The Glory of Little Bethlehem

Open Your Bible

Micah 5:2-5a, John 6:41, John 6:48-58, Luke 22:14-20

Text: Micah 5:2-5a, John 6:41, John 6:48-58, Luke 22:14-20

All through history, the Bible gives us one account after another of God as the Meeter of Needs.

God supplied a ram in the thicket at just the right moment for Abraham and his son Isaac. A Kinsman Redeemer loved and protected the widow Ruth. There was the plant God grew up out of the ground to shade Jonah’s head in the heat. And what about that dry-land escape route for Moses and the Israelites, and the perfectly portioned manna that fell from Heaven to feed them each day? When there is a need—and often not a moment sooner—it is met.

God-as-Provider is woven in and through the pages of Scripture (it actually makes for a fascinating study if you’re up for it!). But my favorite provision story, hands-down, has its setting in teeny, tiny Bethlehem. It was one ordinary night where the world’s great, collective need was met, right on time, in the most gloriously sufficient way—God Provider became Provision Incarnate.

Just as Micah prophesied, sweet, unimpressive, too-little-to-be-worth-counting Bethlehem became the setting for the moment Heaven came to Earth.

Did you know that Bethlehem means “House of Bread”? In Hebrew, “Beth-lehem” is actually two words: “house” (Beth) and “bread” (lehem). And since the Hebrew language is read from right to left, Bethlehem is written like this:

בֵּית   לֶחֶם
bread house

When you think of Bethlehem that way—as a “bread house”—do you just sit back and smile at the truth of God’s goodness? To think that Jesus, our Great Provision, was born in this very house of provision!

Jesus is to us what the manna in the wilderness was to the Israelites. He is our Bread from Heaven, the Bread of Life we are told to hunger solely after—the only thing we need, every day.

Thirty-three years after the Bread of Life was born in the House of Bread, He broke bread with His disciples in the Upper Room. After washing their feet, He said to them, “This is my body, broken for you.” And just a little while later, His body was indeed broken. Our Bethlehem Baby, our Provision Incarnate, broke Himself for us and met our greatest, gravest need with one final breath of “It is finished.”

Friends, let’s end our time together today in quiet thankfulness for Bethlehem—for the Bread of Life who came to meet our need. He is the manna for our hungry souls, the One whom we can say with confidence has never failed us. Go to Him hungry, expectant that you will walk away full. He is enough.

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For an added layer of worship during this sweet season of adoration and expectation, we’ve created a Spotify playlist for Advent 2014! You can find the complete SheReadsTruth | O Come Let Us Adore Him playlist at this link, or listen to today’s track on the player below. Enjoy!

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118 thoughts on "The Glory of Little Bethlehem"

  1. Rebecca Radicchi says:

    Just love this new nugget of information about Bethlehem. Oh, how He is in the details.

  2. Emily says:

    Micah 5:5 really stood out this hectic morning. “And he will be our peace”. I was thinking of everything I had to do at work today and was overwhelmed even before I was done drying my hair. I considered not reading today’s message till tonight and I am so glad I read it now. “He will be my peace!”

  3. Anna Eaves says:

    I wept as I read this. I had no idea that Bethlehem reads “bread house.” God is infinitely perfect in his great provision and plan to rescue His creation and people. Come thou Day-Spring.

    1. That\’s my favorite part too, Anna! I love finding God in all of the details! Thanks for joining us today!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  4. Ellie G says:

    The Bread of Life! This message has shown me that absolutely everything has meaning. God creates with purpose and clearly it all turns back to him. Wonderful Counselor, Provider! And He calls us his children. I feel his love and I so des patently want the lost people in my life to know it as well. Praying for the lost sheep this December!

  5. Kasey Tuggle says:

    Jesus is always enough! He will satisfy me! He alone! The lusts of this world look so appetizing, but they will always let us down. Only Christ will satisfy our heart’s desires!

  6. Chelsea C. says:

    I am in a hard season of life right now. Between a beloved aunt going through cancer a second time, my father who has always been a rock being diagnosed with a disease that can turn into an incurable form of cancer at any moment, my one year olds kidney condition worsening and pointing toward surgery I have been looking towards heaven for provision and feeling broken. But God is the great physician and this was a wonderful reminder that He will provide in His time and in His way. Thank you Lord that even through my doubt and depression you love me and less me to this place with such beautiful women filled with passion and searching hearts!

    1. Bethany says:

      Praying for you Chelsea! May God heal your loved ones and also give you a peace to accept whatever is in his will.

  7. Celeste L. says:

    I am so thankful for the gift delivered for God’s many blessings!!!

  8. Randi says:

    So beautiful. My heart is full!

  9. rachel says:

    So touched by this devotional..praising God for his gift delivered to Bethlehem!

  10. Syria says:

    Powerful!!!!!!!

  11. Regina says:

    The only thing we need. How far we’ve gotten away from this truth especially at this time of year. All I need. ALL. That sufficiency fills me up.

    1. Tiffany says:

      I agree!! HE is the all sufficient ONE!

  12. I have never heard the meaning of “Bethlehem” before! Wow. I want to invite every I know to come bake and eat bread and marvel at that truth!

    1. Debbie Sawyer says:

      K

  13. Shirley says:

    Beautiful song by Casting Crowms which so compliment today's devotion, "While we were sleeping"
    Oh little town of Bethlehem
    Looks like another silent night
    Above your deep and dreamless sleep
    A giant star lights up the sky
    And while you are lying in the dark
    There shines an everlasting light
    For the King has left His throne
    And is sleeping in a manager tonight

  14. Kelsey says:

    That’s so great. I was struggling to make the connection between Bethlehem & bread & then came the Hebrew. It’s so cool how detail-oriented God is. He truly is the storyteller of all time.

  15. Rachel says:

    THIS was SOOO COOL! I had never known what Bethlehem meant. In fact, as I was reading the devo in my actual advent journal, I was wondering why you paired the city of Bethlehem with the Bread passage from John 6. Then I got on the SRT website and read the devo….I LOVED learning that today. I can't wait to share it!

  16. SandyM says:

    Oh how I needed to hear this today. There was a reason I didn’t get to do this one yesterday. Praise the LORD for always providing when it’s needed.

  17. Kelly M says:

    Bethlehem – bread house. Jesus – Bread of Life. That connection is so powerful and so meaningful especially now at Christmas. Thank you!

  18. AshliM says:

    Much needed devotion! My soul needed it

  19. Sarah says:

    “‘This is my body, broken for you.’ And just a little while later, His body was indeed broken.”

    He was broken for us. I’ve never read it that way and it is truly mind blowing. He is an Amazing God and He IS enough.

  20. Antimony says:

    “Go to Him hungry, expectant that you will walk away full. He is enough”. All of us can relate to being hungry. Seeking something to “fill us up”. Something to satisfy that hunger. This is how Christ presents Himself – life giving, satisfying, necessary.

  21. Patti says:

    Heaven came to earth. And Jesus is to us what the manna in the wilderness was to the Israelites. He is our Bread from Heaven, the Bread of Life we are told to hunger solely after—the only thing we need, every day. Our Bethlehem Baby, our Provision Incarnate, broke Himself for us and met our greatest, gravest need with one final breath of “It is finished.” Wow….just wow. Thank you Father for all provisions you make for me. Thank you for baby Jesus who paid the ultimate price, willingly, for my sin so that I could live for eternity in heaven. Thank you for your word. And for this advent season where I can spend time in it and grow closer to you every single day. My savior. My only need. Thank you –

  22. Emily Suzanne says:

    I love how Bethlehem means house of bread! things like that are so cool to me, & it just makes the Christmas story a little more awesome than it already was. love this study!!

  23. LeAnna says:

    His body broken for us, so that we may feed off of his holiness. And his blood poured so we may consume his spirit. FOR ME??? God knows me unworthy but through the nourishment Jesus has to offer, I am able to live! How Can I not LIVE for one who gives me life, both physically and spiritually?!? My wants are met by Jesus providing my NEEDS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

  24. Jess says:

    “Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” John 6:57

    What a glorious promise for the fearful and struggling child of God! The promise is that if we feed on Christ (by living in dependence on Him through prayer and the study of his Word with our faith in Him alone) we shall live! NOT because of our works, but because he lives! And one of the prophesies in Isaiah that we looked at yesterday said, “and of his reign there will be no end!” Jesus ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:24-25). Because Jesus our King lives forever, we live! But not only do we live, but we have the blessed hope of living with Him forever, our heart’s desire! Praise the Lord for his goodness.

  25. Abby says:

    Meeter of needs! I just love that!
    God Provider become Provision Incarnate. Hallelujiah!!!!

  26. Bridget says:

    Would anyone explain or expound on Micah 3 please? Thank you!! Love this study!

  27. mjasi253 says:

    I never knew the meaning behind the word Bethlehem before… It adds so much to the story of His provision knowing that one little detail. So incredible.

    1. Meg says:

      This was my first time learning of it too & wow it really does blow my mind. God is great.

  28. Sarah says:

    Oh Alli, I feel for you. I’ve been facing a similar struggle with my son. Praying for the rest that can only be found in Him!

  29. Alli says:

    So good. My littlest has been having anti-sleep parties this week and this is just so good to read for so many reasons. The Father provides for every need. Even in my weary, worn, sleepless nights, my need for Jesus is greatest. Praise his name.

  30. bringbackhisgirls says:

    I read this as I was eating lunch. Coincidence? Never.

    "And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace" (Micah 5:4-5, NLT).

    Jesus is our source of peace. This has been something I've needed– as well as courage– a lot, recently. It reminds me of this song, "Forever Reign" by Hillsong: "You are peace, You are peace, when my fear is crippling." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3sNiYpuF4

    He's been everything I've needed up until now; He will continue to be everything I need, FOREVER. "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (Isaiah 46:4).
    Forgive me, Lord, for forgetting Your faithfulness. For becoming afraid and unbelieving in Your ability to provide. Give us all faith– and may we rejoice in You!!– that You not only provide what we need, You provide it perfectly, abundantly, and with perfect Love for all of us. As I get back into life, it is more than comforting and encouraging to know that Jesus is my bread– that He sustains, guides, and strengthens His children each and every day as our Bread of Life. I've never gone hungry physically, but I have been hungry spiritually– Praise Him that He provides for both.

    You are all we need, Jesus. I praise You for it!! Amen!
    –AnnaLee

  31. Melody says:

    God is so very very good. I'm am glad this post points out that God meets our needs when we have them, and OFTEN NOT A MOMENT SOONER. There are times when it feel like I have a need that needs to be met right now, in a specific way that I imagine it being met. But God operates differently. And looking back on my own life (kind of like looking back through the Old Testament), I see where He has met my needs just at the right time, and usually in unexpected ways. The friends He brought into my life my first year of college just as I was considering a transfer because I felt homesick and lonely. The gift card that showed up in the mail and gave us an unexpected date night that my husband and I needed. The job offer that landed in my husband's life at just the right time and that has allowed him to be home more.

    I get impatient a lot when I'm waiting for God to meet a need that I think I have. May the examples in the Bible and from my own past help remind me that God hasn't failed to meet needs before and He will meet whatever needs I have in His way and time. Praise to the ultimate Provider.

    Also, never knew the meaning of Bethlehem. So cool.

    1. Rachel says:

      Amen!! So true.

  32. Sam Grant says:

    For whatever reason when I tried to find your playlist on spotlight it would only pop up the 2013 playlist.
    He is surely enough

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      Hi Sam! So glad you're joining us! Try this link: https://play.spotify.com/user/shereadstruth/playl

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  33. Taylor says:

    Wow, how Jesus’ body was literally broken for us and now the way we remember him through the breaking of bread! My mind legitimately has been blown and renewed!

  34. Joanna S. says:

    He is enough! That is it right there. Why is that so hard for us to trust. With the all the shopping we have to do, it is being thrown my our faces how much we need that shirt or jacket and the media is telling us how we should look like this person. God loves us now, how we look now and what we are wearing now. He is enough. Thank you God for loving me now.

    1. HaileeAnne says:

      Amen girl!! Such a great reminder to pause and be thankful for His amazing love!!

  35. Dani says:

    This has been a very hard year, and I haven’t been in the Christmas spirit. We’ve had major life changes, major surgeries, and probably the hardest as silly as it seems is a complete diet overhaul. My son and I have multiple food allergies and intolerances so just finding bread to eat is nearly impossible. It seems like we are always hungry because of it! This was so powerful for me today because it hit me right at home! I am hungry – I know not only that physical hunger but also that emotional and spiritual hunger and I want to be fed and feel satisfied! So good! ❤️

  36. Melody says:

    Jesus’ story is a perfect one. I love how the “Bread of Life” was born in “bread house”. Praise God for being what we need at all times!

  37. Kelly says:

    It's amazing how timely these devotionals are. Yesterday I had a meeting for work in a very affluent town, and driving through, looking at all the beautiful houses made me sad that I hadn't been able to provide those beautiful things for my children. I kept hearing His voice in my ear saying "thou shall not covet" and tried to remember that my thoughts made me seem ungrateful for the blessings I have. But I just kept thinking about how nice it would be to live in that area.

    Today, I am reminded that I have what God has provided, and that is enough. I have shelter, I have food, I have my family, and most of all, I have Him.

    This morning, as mistrust reared it's ugly head in my husband, and as he doubted me and my word once again, I couldn't help but feel like I was not enough. Like my work in my family was not enough. Like my love for my husband was not enough.

    This devotional reminds me that I am enough. God has provided for me, just as He has provided for my family. And that includes me and what I do for them.

    These lessons are difficult to remember in the midst of the doubt and feelings of want and envy. But it is our charge to push past the evil that tries to creep in, and embrace God, trust that He will provide, and be thankful for His blessings.

  38. Sara says:

    I love the graphics for this study; but no lock screens?!

    1. Laila says:

      You have to save the image to your phone, and from there you can make it into a lock screen. :)

  39. Breelinne says:

    Amen Emily. Regrettably, when all my needs are met, I often forget about God. I don’t like to pray for hardship, but I do often pray that I would REMEMBER my need for God. Bc everything I have, all these needs that have been met, are only by his grace and love. And I don’t deserve any of them.

  40. Emily says:

    To all of the sisters today reading this and thinking: "Yeah, but what about X? I NEED X, and it definitely hasn't been provided."

    Right there with you. As I was reading this today, tears started to prick my eyes because I thought of the several situations in my life that just feel like God has ignored my pleas for what I need. And even though I can consciously understand that yes, Jesus is my provision, I still have these needs that won't just magically go away.

    If you are like me, then let's today choose, by faith, to be thankful for Jesus our Provision – even when that Provision means lacking what we really feel that we need. I don't get why He has chosen to say "No" to me. But I am going to say "thank you" even in my need. Because I have Jesus, and my eternal needs are met.

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      I love that, Emily. Choosing Jesus to be my Provision today! Joining you in prayer, friend.

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

    2. Chelsie Ann says:

      Thank you, Emily! I was wondering the same thing. Yes, Jesus is my peace & the bread that gives me life, but my desires and what I think I need often hinder me from being thankful for Jesus as my provision. Lord, forgive me! I’m right there with you, Emily, in choosing to be thankful for Jesus even in my needs because He has already fulfilled every possible need & desire! Thank you for the encouragement, Emily! Praying with you & for you!

  41. Bethany says:

    “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem”–such a humble beginning for such an amazing story!✨

  42. Sarah says:

    Love the last line “go to him hungry expectant that you will walk away full”. So often I think I need more but the reality is He will always provide exactly what I need and no more or less.

  43. Jane J says:

    Jesus I need you. I need Your manna to fill me. As I let go of a heavy heart, and place it and all of its contents into Your hands, I ask for You to fill me with your wisdom, peace and all sufficient love. I am broken at Your feet. I have asked and now wait to receive according to Your will.

  44. Valerie says:

    How often am I closing my hands to God’s manna? (“What is it?”). Rejecting the mystery. “I’m tired of it!” oh LORD forgive me.
    I selfishly want something that *makes sense*, that I can control. It is humbling to need bread daily. I get tired of needing body food every few hours – my impatience and ingratitude of The Daily Bread often isn’t any better. “He gave thanks and broke it”
    Help me LORD.

  45. Kate Z. says:

    For some reason, I had never noticed Micah 4:4-5…

    "…and they will LIVE SECURELY, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. AND HE WILL BE THEIR PEACE."
    A perfect definition of God's provision.

  46. Samantha says:

    Out of the line of a humble king, with a humble mother, from a humble town comes our Humble Lord. Able to meet all of our needs, yet never pushing them upon us. Capable of and Creator of everything, yet welcoming the nothings. All-mighty, yet willing to be broken and poured out for us. Our bread, our sustainer, our provider. Oh, what a Savior we have. He is enough.

  47. Lea says:

    It's easy to be stressed and to want during this time of year when money and energy are stretched thin. Thank you for this reminder–that God is my faithful provider! He is so good!

  48. Beth Warner says:

    As I look over past years of my life, I can see so many times when God has come through and provided. Just in the nick of time and NEVER like I could imagine either. He is so faithful and good. Thank you SRT for another reminder today. Enjoy your day ladies. :)

  49. Wow that is so cool how Bethleham is the House of Bread and again how we see God's perfect plan unfolding right before us!!! Thank you for sharing this with us!

  50. Lisa says:

    This is my 3rd advent season to walk thru with SRT and I cant tell you how thankful I am for the understanding it has brought me. About half way they the first year I realized (finally!) that the Christmas story is just the beginning of the Easter story. He came! Today’s passages and lesson only further emphasize this for me. Thank you srt!

    1. KatSmith1026 says:

      This is my 3rd SRT Advent too! I just can't get enough :)

    2. SheReadsTruth says:

      Lisa, I feel that I have a deeper appreciation for Advent every year, too! So thankful to study and celebrate it with you this year!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  51. KatSmith1026 says:

    Love this today, Raechel. Bread of Life from the House of Bread!

    Sisters, I have a request for some support this morning. During this Advent season, my husband & I have been attending a different church, and I've seen such a change in him – in his heart for the Lord, for his desire to grow and learn, and to be in community with other believers. Sisters, this has been a prayer of mine for some time now, and I'm so thankful that the Lord is slowly molding my husband's heart back to His. Last night we did an Advent devotional and had one of our first conversations about our own, personal faith, in quite some time – what a blessing it is to be able to speak with him about this! And now, this morning, he told me he started looking for some sort of online men's community, similar to what he knows I love here at SRT.

    So, my question for you sisters today is – do you know of any tools or online forums for men's Bible studies/communities? I want to encourage him in his walk and growth as he seeks, & I thought what better place to ask than here. Thank you ladies for your hearts, your vulnerability, and our willingness to share our lives with each other. What a beautiful place we have here, glory be!

    1. Beth Warner says:

      So happy for you Kat. Believe me, I know that same feeling. It’s so lovely when your loved one comes back to The Lord. :)

      1. KatSmith1026 says:

        Thanks Beth for the encouragement. It's been almost 4 years of ups and downs, but I think we're beginning quite the journey up now, PTL.

        1. Alicia says:

          Funny… my husband was hoping to find a similar study like SRT. I searched and searched and didn't find anything close. As I was reading today's to him, and the comments, we were so very excited to hear that He Reads Truth will be launching!

    2. SheReadsTruth says:

      Hi Kat!! You can tell him to stay tuned! He Reads Truth will prayerfully launch in 2015. It's something we've been dreaming and working toward-would you join us in prayer for this ministry? In the meantime, tell him he's welcome here! Just tell him to change the "sisters" to "brothers" and "he" to "she!"

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

      1. KatSmith1026 says:

        Thanks Kaitlin! I've heard conversations about this, but didn't know how close it was! I'll certainly be praying for this ministry as it grows and evolves to reach ALL of God's children – men & women!

      2. So happy to hear this! My husband has been doing my SRT devotional with me and we love it!

  52. alyssaclarisse says:

    He is just so good, awesome awesome God!

  53. Party Of Seven says:

    Today’s truth that spoke so clearly to me is about our Provider’s, our Meeter of Need’s, perfect timing. The examples of the ram for Abraham and Isaac, the shade for Jonah, the dry escape route for Moses, and the manna for His hungry people. All these provisions coming through at what seems to be the “last minute” and experiencing this first hand in my own life teaches me to trust Him deeper, be more patient, and give Him all the glory!

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Love it! " All these provisions coming through at what seems to be the "last minute" and experiencing this first hand in my own life teaches me to trust Him deeper, be more patient, and give Him all the glory!" I love how God promises His provision, and doesn't come a minute too late to fulfill that promise. Jesus, I praise you for being my bread, my manna in the wilderness. I thank you for promising to fill up both my hungry soul and stomach with Your daily goodness. Help me to trust in You for all the goodness needed in the future! For you will ALWAYS provide, no matter what. I praise You for that, Lord Jesus. Amen!

  54. Carmen says:

    I love the last line “he is enough”

  55. Christy Keys says:

    Thank you for the reminder that He is enough! I seem to be constantly learning this lesson. :)

  56. Laurie Ann says:

    I started to hum, O little town of Bethlehem…the hopes and fears of all the years are MET in thee tonight….thanking God for His provisions at just the right moment. He is good , down to the smallest details~ Jesus…our bread of life born in a house of bread. Beautiful~

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      I love, love, love that, Laurie Ann! Isn't it incredible how words we have known for so long continue to reveal more and more of God's character?

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  57. Monica says:

    Jesus is the living bread. He is all that I need to be sustained from day to day…from moment to moment. He is my everything. I try to hard to fill my life with so many other things, but my trying is in vain, because He is all that I need. He came down from Heaven and gave His flesh as a sacrifice for the life of the world…for my life.

  58. Brandie Lane says:

    Speak! I’ve always said that I want my own little jar of manna renewed every day- and HE IS ALWAYS available. His word is RICH. He says” I AM” He is more! His grace and faithfulness is so powerful.

  59. Kendall_S says:

    dwelling on Micah this morning and the fact that (v.4) we dwell secure because He was made great to the ends of the earth. Also love being reminded that (v.5) He is our peace.

    feeling full of awe and wonder at just how rich God's Word is.

  60. drasch says:

    Why did the manna rot when the Israelites attempted to store it? Because their full provision was from God and he did not want them to forget that. How often do my plans ‘rot’ when I try to go it alone? Relying on Him, as hard as it is for me — I do not trust easily — has always been best.

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      Wow. I love that so much! Thanks for sharing, friend! We love having you here.

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

    2. Amanda Herbert says:

      Never thought of this! Such a great analogy!

  61. Catherine_K_L says:

    God the Provider became the Provision Incarnate ….. Wow, I loved that! Succinct, packed with truth, something I know to be real in my messy human history. Provider of EVERY need, physical, material, emotional, spiritual. My prayer is that I will keep my eyes turned away from worthless things (Psalm 119:35-37) and ONLY look to Him to meet my needs. Praying for faith that never wavers but stands firm in the truth and easily brushes away the lies of the enemy with His truth. Praying to remember that even when my resources look like they could never amount to much that God oftentimes puts forth His greatest work through humble and feeble things that we would ordinarily overlook ….true for little ole tiny Bethlehem, true also for us. My Bible also led me to 1 Corinthians 1:27 which says "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Praising God as my Provider and Redeemer today!

  62. Lakeisha says:

    Thank you ~ Thank you!!! SheReadsTruth!!!!! Awesome devotional! Our Bread from Heaven!!! Truly blessed my spirit this morning!

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      Thanks for joining us, Lakeisha! We love having you in our community and it's such a joy to celebrate Advent with you!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  63. joanne says:

    He is the only sustenance I need. My manna from heaven – so I need never die – and that my eternal life will be with Him!

  64. christinahuntz says:

    I hadn't realized until now how often God provides peoples' needs in the Bible at just the right moment until now. Wow! He has provided my needs time and time again, and I love realizing the frequency with which it happened in the Bible. Great devo for today.

    I love the linguistic explanation of the meaning of Bethlehem, too! It really brought home for me the importance of God as our Bread of Life.

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      Isn't it incredible, Christina? I loved looking at all the specific ways God has met needs in the past and continues to do so! Thanks for joining us today!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  65. Tweak77 says:

    What an appropriate devo for me today. I am just finishing a 3-day cleanse. I’ve been hungry. This is the perfect reminder that Jesus is my bread. He provides for my every need and leaves me eternally satisfied.

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      What an incredible example, friend! He does leave us eternally satisfied. So thankful for that truth!

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  66. Beckey says:

    May I always find my “enough” in the Lord, and yet at the same time always hunger for more of Him!!

    (btw – I for one would find a study of God as Provider fascinating! Idea for a future study SRT??)

    Beckey
    http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork

  67. Kelly S says:

    Give us this day our daily bread. The manna was just enough every morning–no more, no less than what they needed for that day. Daily, Jesus offers enough of himself to sustain us. I wrestle with my flesh, trying to be more and do more when I think he is not enough. Jesus, forgive me for failing to rely on you as my daily bread. Today, I stand at the door of my tent and gather holy Bread, lifting it heavenward in thanks for my daily portion.

    1. Beckey says:

      Amen!! Lifting my heart and hands with you this morning in gratitude. May we always find our portion to be just enough in Him.

      Beckey
      http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork

    2. Kimberly says:

      Beautifully said, Kelly. Amen! I'm with you, standing at the door of my tent gathering my portion and lifting it heavenwrard in thanksgiving. Thanking Jesus for His provision for my day!

  68. Onfaith says:

    It never ceases to amaze me the hidden gems, biblically speaking, that point to Jesus long before His arrival and the meaning of Bethlehem is no different. He truly is the bread of life. The story of the Israelites and the manna is truly a favorite. It is a great reminder that God provides. As Raechel indicated, that provision is often met last minute. Those aren't moments to make us miserable, they are for both our refining and God's glory. They shed light on who God is not on man. I'm just so thankful that Jesus wasn't a last minute miracle. He was thought of well in advance to my salvation and secured me long before I knew Him. ~ B

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      "As Raechel indicated, that provision is often met last minute. Those aren't moments to make us miserable, they are for both our refining and God's glory." They seem last minute to us (definitely last-minute feeling, any way)– but nothing is "thrown-together" last-minute by our God (Praise Him for it!!). His timing is perfect; His work is done exactly when it needs to be done, not a minute too late or too early. Jesus, help us to focus ourselves on Your face, and make us to have the faith to know that You will always provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.

      –AnnaLee

  69. Cari Jo says:

    advent season that He is truly enough…truly all we need!

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Amen! Jesus, put in us hearts full of Your love, boldness, and sound mind. Help us to trust that You are all we need, and in that need, we are always fulfilled with more and more of You. You never leave us nor forsake us, even in our weakness, distractions, and disbelief. Focus us on Your face, that we may praise You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

  70. Cari Jo says:

    I love the way Rachael compares how Jesus is to us as manna was to the Israelites. Is that truly how we live out our lives though? That He is truly all we need? I know I personally can get caught up in other things I “need” in life, and can get sidetracked, forgetting about the only One I need. Let is remember Him during this

    1. SheReadsTruth says:

      I love that comparison so much too, Cari Jo! Isn't it such a tangible reminder of how He specifically meets our needs? Amazing! So grateful for this truth.

      xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth

  71. Nana C says:

    He is enough. Well said………

  72. Jeanluree says:

    Go to him hungry expectant that you will walk away full. He is enough. — why is it so hard to trust that HE is enough? I resist feeling like I’m not enough, but my pride merely puffs me up, leaving me hollow. And though humility reveals my emptiness and weakness, I find my fulfillment in the One who provides and who is more than enough for me.

    1. drasch says:

      Trusting is so hard… You are so not the only one who struggles :)

    2. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Agreed, Drasch and Jeanluree. It can be so hard– even now– to trust in His provision. Thank you for being honest and open about your struggles, as so many of us do. Jesus, forgive us and help our unbelief! Be all we want– all we need– everything! I praise You for that, Lord Jesus! Amen.

      –AnnaLee

  73. tina says:

    Lord God , Thank you…

    Thank you…For the past, the history that shapes our today…
    Thank you.. For the gift of life, mine, but most especially Yours, broken for me, the unfaithful, undeserving, unworthy me, and yet given that I might live a life of and in Hope..
    Thank you Lord God for your provision, throughout my life, ..of Love, security,.. warmth, ..food,.. in the form of both bread and manna…your food from heaven..Your word, that is food for my soul…

    .I praise you Lord God for all you have and continue to do and provide in my life.. I thank you Lord God for EVERYTHING, for you are the Great Provider, the Lord God Almighty, the Provider Incarnate…Thank you….Amen…

    Praising and thanking God for the provision of this great and beautiful site, where we can grow, in His Word…and encourage each other in our walk toward HIM, WHO loves us so very much..He must do….He brought us together….Thank you Lord God..and thank you Sisters each and everyone for the company in this walk…
    Blessings Dear Sisters…Always…xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Thank you for this, dear Tina. I couldn't of said it better myself.
      Jesus, thank you for being able to share life with these wonderful women. I praise You for the truth that I hear not only from this devotional, but from the comments of these women on a daily basis. I thank You, Lord Jesus, that they have enriched and strengthened my walk with You. Jesus, continue to bless the works of their hands as they trust You to give them all they need– I pray this for all of us. In Christ's name. Amen.

      Your Sister,
      AnnaLee

  74. Lacey says:

    Thank you Lord for always providing for me and those around me with everything we need. I am so blessed to be a child of God.

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Yes. To know that the sovereign hand of God is upon us– not for evil, but for good– wow. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for calling us Your children, Your friends. Thank you for always filling us up with exactly what we need– that is, more of You. <3 Forgive us for thinking that we don't have enough, when all we could ever need is found in You. Lord Jesus, may we here on She Reads Truth be ever the more hungry for Your word and the truth shared by these wonderful women. It's all so beautiful, Lord Jesus, and we thank You for it. In Christ's name, Amen!

      –AnnaLee

  75. Sarah M says:

    In our world today, we are so afraid of not having enough. Envy and strife fill us. As we look to the Lord, we can be confident that he will provide for us all that we could ever need!

    1. Rachel says:

      Well said!

    2. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Sarah, I completely agree. So often, I find myself worrying and fretting over the food I eat, the clothes I wear, the life I live– always afraid there won't be enough. I heard a quote once: "Scarcity is the lie; abundance is the truth." I don't know who said it, but I think it sums up the concept quite nicely. We always have exactly what we need; those who love the Lord lack no good thing, because He Himself fills us up (Psalm 34:10). We praise You, Lord Jesus, that we truly lack no good thing. Thank You for all of our material abundance, but no matter what, thank You for being all we could ever need, both spiritually and physically. Fill us up with more of You, Lord Jesus. Let us come hungry, and leave refreshed and strengthened. In Your name, Amen!!

      –AnnaLee

  76. Alyssa says:

    I hunger for You! May I always hunger for You! Thank You for the many sacrifices You have endured for me. Your body was broken and You blood was shed for me. A gift of life. ❤ Let me stay hungry for spiritual growth and knowledge!

    1. bringbackhisgirls says:

      Amen, Alyssa! Jesus, give us an ever-growing hunger and thirst for Your word and Your face! We praise You, that we never leave hungry. You are all we could ever want or need! Amen to that! <3 May we grow nearer and nearer to You, finding rest in the shadow of Your wings, at all times of our lives. Draw us closer, that we may feast upon You. In Jesus' name. Amen!

      Your sister,
      AnnaLee