John 6: 66
Yes, John 666 - says
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
What? They turned their backs on Jesus and no longer followed him? Did this really happen and when. Well, let's look at John 6. First Jesus feed the 5000 with two fish and 5 loaves of bread. Then Jesus walks on water. Miracle after miracle Jesus does and then turn away. It was the next teaching that offended them.
John 6: 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God only he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died.50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
The Jews began to argue - how can this man give us flesh to eat. They took it literal. They couldn't understand that the way to the Father was through the Son.
The disciples even tell Jesus this in verse 60 - "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” But Jesus tries to explain to them - The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
But it is at the point some followers fell away - the twelve stuck with Him - even the one who will go on to betray Him.
Surrender the Flesh - Live in the Spirit
Easier said then done. Sometimes when I study, or listen to some uplifting music, or especially go on a retreat - I experience a Spiritual high. All is right and I am going to march forward with the Holy Spirit marching before me and I can do no wrong, right until life happens. Yup - the road is paved with good intentions.
For too many years I lived in the flesh and not the spirit - I did what made me happy, but in truth I was not happy. I couldn't find happiness as I went dating from man to man. I wasn't happy at work and I wasn't even truly happy at church.
One time I went to a Baptist Church's special Woman's Conference - I went up front for a special hands on healing time. When I got to the preacher - she blew into my face and said you - you have a gift from God. What gift I thought - my thought was don't tell me I have a gift-tell me what the gift it. Around the same time I went to a psychic, not that I really believe in them, but I use to love seeing this one lady who was a particular funny character. She looked at me and said, oh....you have the gift. So now I got THE gift, but I still don't know what the gift is.
I am still not sure what this gift is that they both talked about, but I try to use everything God has given me. I teach Sunday School, I sing in the choir and I write - I write this blog and sometimes I just write for myself. Is that my gift, I guess God will let me know.
What's my Mission
Some people have a mission and they try to pull you into their mission. I found that to be true with a recent sex trafficking committee at my Church. I think is was just a thought that if there is a committee - Bev will be on it. But I didn't feel the call to be on this committee - others did and I am glad.
I just listened to the Pope talk to Congress, and I love this Pope and his call to help the poor is wonderful.
I think God instills in everyone a different mission or ministry. If we all had the same gifts I think that would be boring - I think God gives us different gifts so that we can all work for the good of God and the community.
Maybe mine is teaching, but you never know who you can teach on a day to day basis. Not all learning happens in the classroom.
Surrendering
Surrendering it all to God, might be the hardest yet easiest thing to do. The trouble with me is that I didn't get this until my 50's - I say so many times to God, why couldn't I have know this earlier. And He simply says, "You were not ready".
How do you surrender - Let go and let God.
Rick Warren says it best - "You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be in charge. Instead of trying harder, you trust more."
So let's pray
Dear God:
I am nothing with out you, I surrender all to you, instruct me, show me the way, and better still help me to listen to you. Every day in Every way. Thank you Lord, for being with me. Thank for the blessings you give me everyday and may my eyes and heart be open to seeing them. Amen
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