FreshBread

Today’s Reading is Mark 6-7

The patience of Jesus with His disciples is amazing….and that is good news for me (and you)! As we read today we see that Jesus sent the disciples out to do great things. Not only were they telling people to turn from their sins, but they were touching the sick and healing them. This must have been an unbelievable experience for the disciples. However as you read on you see the disciples question Jesus on how they are going to feed so many people with only a little bit of food. After Jesus performs a miracle and they participate in it…they still had doubts and did not understand. The patience of Jesus is unbelievable.

Many times Jesus allows us to be a part of His plan in some really big ways. Often Jesus performs miracles in our lives. I have experienced many of His miracles over the past few days. However in spite all of that, I still doubt Him at times. It is amazing that He just doesn’t give up on my, but His patience is so awesome! If nothing else, understand that Jesus is committed to you and desiring to make you all that God created you to be! He trusts in God’s ability so he can deal with our doubts!

Take some time and talk about these two questions with someone special today:
1. What miracles or great things has God done that He has allowed you to be a part of?
2. What doubts are you holding on to right now?
3. Pray together about them.

Have a great day!
Scott

Today’s Reading is Mark 4-5

Jesus begins to share some of His stories in our reading today. The story of the sower is one that many of us have heard before. However the part of the story that hit me today was the “rocky soil” I have seen so many people start off their walk with God with a bang….only to allow it to die for lack of root. Many others recommit their life to Christ with a surge of excitement that also dies as normal life moves on. Maybe one of the things that we need to do is identify the “ROCKS” in our Lives (soil) that keep us from taking root in our relationship with God. I have seen farmers move rocks out of their fields for this very reason. What are the “Rocks” in you life that keeps your relationship from taking root (consistently maturing)? Take some time and talk about them with a friend or spouse…..maybe even ask them to help you carry that rock to the back of the truck so it can be hauled away.

Have a great day….keep your eyes on Jesus…..I cherish your prayers!

Scott

Dear Friends,
Over this next week please be watching for FreshBread through out the day. As many of you know I am in Philadelphia with my father who is very ill. My daily schedule is nowhere in my control as I care for him. I will get the Bread to you as the Lord opens these doors of time. Thanks you for your prayers and I hope to see many of you at FreshStart this weekend!

Scott

Today’s Reading is Mark 1-3

Mark begins his book by telling us of John, the one who came to prepare the way for Jesus. In a sense we are all about that job. A relationship with Jesus is a need of every human being and God has called us to prepare the way for people to meet Him. Take a look at some of the things that John did and reflect on how these same principles might become a part of our daily journey:

1. He lived a unique lifestyle that was noticeable by others.
2. His message was clear and to the point.
3. He was not tangled up in the World’s ways of doing things.
4. He called people for a decision.
5. He pointed attention away from himself and toward Jesus.

Take some time and discuss with a friend, spouse, or child how we might integrate some of these things into our daily lives and interaction with folks that need to know the love of Jesus in their lives.

Scott