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January 2, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Come As You Are, by Skye Noe
I am a problem solver. I enjoy the challenge involved with identifying
a problem and then creating a solution. The process of problem solving
is not easy. The most difficult part of solving a problem is creating a
solution using only your available resources. If anything were
possible, money were no object and everyone one agreed with me, then
most problems would be pretty easy to solve. Unfortunately, money is
always a factor, only certain things are possible and hardly anyone
agrees with me.
This is what constantly amazes me about the efficiency with which God
is able to solve our problems. It's not that I have any doubt
concerning his power to create solutions; it's just amazing that he
completes His plans using us! God is a master at solving problems using
the small resources we bring to the table.
One story that shows God's desire to empower us is when Jesus took five
small loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. As thousands
of people gathered near Jesus, he began to question his disciples about
how the crowd would eat. One of Jesus' disciples, Philip, answered him
explaining that "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for
each one to have a bite!" Then another disciple came forward; Andrew,
Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley
loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
How foolish Andrew must have felt with this suggestion. The problem has
been defined; five thousand people need food to eat. Jesus must find a
solution and the best idea that comes up is five small loaves and two
fish. Jesus could have easily made bread fall from heaven or fish fall
from the sky, but instead he empowered the resources around him. He
took Andrew's suggestion and made it work.
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass
in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those
who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the
fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his
disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be
wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the
pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began
to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world"
(John 6:10-14).
How far will they go among so many?
In the same way, God continues to solve our problems today. We come to
the table offering very little, but the power of God solves the
greatest problems. We are empowered through the Holy Spirit to
accomplish God's will for our lives.
If you would like to learn more about the awesome power of God and His
plan for your life, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org.
(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing,
retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article.
Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org)
Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!"
This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If
you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you,
sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life,
whatever you've done, you can begin again.
You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions
about becoming a new creation.
---------
(c) 2008 Herald of Truth
RELATED LINKS:
* Resolve to Follow Christ's Path
http://www.heartlight.com/articles/200703/20070321_resolution.html
* Invited into the Family
http://hopeforlife.org/step4/godsfamily.php
* Let Me Tell You About Jesus and His Church
http://hopeforlife.org/step4/jesuschurch.php
* Hope for Life
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200801/20080102_Come2me.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
WILD AT HEART, by John Eldredge
Helping men rediscover their masculine heart, this is a guide to
understanding Christian manhood and Christian men.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?153
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
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