work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life” -so many possible different ways to look at this! Be purposeful…. What are we doing in our day to day lives that will last for life? Or have impact on our futures, generations to come.
He us the God who sees. Hagar witnessed this in the desert, and Ishmael was not
forgotten by God.
What stood out to me is that Sarai didn’t trust God and yet God was still faithful to her. God does not change no matter when we mess up or when we don’t trust He will not break a promise. I am so glad that salvation is not based on what I do that his love for me is not based on what I do I can’t earn it. I am so thankful for that!
Jesus is the bread and blood of eternal life. Praise God for his sacrifice that we may have eternal life, and walk in close proximity to God through the spirit He gives us. Thank you Jesus for the hope you have provided us.
53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. – John 6:53
❤️
God keeps His promises
I’m always so taken be the fact that God sees us, such a beautiful example in Hagar and Ishmael. That God cared enough to come and speak to her and bring her back home. To provide for them even though there was so much turmoil. Not alone. God makes a way and blesses Ishmael. So much Grace here for Abram, Sarai, and Hagar.
32Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
26Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
These verses stood out to me!!
It reminds me of the song lyrics by Natalie Grant, Help me want the Healer more than the healing Help me want the Savior more than the saving Help me want the Giver more than the giving Help me want you Jesus more than anything”
Nope! You can just push the back arrow at the top without posting and it is still marked as “read”
Verse 63 really stands out to me: “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing.” (NLT translation). By faith we are saved, not by works. We must believe.
♡
He knew Judas would deceive HIM!
Do we have to post each day to make it official?
Day 7 of growing ☀️
Why did the disciples leave for Caperneum without Jesus?
I think this reading of John 6 really fits in with the faith in practice study! So awesome how it aligns ❤️
Day 7 but 1 for me!
He is the bread of life
I love how he continues to state that we are not fed by bread alone burn through him. We truly need his grace.
Day 7! ❤️
A relationship with Him is all we really need, everything else will be sorted out.
So grateful for God’s endless grace and mercy and the reminder that He is always with us, making a way when there appears to be no way.
Thank you Lord for your truth. Those who are called by God and believe are given eternal life
In John 6:66-69 …. I can not love Peter’s response to Jesus’ question enough….
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter has always been my favorite disciple. He followed, he failed, he got back up and was willing to be crucified upside down for the Savior. It shows that we may have good intentions in our faith. Life can derail us. But if we have a relationship with Christ, we have the promise of eternal life.
I am so blessed by today’s reading
Abraham just simply obeyed God
I pictured Hagar going back to Sara & reconciliation taking place & how she must have told her Master & Sarah, I have seen the Lord, how beautiful that we too can love those who may have hurt us or wronged us because we have seen the Lord & God expects us to walk in peace.
Praise God for his word today.
I think it’s beautiful when Jesus said he chose the 12 disciples even though he knew one would betray him. I feel that I am like that one that he chose yet I betray him day in and day out. I sent I fall into my Temptations I lie I judge and I hurt others, but yet God still shows me. This reminds me of the verse that says that God leaves the 99 to save the one. So if you are struggling to know your worth and if you are valuable or not just think the creator of the universe the one who created the beautiful ocean in the sky and the vast number of cells and hairs on your head, created shows and goes out of his way to save you
With the trouble in the country right now, today’s reading was just what I needed. Thank you, Lord, for being the bread of life. No matter what happens, we will be taken care of.
So many of Jesus’ Jewish followers would’ve turned away because “eating his flesh and drinking his blood,” when taken literally, went against Levitical law. Their ears and hearts were not opened by God to understand the true meaning of his words. I am so thankful for the rite of Holy Communion, and miss it so much in this season. May His grace and peace be with you ladies.
1. Eve convinced Adam to eat the fruit. Sarai convinced Abram to go into Hagar. Even through my screwups God already has a plan and a purpose.
2. Even seeing miracles didn’t make some believe, they just wanted more. Judas was there going along with the crowd, yet Jesus knowing that he would betray him still allowed Judas to be there. Am I like the crowd, just there to see what I can get or do I truly desire to have a relationship with Christ.
3. John 6:27 My earthly work doesn’t matter as much as my heavenly work. What am I doing to bring more people to Christ?
I love what you said there “playing church” I feel there are many times in my life I was doing that and just going through the motions and not intentionally growing my relationship with God
He is the God who sees me
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It literally amazes me how God knows everything before it happens!
I never thought of the ending of John 6 in this way. What you said really hit home fire me. Thanks for sharing.
So many good things this morning! 1) Abraham was immediately obedient with circumcision for the men in his household. He didn’t argue. He just did it. 2) The ending of John 6. How often did I “play church?” How often did I just do things that made me sound and look like I had my act together? I think about those times now and wonder if I would have been considered a “Judas.” He went along with everything and got to have a front row seat to the miracles and teaching, but he didn’t allow it to penetrate his heart. And then, Jesus knew! That’s a “duh” statement, but Jesus knew Judas wasn’t being real. But Jesus allowed Judas to be there anyway. That’s what He did for me all those years I wasn’t being real and I was abusing my relationship with Him.
Jesus ❤️
Jesus is the bread of life. I need to focus on Him. Everything else is just distractions.
today’s reading for John really helped me open my eyes to how amazing Jesus really is. Not only was he helping so many with his signs and blessings, but once he was getting noticed for them, he left. He didn’t want attention, he was doing all of these things for God, and wanted nothing in return. That is how we should all be.
My favorite part was that Jesus went to the mountain to be alone after he became too popular. The people wanted to make him a king but he isn’t of worldly things- he isn’t a worldly king. In this moment I feel as though he is showing how humble he truly is. He doesn’t want the title of king, he just wants to spread gods word.
day 7!
done:)
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I struggle sometimes with my faith and continue to hold tight to Jesus the last part of this reading is strong to me. I will continue to follow Jesus all the days of my life even more so when I am tempted by unbelief.
27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Yes, thank you Lord for this powerful reminder. I am in awe of your living word.
Verse 65 He said “this is why I said to you that no one can come to me unless it is grand to him by the Father”.
How can we know that we are chosen? How can we ascertain that our faith in Jesus is not futile or pointless, and that we may not have eternal life because we were not chosen?
I have similar quarrels about the Lamb’s Book of Life which says that everyone that will go to heaven had been decided a long time ago.
I really want to know as well
Ephesians 1:13 says “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” – it is my understanding that when we have true faith we are sealed with the Holy Spirit for our future inheritance, eternal life with God. We know we are sealed when, in walking with Jesus in faith, we see the fruits of the spirit in our life as God sanctifies us. I pray that helps!
A few things. “ 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.”
Does this have any relation to how the devil was once an angel of God and left Him? Was that was Judas stayed? Can someone help me? Does this mean anything or am I crazy?
26Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
This just points to where we find our satisfaction…very humbling and convicting.
Day 7 completed. I’m learning more than I have being raised in the church. It’s nice to finally be doing it for me rather than to please my parents. I know sometimes it’s hard to understand and sometimes I question, but in my heart I want my relationship with God to grow.
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Found it very interesting that after he spoke the “offensive” truth about feeding on his body and drinking if his blood only 12 remained! Jesus didn’t shy away from an offensive gospel. He didn’t sugar coat it if anything he worded it in ways that made people run and hide.. I wonder why? He knew they would turn away!
Love the way you stated this!
John 6:38
What a great example Jesus sets for us in this passage. He reminds us that we are always living for God and not for ourselves. We don’t create and live out our own will, but God’s will that He has put in place for each and every one of us. This also ties in perfectly to the story of Sarai and Hagar. When we have patience with God and understanding His will for us, we will have a multitude of blessings. But when we try and take His will for us into our own hands, we will never end up with the results we had hoped for.
Sarai and Hagar’s story reminds me how important it is to wait on and trust in Gods timing, not our own!
Sarai and Hagar’s story reminds me that
I love how the angel of the Lord asks Hagar “where are you going?” Even though she is a slave her faith has become personal.
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that ensures to eternal life” I really needed reminding of this today as I’m in the middle of exams but, in reality, they mean nothing because the results are only temporary – it is eternal life which we should be striving for
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My favorite part is that Jesus went to the mountain to be alone. Often I find myself seeking solitude and feeling guilt over it. I love that the Lord found strength in solitude.
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I love how Jesus says this: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
I didn’t actually pick up on this verse so thank you so much for sharing!
Jesus did not run after the disbelievers. He let them to come to him
I hadn’t noticed before that after Jesus stepped into the boat they were immediately at their destination….❤️
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I think it’s interesting how Jesus starts most of his sentences with “truly truly” ~
I pray to have the patience that Jesus does with the men who question him… oh how I love our Savior ♥️
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I love when Peter said, “ Lord to whom shall we go , You have the words to eternal life.”
Day 7 ❤️
I don’t understand either
We cannot find life in ourselves, it is only found through the Spirit!
Unfortunately, modern circ is different from what they did in the OT. Modern circ removes the whole foreskin(and it’s protection and benefits) and is much more painful and traumatic. I don’t say this to guilt/shame you. I didn’t know any better before either.
Check out YourWholeBaby.org.
Circumcision was different in the OT compared to modern medical circumcision though. Modern removes the whole foreskin(and all of the protection and benefits it provides) and is much more painful.
Check out YourWholeBaby.org.
Why did God tell them to be circumcised in the OT, but then in the NT, it says that in new life there is neither Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised (Colossians 3:11)? New life in Jesus Christ, I assume?
Because I’m the NT, it is a circumcision of the heart. A cutting away of what is bad or sinful. It is becoming the new creation. The term has become figurative and no longer literal like it was in the OT. See these verses: https://www.openbible.info/topics/circumcision_of_the_heart
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Coming to the Lord to be truly satisfied
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“Lift your eyes” He sent Jesus. It’s interesting to me how many times that truth was reworded so followers and the twelve would understand yet they still question it
I love verse 27 of John ch. 6, “ But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.” We need to stop spending our days so focused on earthly things and lift our eyes and minds to eternity and eternal life. Reminds me of Lauren Daigle’s song “Look Up Child”, we need to lift our hearts and keep ourselves centered by focusing on our eternity instead of our short stay on Earth.
I also love this verse! So humbling to be reminded of this truth
I’m a little confused why Abraham wasn’t punished for having a son with Hagar. Maybe his form of punishment is that Ishmael is to have a combative life, but even then God tells Abraham that he will bless Ishmael.
“ I am the bread of life whoever should come to me shall not hunger” anther reflection is the lords prayer, he says to pray “ give us this day our daily bread” Jesus is the bread, we need Jesus daily, he came as the word in the flesh, dwelling in the word and praying for Jesus will be giving us the bread of life!!!
“God said, ‘No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac’” (Genesis 17:19). Abraham thought he could help God out. Like, “okay, you promised, but it’s not happening, so let’s see how I can help you”. Sounds so crazy … but I do the same thing! Instead of waiting on God’s plan and His time, I jump ahead and try to figure out how to make it work. Oh God, give me grace to wait on you every time!
I can absolutely relate to this, as well.
Day 7 ✅
what is the significance behind circumcision? & y was Jesus so adamant abt all men being circumcised?
From what I understand- and I am no bible scholar lol- is that circumcision was a visible sign of God’s covenant with His chosen people, Israel. It was what distinguished Israel from the rest of the world. It signified the covenant God had with Israel. People saw this, and knew that they were a people that was blessed and chosen by God.
In the N.T. Once Jesus died on the cross and rose again and ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was given to people of all nations who believe in Him. It was no longer just Israel that was set apart, but all who believe in His name. This is the new covenant. The Holy Spirit is what distinguishes God’s people from the rest of the world, no longer circumcision.
Hope this answers your question. Haha
This is a great answer, thank you!
God will always look after us !!-ellie
So quickly we forget Genesis 1 and John 1, that this Jesus is the Creator of the universe and God over all things. The Pharisees and Abram and Sarai alike ask “how?” and the answer is that God is not a god of our mind’s creation. He is the Almighty and Supreme over all things. He is utterly worthy of our belief and trust.
John 6, 70-71
Jesus knew when he picked the twelve who was going to betray him. Why would he trouble himself with Judas.
My thought is because of his irrational love, love that we as human beings can just never fully understand. What do you think?
Sorry I‘m late..
I think it’s because he had to have Judas so Judas could betray him before the Crucifixion
I think it’s because he needed Judas to fullfill that role… if he didn’t pick Judas… who would take the role? Would the story of the crucifixion be the same as we know it?! God in his all knowing power knew someone had to betray Jesus.. and therefore Jesus choose Judas for that reason.
A God who sees, El Roi; a God who draws men to Jesus, the living Bread of life
“What shall we do so that we may work the works of God?”
Believe in Jesus
How many times have I been Sarah in my own life and impatiently taken God’s will into my own hands? This story is a prime example to me that we need to trust God’s promises, or we will have less than pleasing results when we do things on our own. I’m thankful that he redeems every situation, but this story reminds me of the gravity of our choices (Ishmael becomes the father of Palestine, Isaac the father of Israel, who still fight to this day).
Sometimes we don’t see God until after the miracle.
Genesis 16:13 “Truly here I have seen the God who looks after me” (ESV) How beautiful is that?! The revelation Hagar receives of who God is. A God she would never have met until this moment! How often do we forget that we have the same God Hagar did! Oh Lord, help me to never forget that it is YOU who looks after me ❤️
I love that God finally blessed Sarah and Abraham with a child of their own but my heart always weeps for Hagar and the way she was treated when I read this passage.
Right?!? Poor Hagar.
I knooow
I don’t feel like we give enough attention to the fact that Abram legitimately raped Hagar. We never talk about how she must have felt and the trauma she went through. We never talk about how awful it was of Sarai and Abram to put her through that.
I agree with you Hannah. I find it a difficult part of this story, and don’t quite know what to ‘do’ with it. It confuses me.
How do you know it was rape? The passage doesn’t mention anything about Hagars thoughts. I thought abram married her as a second wife
While it was sad- and not the correct thing to do. The way things were done then were much different. Hagar was given to Abram as a wife. No where in the passage does it say there was rape involved. Don’t add your words. In those days, that’s what happened. They lived under different rules then we have today. We live under grace. They did not. It was much different.
Living under different rules or in a different time does not change what rape is.
Hannah, I completely agree. And thank you for the link. I just read it and it is a powerful message for our times…and all times.
I may be wrong- but I think the culture of this time often would use other women for children if the wife of a man was unable to have children. We see this happen a few times through out the Bible, Rachel and Rebecca being an example- although both were taken as wives. The Bible is obviously not condoning this behavior, rather the sin nature of man is being manifested. The angel that speaks to Haagar comforts her in her distress. And acknowledges that wrong has been done to her. “The Lord saw her distress” he in no way is ok with what Abraham and Sarah do in this passage.
I think the lesson we learn from this, is that our sin, like Sarah and Abraham’s, has consequences. It hurts others and ourselves. We also see that The Lord sees the injustice and wrong in this tarnished world, because of our sin, and still hears us. He sees us. And cares for us. He will not leave us. We also see that God is sovereign and full of grace and forgiveness. God had a plan for each person in this account, including Ishmael. This all happened for a reason-just like in our own lives. Through out the Bible God uses some of the biggest mess ups for his glory. I myself, am no exception.
I’m so glad you wrote this out. I was struggling with that passage ( I’m obviously super behind schedule on reading). Thank you for the insight! I had seen where someone else wrote about how we try to be like Sarah and “take charge” of situations when the reality is that God has a plan for us and there are consequences when we try to intervene in his master plan. Little did Sarah know (when she gave Hagar to Abraham) that she would bear a son in God’s time. I am so guilty of wanting to rush things that I think are God’s will rather than trusting in his perfect timing.
I may be wrong- but I think the culture of this time often would use other women for children if the wife of a man was unable to have children. Women of this time who were unable to have children were seen as useless. We see this happen a few times through out the Bible, Rachel and Rebecca being an example- although both were taken as wives. The Bible is obviously not condoning this behavior, rather the sin nature of man is being manifested. The angel that speaks to Hagar comforts her in her distress. And acknowledges that wrong has been done to her. The lord “took heed of her distress” A blessing is even given to her through Ishmael and the
I think the lesson we learn from this, is like Sarah, our sin has consequences. Both on ourselves and others. We also see that God is not blind our hurt, but rather He cares for us and hears us. Through it all, God is sovereign. He had a plan for Ishmael’s life, as well as Hagar.
Also- the one post disappeared and I had not edited it yet- but the longer one is my final answer lol
Day 7 ✅
Husbands listen to the wisdom of their wives (Adam are the apple Eve offered, Abram went to Hagar). I want to be a woman after God’s heart so I may speak His truth into my own husbands life and not lead him astray.
Well said
I love verse 37 when Jesus says whoever comes to him, he will NEVER cast out. We can feel safe and secure in our salvation. We have been sealed. And it’s not anything that we did, but it’s what He has done. So cool ❤️
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Day 7! As a mom of a one year old, I love reading about the circumcision. I had a friend speak to her dr about it in detail and he said that on the 8th day (as God ordained) the blood adjusts in our body, so that the circumcision is less painful. Very cool how God created us to work!
Day 7! ✔
Day 7 in the books!
Day 7 ❤️
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We should always have faith, because God never gives up on us no matter our mistakes or doubts in faith.
I love these teachings❤️
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Isn’t it neat that God renamed Abraham and Sarah (essentially calling them his own in the process) AFTER they didn’t believe is promise and went ahead with their own plan? Even in our doubt, He is faithful.
So true! When we are faithless he is faithful
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I love how Abraham waits an additional 13 YEARS before God renews his covenant and tells Abraham that, yes, he will have a son. Then in John, Jesus blesses the bread and tells his disciples to hand it out BEFORE they see that it is enough. I am reminded to step out in faith not knowing how or even when God will fulfill his plans.
Such good thoughts. I’ve been really enjoying the song “Faithful” by Sarah Reeves, lately. It’s such a good reminder that God is faithful to us, even when we can’t see our next steps, and even when we aren’t faithful to him.
Thank you for sharing that video. It’s beautiful and honest!
How do we react to “hard teachings” from God? Do we turn away and not trust there is a good lesson of some sort? Or do we keep following Jesus?
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One of my favorite stories to read in the Old Testament is from our reading today, about Abraham and Sarah. I absolutely love reading about God’s steady faithfulness and unfailing love, in the midst of our brokenness and matter of taking things into our own hands. HE remains faithful. AMEN! So encouraging!
I also love this story because it is so refreshing to see how God always looks at the heart. He knew Abram wanted to be faithful and loved God. It’s like he upped the ante for him and for Sari. He changed their names, changed their lives, and changed humanity through them because of their heart condition of faithfulness. I love it.
I love this story for the same reason as well! We have seen how faithful Abraham had been up until God came to him in this moment and seeing how obedient he was in each action he made, yet when God comes to him and tells him that they will give birth to Isaac, Abraham is struck with unbelief! God does not go back on His covenant because of Abraham’s moment of humanity, His grace is so much greater and reassures Abraham of his steadfastness in His promises. God sees our humanity and loves us still!!
John 6:29 & 37 both really struck me. Verse 29 because it reminds me that what I am called to do is believe in Jesus. I get caught up and stressed out about doing all the things when in fact the priority is believing.
Verse 37 because Jesus promised that he will never cast me out.
I actually love that this particular plan lines up stories from the OT and the NT to show the parallels. The story of Isaac and Ishmael is a story of one of them being chosen while the other is not; in the John passage, it talks about Jesus providing for EVERYONE to show that He doesn’t have a short supply that’s only for specific people, but instead, he is able to make a short supply provide for thousands of people. Way. Cool.
I love this! Thank you for helping me see that parallel!
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself – Jesus turning away from earthly power to save every person is so meaningful. Surely as king he could have instilled in one people God’s word, but it was never about one group of people. He came to save all people!
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May we continue to remember that Jesus is the bread of life.
Where should we go…he has words of eternal life. So true, but still we often go and look somewhere else.I pray today that he will be patient and always leads me back to his word and help me to understand more.
Jesus was such a remarkable man who didnt want earthly power because he knew that what was important was our relationship with God and reconciliation with him. Our earthly bodies and needs are all so insignificant and temporary in the light of eternity with our loving father!
Abraham pleas to God for Ishmael reminded me that our parents prayers are sometimes the thing that keep us in our present time and surround us in our future.
I precisely desired to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things that I might have tried in the absence of those basics documented by you
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
One thing that just gets me is the fact that Jesus all along knew that Judas would betray yet He still loved him & poured into him just like the rest of the disciples. Jesus knew all along what Judas would do & it didn’t stop Jesus from anything. What a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ love and grace.
I’m trying to read this in the message version of the Bible but every time I click it it just stays in ESV any tips?
You have to change it in the app settings!
I always shake my head at Sarai making he own plans rather than waiting on God (and Abram going along with it), but how often do I do the same thing… Trying to make things happen in my own will and strength rather than depending, waiting on, trusting the Lord. No wonder I am so tired’
love this reading!!! i was wondering.. does anyone know if this reading is the whole bible?
Thoroughly enjoying reading the Bible (God’s Holy Word) with this app. I’m learning so much and I can’t stop reading :) All glory and honour to our Heavenly Father forever and thank you to the people that made this possible
I’m so happy that I found this app. This challenge is helping me to become closer with God and understand my faith more. I was born into Christianity but I have never read the Bible or chosen for myself that this is the life I want to live until now.
Jennifer, this app is great isn’t it?! I love reading along every day and seeing everyone’s comments ☺
The Word became flesh! We eat and drink out of it and God fulfills us with it so that we don’t need anything else but Him! His word that gives us eternal life ❤️
Today many are discouraged including those in the Christian community we need to remind one another where our true hope is. We also need to introduce others to the one Jesus Christ whom we have our hope in.
A few things from this passage that encourage me in my walk today… one: Jesus chose his disciples. And he chose them knowing they would have unbelief along the way. He also knew the one who would betray him. He knew their weaknesses, but also knew he was the answer to all of their weaknesses. Vs. 66, when many turned back and no longer followed him…this verse stings. There are friends of mine that this verse makes me think of. It’s heart breaking–but it isn’t a new issue. There will be people who turn back and no longer walk with Jesus, and may my heart remain in this posture: Lord, to whom shall we go?You have he words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the holy One of God. (Vs 68)
love what Simon Peter answers to “Do you also want to go away?” at the end of chapter 6: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
What a good reminder when we feel discouraged and feel our prayers have gone unanswered and are tempted to seek help elsewhere. To whom shall we go? Christ, the Son of the Living God.
I was just reading vs. 44- and it made me stop and think. I have many people on my life that I’m often unsure of how to “witness to” or “bring yo Jesus”. I found this verse encouraging because in the end God calls who He will. Yea, I need to be showing His light, but I can’t force anyone to believe. Maybe it’s a burden a few others need of their hearts too
He avoided the spotlight, something for me to learn, help me Lord not desire to draw attention to myself, but to you and what points people to you.
At the end of this reading, I thought it was a very interesting reminder that Jesus kept Judas around and a part of his Twelve even though he KNEW Judas was going to betray him. It was just a reminder in my every day life to love my enemies. Jesus treated Judas as equally as he treated his other disciplines. What an example of how much God loves us, despite our mistakes and messy lives.
Great thought!
Amen. So true.
I want this faith and I want to be able to hear God this clearly. I want to trust in him enough to blindly follow his lead. Abram may have not fully understood why he had to be circumcised but he heard god and obeyed, without hesitation. I wish I could hear Him better.
My commentary leaves me with so many thoughts about how when we take control and go against God’s will, we create problems for ourselves.
1. A lack of faith can cause problems. (Sarai)
2. Participating in wrong and doing nothing to help solve it adds to the problems. (Abram)
3. Running away from our problems doesn’t help. (Hagar)
And despite all the wrong choices in Genesis 16, God still accomplished His plan through Abraham. Ultimately, God works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Don’t look at things from a worldly perspective. Look for God’s will!
Love this.
In John v. 26-27, the men are following him for signs and miracles, not because they believe him. They want him for what he can do, not for who he is, the savior of the world.
It really struck me today that Jesus knew who his betrayer was from the beginning, but he still loved Judas and accepted him into his inner circle. Sometimes I’m tempted to think that I’m better than Judas because I would have never betrayed Jesus like he did… And then I remember that it was my very own sin that took Jesus to the cross. But just as Jesus loved Judas despite knowing the inner workings of his heart, he loves me in the same way. He knows all of my sins, every single one, all the ways I have betrayed him, and he still desires me to be close to him. While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. I am accepted and redeemed. Thank the Lord! Forgiveness and grace are beautiful things, my friends! ❤️
Well said
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So beautiful
John 6:40 ‘For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
What God really wants for us is eternal life!
Craving more and more of Gods word and faithfulness the more I read! Jesus is the bread for which my soul craves! ❤️
John 6:64 Jesus KNEW from the beginning who those wee who did NOT believe and who would BETRAY HIM. . . but He still loved them all, He called them all, taught them all, mentored them all. He desires the best out of all of us EVEN WHEN He sees the very worse from the very beginning. . . and desires the best
Gen. 16:2 “and Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” Husbands listen to their wives, we need to make sure we are giving them something Godly to listen to filled with FAITH not schemes.
Gen 16:11 God even shoes mercy to the people that have been hurt by their “leaders”. Yes, you’ve been hurt but submit and GOD will supply the miracle and provision.
Wonderful meat we’ve been eating!!
Powerful reading! We serve a mighty God ❤️
What Bible Commentary do you guys like?
ESV study
The Father gives Jesus his followers! Wow! Gospel!
But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” John 6:20
Do not be afraid, because God is always by our side ❤️
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Where are we going to go now that we know the truth? We know that Jesus is our bread of life and nothing else will satisfy.
John 6: 27 ‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” What an amazing reminder that our behavior and efforts on earth should be for eternal happiness, not for material possessions during our short time here.
I am still chewing b this. What a powerful reminder!!!
Also, I found it very interesting that we keep seeing all the benefits of these OT people listening to God, but Ishmael was born out of Abram listening to Sarai instead of God. What a great reminder that all other humans are just as fallible as we are, and we should remember to listen for the voice of God, not the voice of man
And also that God still blessed Sarah and Abraham despite their trying to take things into their own hands and not relying on God. Thankful for a God of second chances. He can still lift us up and restore us when we make mistakes.
67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
Where else can I go? The Lord is the true Holy One, and there is know one else to turn to. Jesus has the words of eternal life, I would be a fool to leave Him. Lord, help me to see that you are the only answer, even when everyone else is turning around and leaving.
Amen Bella
Love verses 53-59 in John chapter 6! Jesus tells us to come and eat and drink from him! Just like Heather W said, his body was broken for us and he is willing to give of himself. He is self replenishing and able to meet the needs of those the Father draws to him! Reminded me of a John Piper quote which reads “God is a a mountain spring not a watering trough” he is self replenishing and we only need to come to him with thirst, to serve him with our thirst and hunger! In doing that we show that we are aware of our incapabilities and show that we believe he is MORE ABLE!
I have never made that connection! Very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Great reading today! Really enjoyed it
Just this year I connected the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, with unlimited bread once he broke it and blessed it. It points to Him! His body becomes broken and thus provide life for ALL of us. We’ve always heard that He is the bread of life, and that his body was broken for us in communion, but this is the first time I’ve connected it with his miraculous feeding with 5 loaves and 2 fish!
Thank you for sharing that insight! I had never made that connection!
That’s a great connection!
Has the been any progress in updating Read Through The Bible for 2016?
I love how every day, these passages get a little easier for me to understand and read!
Me too!
I love Genesis 17:20 when God says to Abraham, “As for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him.” How great is it that we serve a God who hears us and listens to us!
That was very powerful. Only He can allow us to live forever. I love that!❤️
In my moms bathroom she has a newspaper article hung. I’ve always loved it but I can appreciate it so much more now after reading this. Earthly possessions are no good in the life to come. Only a relation ship with the Father can truly save us and bless us after this life ends.
I love how Jesus says believing in not just seeing and only wanting to be with Him because he can provide miraculous things!!! Believe is feeding off Jesus, like her says, eating His flesh and blood, and believing that He is the manna, the Bread of Life, that through you excepting Jesus in your heart and believing that only through Him can you breathe new life!!!
I haven’t written any comments of my own but I just wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to the discussion. I have enjoyed learning and growing from the opinions of all you wonderful sisters in Christ.
God bless you and may you enjoy this long journey with the Lord, Andra.
You are the One Who sees me. Gen 16:13. Sees me in all this mess I have made. And yet invites. Invited by grace. And. John 7:63 He still speaks these Words to us. So full of Spirit and Life. May we live truly alive today.
John 6:15 “Therefore, when Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to be he mountain by Himself” I love this passage because it shows the humility of Jesus. He did not want to be recognized because it was the Father that allowed all the miracles to happen, not himself. It’s such a reminder to remain humble and be in Gods word. My background is politics (which is all about arrogance) so for me it’s so good to remember that before (or when) I feel myself being self-confident to go away and be in Gods presence.
I’m struggling to understand Genesis 16:12, and why God told her that her son was going to live in hostility? Can anyone help me out?
Ishmael is considered by many to be the father of the Arab nation and an important part of Islam. Historically speaking, the Hebrews and the Arabs never got along well. Conflict is a constant between them.
Yes, Ishmael is the father of Islam.
Actually, Ishmael is not the father of Muslims. http://www.journeytojesus.com/AreTheArabsDescendantsOfIshmael.pdf
http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/ishmael.htm
I love that even when we are ugly God still loves us and fulfills the desires of our hearts. Sarai was pretty terrible to Hagar, but God still blessed her with a baby – it was just in His timing and not hers. I need that lesson on a regular basis.
I also just love Simon Peter and wish I could be his friend. He seems like someone that would just be the most loyal and genuine friend.
it was no doubt a very difficult thing for Hagar to obey God and go back to the person who was mistreating her. I put myself in her shoes and that sounds so very hard to submit yourself to someone who was so mean that you fles from them.
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”
I came to tears reading this- thinking about the MANY incredible blessings The Lord has given me when I probably deserve none of them.
That’s where trust and obey is so important. His ways are higher than our ways!
John 6:67 breaks my heart. How discouraging it is when we bring the gospel to others who turn us away. This shows us a taste of how sad it must have been for Jesus to see people not believe in Him.
Why did Sarai freak out when her servant became pregnant? Isn’t that what she wanted? Maybe she just felt a certain type of way once she realized she had her husband’s child within her, right?
I was wondering the same thing.
Yeah I always just assumed that once Sarai actually saw her plans come to fruition, it broke her heart. Maybe she was just caught up in the excitement of the idea of having a child before, but when she actually saw the child and realized that it wasn’t hers, she felt emotional.
The magnitude of the covenant God made with Abraham takes my breath away. And Abraham wasn’t going to see the true fulfillment of that promise. Think what God will do with each of us, and our descendants.
What a great perspective, Gigi! It makes me wonder how many times we think God is not answering our prayers or taking care of us/our loved ones the way we want him to, when in reality, we just don’t see the fulfillment of the promise due to its great magnitude.
46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.
Even the guards saw something in him that was different. I can’t even imagine what Jesus was like as a person. So blessed by this.
My favorite part of the John reading is in verse 68 when Peter says to Jesus “Lord, to whom shall we go?” I just love that he recognized that there is no one to follow or turn to but Jesus. It inspires me to live that way, that despite whatever or whoever is pulling at me in this life, there is only one way to turn and that’s to God!
Thank you Emily. That is so true!
I don’t know if my comment got deleted or what happened, but I had a very legitimate question about Gen 17:13 and why God chose circumcision as a representation of “My covenant in your flesh”. Why only males? Why that specific area? I’m genuinely asking (I’m scared maybe someone thought I was joking around, but I promise I’m serious!) :)
Laura- I tried looking it up for you because I honestly didn’t know either, and this was the best response I could find, and makes the most sense in my opinion. I hope this helps!! http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/dr-ray-pritchard/pastor-rays-circumcision-talk-11626072.html
Emily-
Thank you SO much! That was great. Really interesting. I wonder what he’s basing that on though..he didn’t reference any sources or scripture or anything that “backs up” his point, so to speak. Something to look into! Thanks!
I have three boys, and to honestly say without sounding too ignorant, I had them circumcised after birth ‘because our bible says to’ when I actually didn’t know why the bible said it, who said it, the scripture or meaning. So reading this was very important to me as a mom. We need to really know the origin of why we perform certain practices, including the Lords Supper ( or communion) as was discussed in depth here saw well. So very enlightening for me.
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Love.
I loved that as well.
I have a few questions… In Genesis 16:12-13 it talks about how Ishmaels hand will be against everyone and vice versa & that he will live in hostility and then in verses 17:20 it says how blessed & fruitful Ishmael will be…did I get people mixed up or am I missing something?? Also another question I have is why didn’t Hagar ever really get justice from how Sarai treated her?? It didn’t seem fair that she was mistreated and God tells her to submit and then blesses Sarai…if Ishmael wasn’t going to be apart of the original plan of being Abrams heir why was it necessary for her to have to go back just to have to leave later? (I hope this doesn’t sound disrespectful at all, just questions I had :))
I believe its because Isaac was the promised child and the other is consequences for Abraham & Sarah not waiting and trusting God’s plan and timing. God BLESSED Ishmael and made a COVENANT with Isaac. Back then Hagar was what we consider a slave so she had to submit to her master Sarah. Ishmael was fruitful-the Nation of Islam is from his seed. Hope I helped and not confused you :)
I had all the same questions, and that was helpful! Thanks a bunch!
I love the emphasis that it places in our hearts when Jesus repeats “Truly, truly…” then explains and explains again what God is offering to us.
My daughter, named Sarah, is wanting a child. I knew her name before she was born.so I am believing, and declaring a son. This spoke loudly to me today. A son of promise, and purposes.
The story of Sarai and Hagar reminds me that even in a culture and a time when the Bible was written and many women were considered oppressed, God chooses to speak to women and show His faithfulness to them, not just men. So many people people argue that Christianity and the Bible is biased toward men, but this shows the opposite. Our Father is the “One who sees us,” ALL of us. And even in spite of our manipulation and attempt to control, He chooses us and uses us. I look forward to reading more of His faithfulness in the Old Testament!
So true!
Jesus is so patient with us as we learn. Wow. so I shall learn to be patient as God works in His own timing. patience, patience, patience.
He is so patient with us! So thankful for this truth. We love having you here, Meghan!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Yes! Patience in His timing with things in my life is something I continue to work on. Love how certain verses are standing out in relation to this as I read along with you all. So grateful.
How patient is our Lord?! Nearly half of John 6 is Jesus repeating Himself as people fail to understand Him over and over. As a teacher, I know just how easily it is to become frustrated when someone doesn’t understand something and you have to repeat yourself over a few times. Yet, Jesus doesn’t just give up and say, “AHH, forget it, figure it out on your own,” like so many of us may have been tempted to. No – He stays, and simply (or not so simply – metaphorically) states His point over for them so they can come to a deeper understanding and belief. So patient and so loving. I’m sure I’m just as bad sometimes – but it’s encouraging to see His patience and gentle prodding to know that He’s not just going to throw His hands up one day and say, “I’m done with you” even if I fail to understand what He’s saying a lot of times.
Also, another thing that jumped out at me… Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him when He was walking about “recruiting” His disciples. He knew this. Yet He still befriended him and invited Him along. Could He not have just avoided meeting him and not dealt with the pain and suffering? I was overwhelmed with the love of Christ tonight when I really thought about His sacrifice and what He willingly did for us on that cross.
Rebecca! I think your observation about Jesus knowing about Judas’ betrayal and befriending him anyway is very astute. Thank you for a new perspective! My thoughts are that it is meant to teach us…about the nature of Jesus, love, obedience. Well done!
6:27 “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
So often we work SO hard at our jobs (which we should be good stewards in all that we do to bring Glory to God) but we often get into a routine of doing what has to be done to “put food on the table”. We work incredibly hard at our jobs because we get paid. Think about if we worked that hard at our relationship with Christ? I’ll be the first one to admit my life gets crazy and often my devotions are one of the first things to get pushed aside…just look at me now! It’s 11 pm and I’m just now doing today’s. I know that if I thought of my relationship with Christ as the ULTIMATE paycheck (eternal life) every day, things might be different. Just a little food for thought.
So true! Thank you! I needed to hear this.
John 6:35 jumped out at me. Jesus declares that his flesh is bread. If we consume him and his word we will never be hungry again. Same with his blood. We will never be hungry or thirsty for worldly possession because Jesus is enough. He FILLS US UP – so full that we shall never hunger or thirst and have eternal life through him. I want to constantly be FULL with his almighty Grace and everlasting Love!
This really stood out to me today too! Especially because just today I heard someone talking about how the physical food we eat becomes a part of us after we have eaten it and compared it to when we “eat” the word/Jesus it and he become part of who we are!!
This struck me as well. Thanks for sharing your insights, Laura and Erin. Being a very visual person I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around the metaphor. :)
Was just thinking about how Jesus is always repeating himself. To the woman at the well, to his disciples, to Abraham. How wonderfully patient! I love that this applies to me, Especially when I’m constantly distracted by technology, the world around me, all kinds of things. His message to me always stays the same and his love never gives up. What an incredible gift!
Oh my word I just love Hagar’s story- “I have seen the One who sees me.” What a beautifully intimate picture of Gods grace!
In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 that Philip is a cynical believer, his answer is of human calculation & doubt and that doesn’t ease his hunger is so similar to me me right now as I search for ways to pay for college. Sometimes I’m so focused on feeding the 5,000 that I forget God only asks for 5 loaves and 2 fish and that He will take care of the 5,000. I’ve also noticed that God has repeated His promise to Abraham over and over but even Abraham laughed & doubted God. In the end, his return to faithfulness is what made Him righteous. My prayer is that I may dispel doubt & turn to God once more.
This is good
This is such a great way of interpreting this scripture. I’m in a similar situation and this has given me a sense of peace about it.
Beautiful! It points to the peace God can give us. God multiplies our smallest contributions as long as they are in keeping with his will
Verse 66 – ……..many of his disciples turned away and deserted Him. This tells me that ad believers and evangelists who spread the Gospel we can expect ridicule and can overcome it.
The amount of times Jesus tells everyone that He is the bread of life, yet He never gets frustrated with them…FIVE times that I counted He tells everyone that He has come, He is the one. He never gives up on the people until they give up on Him. This reminds me that He will NEVER give up or give out on me!
Rather I should say, He never gives up on them PERIOD. Only they gave up on Him. He is ALWAYS faithful and always wants us to be drawn to Him!
I read it over and over but didn’t count. So cool that he told them five times, as the number five symbolizes God’s grace :)
Such a good point. I know I can learn a lot from this scripture about patience!
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” How I love to rely on my works to deem me worthy before God. What a powerful reminder that Jesus has completed the work for me! A call to me to rest in Him. A call for my heart to truly believe in Jesus as my saviour, my solution, my substitute! In entering into this rest, I find the freedom to work :)
A really cool connection I made while reading John . The story of the feeding of the 5,000 is fascinating in matthew. In Mt 14:15 “when evening came, the disciples approached Him and said “this place is a WILDERNESS and it’s late send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Im just noticing now that they used the word “wilderness” paralleling exodus 16 with the manna that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. I guess I just never noticed the wording choice of “wilderness” before! Also, I love that in the story told in Matthew God broke the loaves and gave him to the disciples to distribute! The miracle was God’s alone, but the disciples were the vessels playing a role in the multiplication as well! I know I’m getting ahead of myself but I can’t help but draw connections! The different but yet very similar perspectives in the gospels are always really neat!
Love this observation, Jaida! Thanks so much for sharing it with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
You guys–I’m totally seeing myself in the crowd of John 6.
My thoughts: After Jesus fed them, they demanded He be their King. He already was, but they acknowledged it all wrong. Rather than see the miracle as God’s sovereignty in action, perhaps they saw Jesus as a man that could simply give them what they wanted?
I know that when I see good things happen, I rarely sit and ponder it within proper context. I ask God to move in my life, give me a miracle, show up! I don’t always sit and be awed, say “thank you” or give praise.
I pray I take the time to dwell in His presence more.
Yes!
Amen! Sing praises to our Father in all circumstances!
Abraham tried to get ahead of God. He had a promise that he would have a son … so he tried to make it work out in a way that made sense to him. So easy for me to do! I want to “figure it out” or “make it work”. I feel like I have to be working … instead of waiting. Need to learn to “be still and know that [He is] God”! Need to learn to wait quietly and “see the salvation [rescue, deliverance] of God.
Antimony, preach sister!
Amen! It amazes me that even though Abram rushed ahead God was still faithful to His promises to Abraham.
So good.
God chose me and He won’t lose me. He sees me always. Thank you Lord for everything.
Great observation! When Moses asks God who should he tell the people who sent him, God’s reply, “I AM has sent me to you”…
That’s a really good point Moni. Thanks for sharing that.
Sorry, I meant that to go on your first post.
Oh my this is amazing!
I love the “I AM” statements in John. After providing food for the large crowd He tells the disciples that He is the bread of life… “I AM”, present tense, the bread of life. Not “I was” or “I will be” but “I AM” presently all that you need.
agreed!! 2 words that are SO powerful!!
I’ve been praying for more understanding of the word and i feel like i got the bigger picture of these messages. Im excited to read more of his word!
A very pondering aspect is that God established a “covenant” with Isaac, but with Ishmael, God said he would be “blessed”….
That’s s really good point Moni. Thanks for sharing that.
Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” … I thought how sad it must have been to be in such a position. Yet, despite it all she was told to go back. Interesting how life is not always a peachy road. How many times do we want to run away (or plainly run away)…for legitimate reasons, yet God wants us to stay, go back, and endure… Abraham’s approach of dropping on the floor and laughing at what God said…is a testament that we can be honest with God, we can question His motive, but in the end, obedience is key. Ouch! It hurts to admit and state this, because it is honestly so hard to do at times…
John 6:66 … Ouch ” many walked away. ” My heart broke at that verse and then I wrote it here and the numbers make me think again.
I was saddened by that statement as well, and Jesus asking the 12 if they will do the same was just as heartbreaking… Interesting observation on the numbers!
AND! To add to my previous comment in chapter 15 after God told him NO your heir won’t come from a slave, but from you it said Abram BELIEVED God and God credited it to him as righteousness.. But then Abram tried to make it happen in his own strength! A little over 10 years had passed since Abram truly BELIEVED gods promise and nothing was happening. After such a long time don’t we begin to get a bit weary and try to make things happen on our own?! I guess what I loved about this is even though Abram HAD faith, he still had fleshly doubts! But I think Abram BECAME such a great man of faith because of that time! I don’t believe we just become that way over night. Very very encouraging!
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
The Jews complained at eating manna every day. Jesus says he is the bread of life to feed on daily. Only he can satisfy. Let’s taste and see that the Lord is good!
God spoke to my heart through these passages that through HIM the impossible is possible. Often I doubt the big dreams Hod has whispered to my heart and like Sara and the disciples doubt his power and abundant provision. If our God can allow a women of 90+ to bear a son and He can feed 5,000+ with the small offerings of a child–he can and surly will fulfill the desires he has given us.
John 16:15 Jesus avoided the glory people wanted to put on him – to make him king. We chase after glory and fame and Jesus literally hid from it.
Love it!
I haven’t event finished the whole reading yet but just LOVED that this was included in scripture:
3 Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.”
4 Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” (From a previous chapter)
1 Abram’s wife Sarai had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
(Todays reading)
Abram previously said it would have to a slave who would be his heir, God said NO he will come from you.. Then we see Abram trying to make it happen out of his own strength. How often have we all done something like this?! I know I have. If the Bible was full of perfect people, none of us would even be able to relate!
Thank you for sharing this! I didn’t even catch that the first time I read the previous reading.
I thought the same thing! I definitely always revert back to my own doing or strength when I fear the lord won’t come through for me. This just shows this human nature is a common thread we must all rise above.
The simplicity of the message of the gospel blows me away. The people asked, what must we DO? But Jesus tells us just to believe and draw near.
I’ve realised that Jesus does not ask of me ANY of the many things that I ask of myself. All he asks is that I believe and come near. That. Is. It. Why oh why do I make things so much more complicated??? He doesn’t ask for righteousness, a perfect record, pure thoughts, a loving heart, a healthy weight, or a successful accomplished life… All these are good things, but they are not requirements of coming to Him! They are the fruits, the evidence of his love poured into my life.
The call is simple. Come near and encounter the Christ! Forget the rest. For they pale in comparison to what we receive from Him as we draw near. My vision is so short sighted. Jesus offers more than I could ever dream to hope. It’s not the kind of wisdom, success, or accomplishments that the world values; the blessings that He offers are eternal, un-changing and so satisfying in Christ!
Thanks for sharing Jess. So true!!
Thank you for sharing this. I needed to read that
Such a different culture there that Abram could sleep with his maid yet God is the same!
Jesus reiterates that no one can come to him unless the Father enables him again and again in this chapter.
Wow, the fact that we out of our own will couldn’t choose this life/ this walk with Jesus but that God has purposefully selected us and called us because of his great will and mercy. What love!
This stuck out to me as well… Just a reminder of his sovereignty and that we cannot know the mind of the Lord..
LOVE this truth, Taylor! Thanks for sharing these encouraging words!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I never realized that once Jesus got in the boat it “immediately” reached shore!
Me either
Me neither! I spent a while figuring out what on earth that meant! The ESV study bible describes it in the footnotes as a “miraculous instance of what is taught in psalm 107:23-32 (esp vv 29-30).”
I love that we got to read about Abraham and Phillip’s doubt back to back today. God is consistently there for us though! God has enabled us to believe this wacky wonderful story (verses 44 and 65 in John 6) and He can always overcome our doubt.
Doubt is what stood out the most to me too, Sarah! So thankful our doubt was overcome on the cross! Thanks for joining us, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I love it @Lindsey!
That was the one verse that stuck out to me the most in Genesis today. “You are a God who sees!” So simple, but does a lot for my heart.
I loved in John that we see God work a miracle through the little boy who offered something whereas the disciples offered nothing and only thought of the calculated cost. The fact that there were leftovers is incredible and a big reminder for us to trust God with all of our resources. Just watch what He’ll do!
Love this point, Lindsey!
Great point!!
Great point… Trust God with what he has blessed us with and we will find it to be abundant!!!
I was hit in the heart by this line in Genesis this morning “You are the God who sees me” (Gen 16:13) Soooooo beautiful! He sees me even when I am hiding, when I am running away from him! He sees me in my shame and sin and brokenness…and not only sees me, but comes looking for me in order to bring me back to Him! We have a God who sees us, who pursues us, who refuses to allow us to run from His mercy, and who loves us too much to leave us where we are! I pray today will be a day where we stop running and allow ourselves to be found by Jesus, the Lover of our souls!
This verse struck mu heart too! Thank you for sharing. It awesome that he sees me as I am and still loves me!
Yes! The literal translation is El Roi. The God who sees me. I love using this name in my prayer time. Especially when I feel under valued or overlooked, I remember that one if Gods names is El Roi and He sees me and knows me. Amen!
Beautiful! Thanks for that reminder!
Thank you for sharing this Yasmin! I might just pray that prayer tonight. I am so comforted to know the Jesus sees me and knows my heart so completely. He knows all of our hearts! Yay!
A beautiful thought. Thank you for this encouragement!
So true and so good! Thank you for sharing!!
Yes! I had the same reaction to the, Rebecca! The God who SEES us. What a thing to consider.
*to that – oops! It’s early ;)
I felt the same way too!
So true! Even when I (think I) want to run from God, to give it all up, He will not let me. He pursues me. And when I come to the end of myself, He is waiting for me to return
I am struck by the grace that was offered Abraham and Sarah. Despite straying from Gods path and committing sins with huge consequences God leads them right back into the middle of His will and blesses them. Their mistake don’t disqualify them from either immediate blessing in this life or from being a key part of Gods plan to save humanity.
I love that point and I don’t think I ever looked at it that way! :)
I totally agree. That always struck me when reading Romans 4 as well. Abraham was justified by his faith, but he had his periods of questioning and he messed up. I have faith but sometimes I question things. And I think God shows us that that’s okay. He knows our hearts and stays with us.
Isn’t it awesome that God can accomplish his purpose and plan through sinners like Abraham and Sarah and you and me despite our sin! We think, we need to take matters into our hands sometimes but God uses all things for good and His glory! I often think of the old song “Trust and obey” (as I sing it to my kids) and how I need to do that each day and every moment. 1)Trust God at His Word and that his plan is best. 2) live obediently to the call he has placed on my life and not try to make it happen!
love that song!!! Many times that song has popped in my heart stirring me to trust him in my life and simply walk in obedience!! For there is joy in that!!
Kristen, that IS so amazing! Wow! So thankful for these truths and our powerful God!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Yes , my main mode of ugliness is rolling up my sleeves and jumping in to get things started. This can be seen as a cultural ideal or a sad attempt at fearful control. Anyway, I long for the peace of waiting for Jesus’ plan. Such peace but also hard work in a fulfilling way that makes us mean hard on him and not on ourselves and our own understanding and efforts!
Kristen, I love your take on Trust and Obey. Because of my upbringing, I have tended to grow bitter toward that song. But your perspective is so refreshing and freeing!
Great point!! When we are weak… God is strong!!! When we are faithless… He is faithful!!!
Beautifully put!
4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you
How comforting to know that Our Father chose us, even with our failures.
“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. “. I love the simplicity of that verse.
I love this verse, too. It stood out to me! I love your point of how simplistic it is. Just simple, and it really takes the weight that I often put on myself of having to do it all or fix it all when God is saying, be still and know… “Believe in the one he has sent.”
This verse struck me as well. Ironic how simplistic it is indeed…
I thought the same thing! How simple and full of truth. I wrote it down in my planner as a reminder.