Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 19, 2014
He [Jesus] replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish.” Luke 9:13
God is not passive in His provision. He aggressively applies His resources directly to the needs of His children. His works are outside the small box of unbelief. The Lord’s faithfulness flourishes where the soul fluently speaks the language of faith. The Holy Spirit traffics freely on the highway of a trusting heart. Man’s natural eye limits the Lord’s supernatural supply, but an eternal gaze engages His possibilities. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where it seems we lack the Lord’s provision. The resources right in front us look like they are limited.
Can Christ be creative with what He has already given us? Yes of course, if we are obedient to follow His directives. Faith says yes to God’s “what,” even when His “how” is unclear. Many times God has already provided for His children. The provision may seem disguised in its unconventional appearance, but nonetheless it is still very near. He is building your trust to make you trustworthy with His blessings. Like mighty vessels that cross deep channels of water, so you are the Lord’s vessel to deliver His unfathomable blessings. Perhaps His provision is you!
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27).
Related Readings: Psalm 62:10; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Peter 4:11
Taken from the October 19th reading in our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, released October 1st! Order your copy today.
Boyd’s one minute video about the new book- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt
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I’ve always thought this story was really about the little boy’s mother who packed him a lunch with extra food and reminded him to share… after all five loaves and two fishes would be a lot of lunch for just one kid. I’ve always felt that the miracle came when other people saw the little boy share and realized that they should do so themselves…. and when everyone shared there was more than enough to go around…. I’ve always felt the message here was that as Christians we should always come prepare to share…
Dear Amy~
Thank you for your response to the story of the fishes and loaves. I enjoyed hearing your interpretation of the story and have to say, I re-read the story in Matthew a few more times, just to connect what your said with what scripture tells us. While your version is maybe “the modern day replay” of a ‘old classic” I do feel like there is a common thread running through both stories. The miracle does come “when the other people saw”.!
In Matthew 14:15-21, we learn about Jesus breaks bread with crowds of 5,000 plus with five loaves and two fish. What a glorious miracle and reminder of what Jesus can multiply with our meager offerings!
Thank you, Amy, for your thought provoking comments. We look forward to hearing from you again.
We are thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me.”
Psalm 54:4
THE FAVORITE PROOF-TEXT FOR INFANT BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL
The most popular proof-text in support of infant baptism is Acts 16:33. The problem is you have ignore other verses, such as Acts 16:31, 32, and 34.
THE PROOF-TEXT: Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. (NKJV)
Does that prove that infants were baptized? No it does not.
The Jailer asked Paul and Silas what he needed to do to be saved. (Acts 16:30) The answer was: Acts 16:31 So they said “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.(NKJV)
The Jailer could not believe for his household. Salvation is an individual choice.
Acts 16:32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in the house.(NKJV)
Paul and Silas preached to all the household. Infants do understand the gospel. There were no infants hearing and believing the gospel.
Acts 16:34 Now when he had brought them into the house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.(NKJV)
The Jailer and all of his household believed before they were baptized. Infants are not capable of believing in God. Infants cannot understand the gospel message. Infants cannot believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The fact that the jailer and all of his household believed, eliminates the possibility of any infants being baptized that night.
Jesus said in Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”(NKJV)
Paul and Silas did not the change the words of Jesus. Belief is required in order to be saved, as is baptism, and belief precedes immersion in water. There are no cases found in the Bible where an unbeliever is baptized. Infants are unbelievers.
YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW MY BLOG. http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com
Dear Steve~ Thank you for your thought provoking comments regarding baptism and infants. I must say your blog comments motivated me to dig into Acts and research this topic for myself. I thank you for that! Whenever I find a reason to “dig deeper” into the Word of God I appreciate it! I will check out your blog with sincere interest and look forward to reading it.
Do you follow the Wisdom Hunter’s daily devotionals? I would love to hear more of your comments regarding the individual devotionals.
Again, thank you for your comments and we will look forward to hearing from you again.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all you anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5: 6,7