Jeremiah and Bread

[God speaking] "'Declare this in the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah, saying, 'Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; who have ears but do not hear.  Do you not fear Me?  declares the Lord.  'Do you not tremble in My presence?  

"'For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it.  Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over.  But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed." Jeremiah 5:21-22

"And they had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them.  And He was giving orders to them, saying, 'Watch out!  Beware of the leven of the Pharisees and the leven of Herod.'  They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread.  

"And Jesus aware of this, said to them, 'Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread?  Do you not yet see or understand?  Do you have a hardened heart?  Having eyes, do you not see?  And having ears, do you not hear?  And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?'

"They said to Him, 'Twelve.'  'When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up'  And they said to Him, 'Seven.'  And He was saying to them, 'Do you not yet understand?'" Mark 8:14-21

Jesus quoted the prophet Jeremiah when He spoke with His disciples.  He reminded them of the compassionate provision of the Lord.  They had just participated twice in the miracles of feeding thousands with just scraps!  Yet, they still fretted over not having bread with them for their trip.  

If you consider these two passages, they are applicable to our world today.  People focus on what they lack and forget to count the blessings the Lord provides and has always provided.  He regularly demonstrates His love in dramatic and unlikely ways, as He comforts His people through the confusion and chaos of our sinful, lost world. 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily) 

PS:  For those not aware, I’m still struggling with my ageing technology so sometimes the devotion may look different.  I apologise and am working on it. Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.).  For the books, go Amazon books.   

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?) 

 

• Beverly W - Lost her beloved husband, Bill, of many years this week. Pray for her and her family. The funeral is this Friday at 10 AM at St Marks.

• War in Ukraine – Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, especially strength for Christians of the country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from potential devastation of a third world war. 

• Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision. 

• Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing. 

• Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made. 

• Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.   

• Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her. 

• Hans – a dear friend in Germany, has lung cancer and unable to work.  Pray for his financial situation and that his new social worker will be able to help him through this difficult time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love. 

• Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart. 

 

Pray for those in full-time service 

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families. 

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns 

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time. 

Pray for the World