I’m Hungry, Momma.

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“Give us this day our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11

They are dying! Does anyone care?  Every year over 15 million children around the world die from hunger.  Since you began reading this, at least 9 children have died.  UNICEF statistics from the turn of the century stated as many as ¼ of the world’s population survive on less than $1 US/day.  The World Hunger organization reports that in 2010 the price index of food is at an all time high ~ 200% greater than the 2002-2004 average.  This is higher than the highest point during the 2008 economic recession.

Every day children all over the world are waking up hungry and going to bed hungry, with zero relief in between.  I am convinced this was not intended when these words left Jesus lips when he was teaching His disciples to pray.  We are here to serve one another and to serve the Lord in doing it.  His children are intended to be His feet on the street and help those in need with the compassion and love of God the Father.

God provides for everything we need in this life.  I propose that the “daily bread” referred to in Matthew 6 refers to everything essential we need each day.  This includes His Word, His love, His peace, comfort and compassion.  True nourishment comes from developing a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.  When we rely upon Him we take on a new perspective to the daily problems in life.  When we realize that regardless of the pain, suffering and anguish we experience in any given day, Jesus Christ is with us and in us; we are made strong.  As our relationship grows; our compassion, love and desire to help others grows as well.  We begin displaying Him in everything we do, including helping others who are hurting.

We can allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with life’s busyness and completely miss the need.  Each day we must begin with a foundation of truth and strength from the Lord.  In time you will wake each day with pains, claiming I’m hungry and it won’t be food you desire but a richer word from the Lord.

Prayer:
Loving God,

All powerful and loving Father.  You have given me everything I need in this life.  Help me to recognize Your work in my daily walk, such that I can grow in my relationship with You.  I trust in Your promise to provide for all of my needs, and I strive to share that with others as well.  Forgive me for my weakness and my self-centeredness.  You alone are God and in You I cast my worries and fears.  In Your name I pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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One Day at a Time

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11

Did today look different when you woke up, or was it just another alarm clock morning of getting ready for work, school or the busyness of the day?  Ask the folks in Hugo, Colorado if their morning looks different after tornadoes ripped through their community yesterday, or the people of the Ukraine after all the violence in the last 5 months or the citizens of Maiduguri, Nigeria after the Boko Haram Terrorists slaughtered over 200 people on Monday.  It often takes things of significant proportion for us to wake up and realize what we take for granted each and every day.  Most of us live monotonous lives.  We go through the same cyclical events each day because it is something we know, not because we lack the desire to be spontaneous or adventurous.  

God calls us each day to join forces with Him and take on the opportunities in each day to share His love with others.  The Lord’s Prayer (found in Matthew 6) references our daily bread.  Daily we need nourishment and sustenance to make it through the day’s activities.  This nourishment though is more than just food; it includes spiritual nourishment and the merciful grace of God sufficient for this one period of time.  Every single day, though similar in appearance, holds a unique opportunity to celebrate His love and share it with those around you.  In Matthew 26:26, Jesus refers to the bread as a symbol of His body and His purpose.  For, to eat of this bread, we are committing to remember Him in our actions, words and experiences throughout the day. 

This is why I take the time each and every morning to spend quietly reflecting on what God has in store for me this day.  Not to request things from Him, but to hear from Him what He will have for me.  Some days this is 5 minutes, some days it is 45 minutes.  This daily bread from God provides the nourishment I need for today, and brings a freshness and newness to each day I am blessed to put my feet on the ground.  So many times we enter into prayer asking God for things, rather than seeking His purpose for the day.  I encourage you to find a moment each day to quiet yourself, calm your breathing, close your eyes and simply ask the Lord, “God – how might I serve you today.” Then comes the important part – take the action to fulfill what has been asked.

Heavenly Father,

I seek Your will in my life.  I commit to serve You and to bring Your love, grace and mercy to others as You have placed them in my life.  Feed my soul with Your daily bread of life, that I might be filled with the Holy Spirit throughout this day.  Holy Spirit guide my steps and actions.  How might I serve You today?  In Your name I pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts