February 4, 2007

I sincerely hope that you will be blessed and encouraged by today's devotional.

Trivia Tidbit

Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th".

Life Lesson

October 12th is dubbed "Destiny Day" by many because that is the day Christopher Columbus discovered the New World. However, he really didn't do it on that day in 1492. The real date of discovery was October 13, 1492. Dutch sailor Piet de Stuini persuaded Columbus to change the log and make it seem that October 12 was the date of the New World landing. Many historians think the date was altered because the 13th might have caused superstitious fear in the other sailors or in potential investors for later voyages. The change of dates was detected by a history study group.

There were many "destiny days" during the life of our Lord. One of those involved the time He fed the 5,000 with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes. This miracle began to teach the disciples that God's plans for us far exceed our own, and He is master of every impossible situation.

Word Walk

Sufficiency. When we use what we have, God will make it enough to meet the need. Like the disciples, we often see no way out. If we turn to Christ and listen to His instructions, our Lord will help us conquer any crisis.

Read Mark 6 to learn more about sufficiency and then read the Power Points below.

Power Points

Below are valuable lessons you can apply to your life.

1. Rest and relaxation are part of our Lord's agenda. When the disciples finished their work, Jesus told them to rest (Mark 6:31).
2. Hungry people go where they can be fed. The spiritually hungry followed Jesus to hear more about His Kingdom (Mark 6:33).
3. Our plans are limited, but God's are great. The disciples wanted to send the crowd away. Jesus had a far better idea (Mark 6:36).
4. Miracles happen as we move in obedience. The bread and fish multiplied as the disciples distributed it (Mark 6:41).
5. A little is a lot when God is in it. Jesus took the little food available and multiplied it to meet the great need (Mark 6:42).

Prayer

Dear Lord, when I have exhausted my store of endurance; when my strength has failed and the day is half done; and when I reach the end of my resources, let me rest in knowing that you are my Provider — the One who determines and supplies all of my need (not wants) through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing

I hope you have been blessed by today's manna. I really encourage you to visit our Scripture of the Day page each day for spiritual sustenance.