https://esv.literalword.com/?q=hosea+14%3B+john+6
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 8 November 2023:
Hosea 14:9 — Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
The Founding Fathers said truth is self-evident – it reveals itself. God’s truths are self-evident, eventually revealed in consequences – “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live….” (Deuteronomy 30:19; see John 5:14 and Luke 13:3-5)
John 16:35 — Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
From Henry T. Blackaby – “We know how to use physical bread. Whenever we are hungry we simply go and eat. Do we do that spiritually? Jesus said if we believe in Him, we will never be spiritually hungry, or malnourished, for He is the ‘bread of life.’ Every time we face a spiritual need, it is a simple matter of going to Christ and allowing Him to provide us with what we need.
Our problem is that sometimes we interpret Scripture based on our own experience. We say, ‘Yes, but I remember a time when I was spiritually hungry.’ If that is true, then either God did not tell the truth, or we misinterpreted our experience. Could it be that we tried to satisfy our spiritual hunger with human resources? Could it be that we relied so heavily upon friends and the experiences of others that we have never learned how to go to Christ for our own spiritual food? Could it be that we had a great spiritual feast several years ago, and we were so ‘full’ of Christ that we thought we would never have to eat again? We grew lean and hungry because we were still operating on an encounter with God we had years ago. If you are lacking something spiritually, it is not because God does not have an abundance of resources prepared and available for you. It is that you have not come to Him in faith as He invites (John 10:10).
When God gave manna in the wilderness, the children of Israel had to go out each day to receive God’s daily provision. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ Spiritual nourishment is something you must seek daily. Have you found spiritual food from Christ today?”
John 6:37, 44, 45, 63, 65 — All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out…. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me…. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all…. This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.
God chose you before you chose Him. God took the initiative in your relationship with Him. Had he not, you would not have a relationship with Him. Life comes from the Spirit not from human effort. The fact that you were Chosen by God for eternal life should drive you to true worship, surrender, obedience, and love.
From Henry T. Blackaby – “The Father Draws You — Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth, He never seemed intimidated by the crowds. Instead, He looked into the multitudes and focused on those whom His Father was sending to Him. Jesus knew that because of sin, no one naturally seeks after God. Sinful man’s inclination is to hide from God, rather than to come to Him (Gen. 3:8; Ps. 14:1-3). Therefore, whenever Jesus saw that the Father was drawing a person to Himself, Jesus immediately began relating to that person.
Jesus observed the great lengths to which the despised tax collector, Zacchaeus, had gone in order to see Him pass by. In response, Jesus immediately left the crowd and spent time with this man in whom the Father was obviously working (Luke 19:1-10). When Jesus noticed a man following after Him, Jesus spoke to Andrew, ‘Come!’ (John 1:39). Every time the disciples experienced a new insight into the truths of God, Jesus recognized that it was the Father who had been at work in their lives (Matt. 16:17).
As the multitudes gathered around Jesus, He spoke some truths that were difficult for the people to grasp (John 6:60). So challenging were His words that many of His listeners departed, but Jesus did not become discouraged. He saw that the Father was working in the lives of His disciples, and that is where Jesus invested His time. As you desire to spend time alone with Jesus, recognize that this is the Father drawing you to His Son. You do not seek quiet times with God in order to experience Him. The fact that He has brought you to a place of fellowship with Him is evidence that you are already sensing His activity. As you read the Scriptures and pray, trust that God will honor your response to His leading by teaching you more about Himself.”
John 6:38 — For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Jesus proclaimed that His life purpose was to do the will of the Father. This is your life purpose too. How are you doing?
John 6:40 — For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
The will of the Father is to reconcile people to Him through Jesus that they would have eternal life with Him. You have been given this message and ministry of reconciliation on earth. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) How are you doing?
John 6:60-61, 66 — When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this?” … After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
Jesus knew that many people would not accept Him and His teachings, but He also knew that those drawn to Him by the Father would. So, Jesus boldly proclaimed the truth, let the Spirit work, and did not worry about rejection. Are you withholding the Name of Jesus Christ from your daily conversations in order to avoid some sort of professional or social rejection? Do you think that it is wise to be “subtle?” Too often, Christians justify cowardice as tactfulness. Better to ere on the side of boldness. God, not us, determines who will accept Jesus. Do not miss your opportunity to say the Name today.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 8 November 2023: Share the Gospel with someone today, and trust God with the response.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 