Matthew 16:8-11

Read Matthew 16:8-11.

• The next thing Jesus wants to teach you might depend on something He has already taught you.
• Don't just "go through" things.  Seek to learn, to grasp, to understand, to apply.
• The lack of faith wasn't due to immaturity but to assumption.  The disciples could've asked Jesus, "What do you mean, since we're not getting it?"  Instead, they provided their own interpretation in an attempt to circumvent their ignorance.  Faith isn't opposed to asking but to assuming.
• Don't forget to remember what God has done.  Remember the "loaves" and the "leftovers." Rehearse the mighty interventions of God in your life.
• Reason attempts to figure things out in an isolated context, void of what Jesus has already done.  You might never reason yourself to faith, but you can believe yourself into reasons.

Groups of Fifty (Lu. 9:14)

Read Luke 9:14. 

What's with arranging the men into groups of fifty each?

• Peter Pett calls them "covenant groups."  
• Perhaps Jesus referenced the work of Obadiah (1 Kin. 18:4, 13)?  Obadiah hid, fed and protected God's prophets in groups of fifty.  Likewise, these groups of fifty outside Bethsaida were under Jesus' covenant protection and provision.  
• Jesus referenced the miraculous multiplication by Elijah (1 Kin. 17:14-16) and Elisha (2 Kin. 4:42-44), suggesting that One greater than Elijah or Elisha was present.

Observations:

• There was definite reference to events 1 Kings or 2 Kings.
• Sitting in groups of fifty made it easier to number the crowd.
• Sitting in groups of fifty facilitated smoother distribution and easier movement, guaranteeing no one was bypassed or overlooked.

Three Things Needed For Self-Care (Mt. 14:22-23)

Read Matthew 14:22-23.

Three Things Needed For Self-Care:

1. Separation from the crowd (small or large as it might be),  The crowd, on its own, won't separate from you.  You have to separate from the crowd.  Without being rude, you have to send the crowd away.  Remember, Jesus had just fed 5,000 plus.  When others are full, you become empty.  It is your responsibility to get refilled.
2. Seclusion.  Go to a place no one else is present or knows you will frequent.  Make the effort.  Shut out all distractions.  Withdraw.  Enjoy the quiet.  Only turn on your cell phone if you need to make an emergency call.
3. Solitude.  Seclusion has to do with location.  Solitude has to do with you.  Just you, no one else with you.  Some people are scared to be alone with themselves.

My Thoughts Inexactly (03/05/16)

The episode is too large to host on my blog.  You can view the file here.

NOTES

1. The subject of this episode is assumption.
2. Assumption often dictates behavior -- knowingly or unknowingly.
3. John 6:9
4. What are your assumptions?
5. Assumption won't necessarily create an opportunity you want, but assumption can quickly kill one.

Snap the Photo Anyway

Glendale Lake     02.20.16     6:15 P.M.

I snapped this shot, assuming that nothing would show up.  I assumed that the moon wouldn't provide enough light into the lens.  Was I ever wrong! No doubt, I've missed many pictures because I gave in to assumption.  What else have I missed in life because of it?  Assumptions can eliminate opportunities.  Jesus, overrule my assumptions when they interfere with Your intentions.

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (Jn. 6:9)

The Behavior of Faith (Mk. 6:32-44)

1. Faith is not opposed to a plan, but faith comes first.  You don't have faith because you have a plan.  You have a plan because you have faith.

2. Faith is more concerned about the start than the finish.  Faith doesn't mean what Jesus asks you to do is rational.  Faith doesn't mean you have a 100% explanation, only a 100% authorization.   Take the first step.

3. Faith acts upon Jesus' word, even when there is little understanding or agreement.  If you wait to obey Jesus until you fully understand and agree, you could miss a great opportunity.  This is true about salvation, healing, baptism in the Holy Spirit, etc.

4. Faith doesn't need overwhelming provision up front.  Faith doesn't despise a small start.  What could five loaves and two fish do?  There were 5,000 men to feed!  Start with what you have, not with what you wish you had.  If you won't use what you do have, why would Jesus provide more?  You can't distribute what you won't contribute.  Every great work of God starts with one decision, provision or action.

5. Faith requires coming to Jesus again and again.  Jesus didn't give the disciples all the bread and fish at once.  The disciples kept coming to Jesus, and Jesus kept giving to the disciples.  What "impossible" thing has Jesus asked you to do?  Go to Him again and again, until the "impossible" happens.