Monday, December 23, 2024

Apostolic Life ( Prayer Warriors)'s Post

In the book of Mark, we find a powerful example of the compassion and grace of Jesus in action. In chapter 6, we see Jesus faced with a multitude of people who were hungry and in need of food. With only five loaves of bread and two fish, it would have been easy for Jesus to feel overwhelmed and resentful at the demands of the people. After all, He was human too and had every right to feel pressured and burdened by their needs.

But how did Jesus respond in this situation?

He did something that we can all learn from – He looked up to heaven. In verse 41, it says, “When He had taken the five loaves and two fish, He looked up to heaven.” This simple action has profound meaning and lessons that we can apply to our own lives.

Firstly, by looking up to heaven, Jesus reminded himself of God’s perspective. The phrase “looked up” signifies not just a physical action but also a spiritual one. It means to recover sight that was lost, as we see in Luke 4:18 where Jesus says, “He has sent me to proclaim recovery of sight to the blind.” By looking up to heaven, Jesus was reminding himself of the bigger picture – that God’s perspective is not limited by earthly circumstances.

Moreover, heaven is a place of abundance, where there is no lack or pressure. By looking up to heaven, Jesus was reaffirming His faith in God’s provision and His ability to bring heaven’s resources into earth’s lack. This is a powerful lesson for us, especially in times of need or pressure. Instead of being consumed by the demands and pressures of the world, we are called to look up to God and trust in His abundance.

Secondly, Jesus focused on God’s goodness and love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This is the heart of the Gospel – that God loves us and desires to bless us. By looking up to heaven, Jesus was reminding Himself of God’s love and goodness. In doing so, He was able to shift His focus from the problem to the solution, from the negative to the positive.
This is a vital lesson for us as well. Whatever we focus upon grows greater in our lives. If we focus on the negatives, they will hold us captive and consume our hearts. But if we choose to focus on the glorious person of God – who He is and His love for us – we will experience a transformation in our perspective and attitudes.
Finally, we see Jesus bringing heaven to earth through His actions. He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them, and multiplied them to feed thousands of people. This is a beautiful picture of how we are called to live as Christians – to bring heaven’s provision to earth, to speak blessings, and to be instruments of God’s love and goodness.

In conclusion, the example of Jesus in Mark 6:41 teaches us valuable lessons about looking up to God in times of pressure and need. It reminds us to open our eyes to God’s perspective, to focus on His goodness and love, and to bring heaven to earth through our actions and words. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the demands and pressures of life, remember to “look up” and see things from God’s perspective.
By: Apostolic Life via Apostolic Life ( Prayer Warriors)

Monday, December 16, 2024

Apostolic Life ( Prayer Warriors)'s Post

*The Spiritual Attack*

Fear can influence the spirit and soul of man. Persistent fears cause spiritual paralysis. No man who has a heart of fear is capable of great feats of spiritual attainment.

Fear is a chain that binds the soul, a force that breaks communion with God. A fearful person cannot live in the presence of God.

The truly great men of history were men who overcame fear. The roots of their faith went deep into the sacred love of the Creator of the universe. They knew Him; and because they knew Him, they did not fear. Chapter 11 of Hebrews describes some of these heroes of faith.

To Abraham, God said; “Fear not!” Abraham believed and became one of the greatest men of all history.

Moses was not afraid. Though it meant incurring the wrath of the emperor, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He led forth from Egypt some three million slaves who became the great nation of Israel.

Joshua was not afraid. Even though warring kings and soldiers outnumbered him, they crumbled before his daring faith.

David was not afraid. He could fight a bear, a lion, a giant. He said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...” (Ps. 23:4).

Fear brings spiritual poverty to the soul. The gifts and fruits of the Spirit wither and die under the continued successful assault of fear.

For a healthy spiritual life, Christians must live above fear.
By: Apostolic Life via Apostolic Life ( Prayer Warriors)

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Apostolic Life ( Prayer Warriors)'s Post

In the book of Mark, we find a powerful example of the compassion and grace of Jesus in action. In chapter 6, we see Jesus faced with a mult...

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