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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

More Like 20,000 - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35      
                                                                                 

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt


“Now gather the leftovers,” Jesus told His disciples, “so that nothing is wasted.” There were only five barley loaves to start with, but twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of bread the people did not eat! John 6:12-13 NLT

The “Feeding of the 5,000”, the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four Gospels, portrays Jesus as being able to not only provide what is needed, but give in abundance. Scripture identifies the 5,000 as men only, and scholars suggest that in counting the women and children, too, the number Jesus feeds in likely near 20,000. After eating until they are satisfied, twelve baskets of leftovers remain. God’s extravagance always exceeds our needs.

Blessings fall around us daily as God’s beauty and power in creation stuns our imaginations. Wonders of a simple sunset delight the senses, countless stars in another galaxy intrigue the mind, the vastness of the ocean celebrates the unknown. At the same time, homelessness and abuse and disease mock justice, alter perceptions, and shatter certainty deep within us. We question God. Sifting through our doubts and accusations, God gathers the leftovers, and His extravagant love exceeds our best hope!

Jesus, Holy One, the world paints pictures on my soul, some beautiful and some repulsive. To encounter Your goodness teaches me soul-satisfaction even in the middle of uncertainty. Collect my leftovers so that nothing is wasted. Hope of Glory, Lord, always give us this bread.” – dho

*”Feeding of the 5,000”: John 6:1-15; Luke 9:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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