UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES
Suggested Reading: Mark 8
(click scripture link to read online)
This is the traditional location where Jesus fed the 4000, on the east side of the Galilee just below the Golan Heights. This was primarily a Gentile crowd. It is thought that the large crowd may have gathered as a result of the demoniac who was delivered and likely witnessed to his entire village, returning with thousands to meet Jesus. The rock pictured on the left has an inscription, "Here Gentiles gave glory to the God of Israel" - Matt. 15:32
GOOGLE MAPS – See where Reynold took the photo Click HERE.
Key Verse: Mark 8:6
So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.
Again the disciples faced circumstances over which they had no control. As Reynold pointed out in his photo caption, the region where this miracle took place was a non-Jewish area. Jesus reached out to all people everywhere, including the mainly Gentile population. Notice that Jesus, “gave thanks.” He thanked His Father even before any miracle had been performed. He knew that He could trust His Father, and His Father would never fail Him. There was no desperation with Jesus when He addressed the Father. I don’t read that He begged, cried loudly or took out the prayer book. We need not panic. Instead, in every circumstance, GIVE THANKS!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, please be honoured today by my trust in You. I “GIVE THANKS” now for Your grace given to me to trust You in all things. I want to live above the circumstances and not under them. I thank You that with Your presence, all things are possible. I pray this through the Person of Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My brother-in-law, Ralph Rutledge, heard me say on one occasion, “under these circumstances,” and he said, “David, what are you doing under there?” I’ve never forgotten that question. Faith and obedience lift me up, and I see the challenges from a higher place. God’s Word changes my perspective completely. In the reading for today, the story is told of the blind man that Jesus took by the hand and led out of the village, where Jesus laid hands on the man twice for healing. With Jesus, once would’ve been sufficient, I’m sure. I’ve needed at least twice in praying for miracles and laying on hands for healing. I’ve had to pray for the same person three or more times, and eventually I’ve seen miracles of healing from time to time. Over this two-year daily journey through the Bible, I may share with you stories of miracles I’ve seen. I hesitate to do this because it may point to me instead of to Jesus. I want to be very careful that He alone is seen as the Source of the miracle. On the 100 Huntley Street telecast, there is a policy that no miracles are claimed without ample documentation, medical records, etc.
Yours for living above the circumstances,
David
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Jesus always fills those who seek after Him. If you’ve enjoyed this story of the feeding of the 4,000 and have the time, read the discourse in John chapter 6 which is similar (although probably presented to a more Hebrew audience in a different geographical area), I think you’ll enjoy it for it’s somewhat expanded theological influence. Jn. 6:51 (NLT) “I am the living bread come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Giving thanks in all circumstances can seem counter intuitive at the time, yet certainly keeps one from being burried under those circumstances. I have heard it said that if we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change! I respect your policy of authenticating miracles. I am awestruck every time I visit the Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica near Quebec City, where crutches and other aids are hung on a wall, from a miracle of healing there which took place.
Hi David, Thanks for reminding us not to panic,l was just in the hospital waiting room as l was about to have some tests taken when l suddenly became very fearful. Just before leaving the house,l picked up my Bible Promise Book that just happened to be sitting on the coffee table. When this fear tried to grip me l turned to the page dealing with promises that combat fear in God’s word.l began to read them and it lifted off me almost immediately. Then the receptionist asked me what l was reading and wanted to know where she could buy a little book like that. l was able to witness to her and gave her my copy. She was thrilled! God is wonderfully faithful and marvelously in control.He is doing miracles all time,isn’t it wonderful to be a child of God!
Last Friday I was layed off from my employment, due to the company loosing a large amount of work from two key accounts. As a result my position was eliminated. Yet instead of Panic, I have been thanking God for my circumstances, I feel at peace that he has this in control and will take care of all our families needs. I still need to pray about this, but I am doing my best to follow what God has instore for us and our family. Thank you for your 100word posts, this has become a wonderful way for me to begin each day reading God’s word and prayer. Blessings to you David.
David
It is important to give thanks in all circumstances but sometimes I forget
I do say grace though. Thank you for reminding me.
Thank you for reminding me
Lianne Hogg
Thank you David for the reminder not to get all stressed out when difficulties come into our lives, but to pray and give thanks.
Amen.. Fear Not for He is with us…Joshua 1.8,9 ….Through the last 18 months of this Body/Lung Disease…i have learned just this in a different way about Jesus….Saying Thank You … not Please….. Jesus as my Guide..looked up to Heaven to His Father and said..Thank You Father that you hear me…and then fed the people…i see he never said ( please ) so Thank you it is…as i seek His Face..not..His Hands.. but when He is ready to Heal my Body…i am ready to Receive ..i know this is Kingdom Work..and He a my Father knows best & the end result…as I wait on the Lord..( Isaiah 40.31 ) as we decrease and let Him increase..all Glory to you Lord Jesus…..
Thank You!! God is amazing and I’m very grateful for your blog.
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