Manna for Your Morning

“When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.” — Luke 9:10-11 (NLT) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT) He still brings healing and wholeness to those who are sick. And He still welcomes ALL who choose to follow Him. In Luke 9:23 (NLT), Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” May we give up our own ways, and follow Yeshua every day. He will empower us to walk in the ways of the Kingdom of God.

Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.” — Proverbs 1:20-21, 23-24 (NLT) “...wisdom’s song is not always heard in the halls of higher learning. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life its lyrics can always be heard above the din of the crowd. You will hear wisdom’s warning as she preaches courageously to those who stop to listen:” (Proverbs 1:21 TPT) …listen to what wisdom says, and treasure her commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on gaining understanding. (See Proverbs 2:1-2 NLT) All who listen to wisdom will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. (See Proverbs 1:33 NLT)

Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. — Matthew 9:35-36 (MSG) Jesus came that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b, NIV). If we are limping through life, bruised and hurt, Jesus, the good Shepherd, wants to care for us.  He does not leave us on our own. If we are wandering through life aimlessly, and without purpose, Jesus shows us the way to a full, purpose-driven life. His light clears up any confusion and allows us to clearly see the way we need to take. Follow the good Shepherd.