How We Underestimate the Lord

I have been reading a book to my daughter each night before bed called The Roman, The Twelve, and the King by Jenny L. Cote. It is the third book in the series the Epic Order of the Seven. The author bases the story on exactly with what is in the bible and embellishes it with the story of the talking animals who are in service to the Lord to help with whatever task they are given. The fat always hungry orange tabby cat, Al is the one who brings attention to the 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread a little boy has who is among the crowd of 5000 men and untold number of women and children. They are in a remote area and there is not time to send these people home to eat. Jesus takes the bread and fish, blesses it and multiplies it enough to fully feed all the people with 12 baskets full of left overs. The disciples have seen untold number of miracles up to this point but still they underestimate what Jesus can do. I especially like the added quote that the author put in of what Jesus says to Philip regarding the small amount of food they have. Here is that excerpt:  Jesus began to tear the loaf apart, and handed the first small piece to Philip. “Don’t measure the size of the challenge by what you have to offer, but by what God can do with what you give him, no matter how small.” This makes me think of my own calling and the doubts and fears I have had to overcome. Despite what little I can give in terms of my skills and gifts, God will take it and make it into something extraordinary. The Lord never ceases to amaze me.

John 6:1-15

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 259

It has been over 2000 years since Jesus suffered on the cross for us and rose from the dead. Some may think he is not coming back considering how long it has been but God doesn’t measure time as we do. But it is not really about the time but that God’s heart wants us all to repent and be saved. He grieves over every lost soul and celebrates with all souls that are saved. His love and mercy give us opportunity after opportunity to turn to Him. His patience is because of his love for us. I am eternally grateful to God for his patience with me and that I finally was able to see the truth. Patience is given to us by the Holy Spirit and love is at the core of all the fruits the Holy Spirit gives us. So when the kids are making you crazy, your boss is pushing your buttons or your spouse isn’t listening to you, it is time to demonstrate your love for them with the patience the Holy Spirit can give you.

2Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 193

I have been working on letting go of the control I need to have bit by bit. It will be an on-going process as is everything else. I came upon this article and this quote really says it all. (see below) How much am I going to surrender today? The measure of my surrender was great yesterday. It gave me the power to overcome when I was asked to finish doing the mail when my own plate is overflowing. But I responded with graciousness and gentleness and let God take care of my overflowing plate. I humbly surrender for I am weak but you are strong.

Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

“My power isn’t in overcoming.  My power is in the measure of my surrender.” Frank Thomas http://marketplacefaith.com/your-power-is-in-your-surrender/