IF YOU CALL ON JESUS, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
- Key Verse
So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. (Mathew 15:31)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Glorify God, for He is the perfecter of life and can do unimaginable things.
Reflections
It is incredible to sit back and think about how Jesus managed to feed over 4,000 men, women, and children with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. This chapter reminds me of the power God has and how He can make the impossible very possible.
When I lived in New York, I had a very comfortable lifestyle. I was a New York state fireman, had many friends, and lots of money. I thought I had everything I needed, and Jesus was the last thing on my list of necessities. When I accepted a new high-paying job in Dallas, those who knew me weren't at all surprised. I resigned from the fire department, sold most of what I owned, and hit the road. All the while, I never lost thought of the money I would be making and the lifestyle I would be living. Things suddenly changed one morning in June 2008. I received a phone call from my employer-to-be, who informed me that my new job had been pulled at the last minute. I felt like I gambled everything I had ever worked for and lost it all.
In the next few weeks I began to find that all the things in which I had previously found life had no significant meaning and surely weren't there when I needed them most. I was hungry. Hungry for something that had been missing all along. It wasn't a mistake when I later found Watermark Community Church. During a sermon Todd compared the things of this world to candy. Sometimes, the candy looks and even tastes good, but moments later it can leave you with a bad taste, and it never provides any real nourishment.
It then hit me that I was hungry for the Word, community, and for truth in my life. God fed me that season, and He continues to do so every day. You see, He used money to bring me to a place where I could be fed. He knew what I needed all along. Put your hope and trust in God, He will provide!
Discussion Questions
1. What's preventing you from being fed good food instead of worldly "junk food"?2. Is there a time in your life that you can remember God providing for you or a family member?
3. Why does God show compassion for those who often don't deserve it?
4. Why is it sometimes difficult to ask the Lord to fix us?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What did Jesus do before He fed the people? Why should we do this before we eat?
2. Take time this week before eating to thank God for what He has given you.
Scott DeBow
February 23, 2010 07:24 PM
Jarid Great stuff! Your story of God's grace has given me a lot of encouragement, and reminded me that "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Deuteronomy 8:3 Press on!
Clint Miller
February 24, 2010 04:51 AM
God is great! It's awesome how God can let us plan a certain course in life and use that for His purpose, directing our path else where. He alone makes the impossible possible. Thanks for sharing your story, Jarid.
Dave Sterett
February 24, 2010 07:54 AM
Great Testimony Jarid. I really appreciate your encouragement!
Tyler Cole
February 24, 2010 08:25 AM
Jarid, You're the man and I wish I could say that to you in person today. However, since I already know your response to that encouragement would be to say, "No, bro, JESUS is the man". I'm encouraged by you because you constantly reflect that kind of humble, Christ-exalting attitude. Bro, God is using you, through your daily submission to His perfect will, to change lives. Keep on!
Todd Shaddock
February 24, 2010 08:31 AM
Jarid, I don't know you well, but I believe that God is wroking mightily in your life. I look forward to learning more about Him through you, Brother.
Scott Coy
February 24, 2010 09:00 AM
Not bad for a real Yankee! Your story continues to encourage me and I get great joy in watching you love people and follow Jesus. Good word friend.SC
PJ
February 24, 2010 09:25 AM
Hey Jarid, Thanks for the encouragement. It was a blessing to read about your testimony and the amazing transformation in the Lord. He truly works in ways beyond our understanding Was just reminded of another verse after reading your write up Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. May our Lord continue to use you mightily
Joel
February 24, 2010 09:37 AM
Jarid, Great devotional. You are an inspiration to us all. Joel
Matt R.
February 24, 2010 09:58 AM
My man!!!
Will
February 24, 2010 10:17 AM
Shalom, Brother! Peace be with you! It is awesome to see how the Lord used your crazy circumstance to bring you closer to Him. Keep dancing!
Toby
February 24, 2010 10:23 AM
Love you, bro.
Brendon
February 24, 2010 11:07 AM
Jarid, simply... awesome.
gary stroope
February 24, 2010 11:46 AM
our God has given us a ton to eat here! Glad you are up to your neck in His grace with me. Gary
Marcy
February 24, 2010 12:27 PM
Right on Jarid. Thanks for sharing your story & how God radically healed and changed you from the inside out. We can all be miracles if we let Him in! :)
Eric Colton
February 24, 2010 01:25 PM
Jarid, Thanks for a great reflection illustrating God's amazing power and goodness. It's been truly encouraging watching you grow and poor into others. Keep going...
John Wilson
February 24, 2010 01:41 PM
Ghaffari!
JP
February 24, 2010 10:05 PM
J- You will be a leader of leaders should you continue to Trust and Obey. I am proud of the way you continue to submit your life to the Lord.
Josh Smith
February 25, 2010 12:18 PM
I just wanted to say, "Great job Jarid", "Way to bring the Word!". Love you bud, J
Roseana Smith
February 26, 2010 05:23 AM
Great word Jarrid! Thanks for the reminder!!
Jason Patterson
February 26, 2010 11:12 AM
PRAISE GOD BROTHER!! Praise Him for your faith, for your bad times as well as your good, and for the testimony that he created through your struggle. Thank you.