God Wants The Fragments
Matthew 14:20
” And they did “ALL” eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full ”
Many people are familiar with this mighty miracle that Jesus performed, it has been titled “Feeding the Multitude” or “Feeding the Five Thousand”. No matter what title it is given we can all agree that it was a miracle of epic proportions. It solidified the thought process that Christ is able to feed all that are hungry. Today He is still feeding the hungry and providing nourishment to the spiritually hungry of this generation. Though times are tough, Jesus stands with hands full of the bread of life beckoning us “Come and Eat.” In a day when most people are starving for a relationship with God, the lover of our soul is seeking to give us the bread we so desperately need. It is very curious that twelve baskets of “fragments” were taken up after everyone had their fill.
The Bible will often speak to us metaphorically. Jesus made sure the fragments were not forgotten. This act speaks volumes to our hearts, and the hidden message almost supersedes the miracle that has just occurred. What message does this action convey? It tells us that God is interested in the fragments. We have fragmented lives, we have been cut by situations that we have lived through. Some situations were beyond our control and it is not our fault that we became broken and fragmented. Different things that we will face in life will seem to smash our spirit into a thousand pieces. A popular nursery rhyme states “all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.” However we serve the King of King’s and He is able to pick up the broken pieces of shattered lives. He is able to restore your life and purpose. Jesus seeks for fragmented people, because He wants to make you whole again. He is looking to restore you to be the vessel of honor that you were created to be. If you feel your hopes, dreams and purpose have been shattered into fragments, know that The Lord wants to make you whole again.
Loving Seekers
It has become apparent to me that this world is full of seekers. They are seeking a touch of spirituality, blessing and ultimately the breath of God. Seekers come from all venues and depth of relationship with The Lord. Some are proclaimed atheists, others are agnostic and others have started an initial relationship with Jesus. All of these categories have one thread that binds them all together. They are all seeking a deeper depth and a meaning to life in a world that does not make any sense. Emphatically they are all able to feel the anointing on a child of God’s life. They feel the desire to capture what the blood bought Saints of God possess. That is the operation of the spirit that everyone filled with the Holy Ghost experiences on a daily basis. We have had past leaders who have preached separation with passion and anointing. I for one believe in the biblical doctrine of separation. This is the separation from sin and sinful things that can be detrimental to a Christian’s walk with God.
However I do not believe in the separation from sinners. I can find no biblical text where a commandment is given to separate our lives from sinners. On the contrary we given the calling and identity of being “Fishers of Men”. It is impossible to “catch” wayward men if we refuse reach out to the preverbal lake where they reside. The only people that I can find who preached separation from the sinner was the Pharisee’s. I do not want to embrace them as mentors or role models. Yes I realize we have to use wisdom and be cautious that we do not find ourselves in a compromising position. As Jesus shared a meal with publicans and sinners, he drew darts from the religious firing squad of His day. I can’t help but think that Jesus nor the apostles were satisfied calling all unconverted as simply “sinners”. I think they had the vision to see what they really are, they are “Seekers”. They are seeking the answers that we have been blessed with. We know the way, truth and the life. The more seekers we love, the more will be delivered from the bondage of sin. Lord Bless!
Revival
It is often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting
a different result. It's usually said when a person has reached a certain level of
frustration and they need a new direction.
I'd like to introduce to you a new definition of insanity. Insanity is expecting
the same results the apostles had without doing the same things
they did. It is insane to think we can a revival at the same level or greater than
what the apostles had without having the same level of commitment they had.
There are at least 7 things I can point to that lead to the Book of Acts revival.
1. Commitment. There's a big difference between commitment and compliance.
2. Prayer. Not just prayer but praying until God responded.
3. Fasting. Peter fasting is what lead to the Gentiles being saved.
4. Giving. How do you think Paul was able to go on so many missionary trips?
They took care of the fatherless and widows.
5. Witnessing. It was a daily practice and an intricate part of their relationship
with God.
6. Worship. They worshipped their way through every valley and on every
mountain top.
7. Doctrine. They lived it, shared it, and were persecuted for it. Their doctrine
separated them from everyone else.
Everyone of us must have these seven things if we are going to have revival. It's
insane to think we can have their results without doing what they did.
Lets have revival!
--Brett Clark
Grandparents
Grandparents are special people. They have the power to change history and influence decision making. When they spend time with their Grandchildren they have the privilege to teach them the way to think and make good sound decisions. They can teach them that you either get benefits with or consequences due to the choices that are made. The time spent with our grandchildren will bring memories they can draw on when facing future decisions that can influence history as we know it.
The best thing that I believe we can do for our grandchildren is teach them how to spell JOY and break it down for them so they can understand that the order of the letters is of utmost importance.
J=Jesus O=others Y=you.
If the word is not spelled correctly it will not spell joy or make sense. In the same manner you can not experience true lasting joy in your life unless you put Jesus first. Others have to come after Him and before you. You have to come last putting Jesus first then others next; all, before you start looking at your own wants and desires. In so doing you will have joy unexplainable and in abundance.
--Don Judge