From Gary... The reality of a rainbow...

From the NASA picture of the day...  http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html   A Full Circle Rainbow over Australia
Image Credit & Copyright: Colin Leonhardt (Birdseye View Photography)  
Explanation: Have you ever seen an entire rainbow? From the ground, typically, only the top portion of a rainbow is visible because directions toward the ground have fewer raindrops. From the air, though, the entire 360 degree circle of a rainbow is more commonly visible. Pictured here, a full circle rainbow was captured over Cottesloe Beach near Perth, Australia last year by a helicopter flying between a setting sun and a downpour. An observer-dependent phenomenon primarily caused by the internal reflection of sunlight by raindrops, the 84-degree diameter rainbow followed the helicopter, intact, for about 5 kilometers. As a bonus, a second rainbow that was more faint and color-reversed was visible outside the first.

Today is a day of humility for me. For something like 15 years, I have been going to the NASA website and viewing their picture of the day. I would estimate that I have viewed probably a thousand or more pictures of astronomical nature, but never, ever something like this. Frankly, I had no idea that rainbows were really ROUND!!!!  So, this picture is an eye-opener!!!!  As a frail representative of the human race, I think I know a few things and over time become convinced that some things are absolutely correct. And I am NOT ALONE IN THIS!!!  Consider Job: righteous in his own eyes and suffering, most of the book that bears his name concerns itself with arguments between human beings over the reasons WHY Job is suffering so.  But not all, for in the later part of this tale, Job interacts with God HIMSELF!!!  The following is a an excerpt from the exchange....

 

Job 38:1-41 NASB
(1)  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
(2)  "Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
(3)  "Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
(4)  "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding,
(5)  Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it?
(6)  "On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone,
(7)  When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
(8)  "Or who enclosed the sea with doors When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;
(9)  When I made a cloud its garment And thick darkness its swaddling band,
(10)  And I placed boundaries on it And set a bolt and doors,
(11)  And I said, 'Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here shall your proud waves stop'?
(12)  "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place,
(13)  That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it?
(14)  "It is changed like clay under the seal; And they stand forth like a garment.
(15)  "From the wicked their light is withheld, And the uplifted arm is broken.
(16)  "Have you entered into the springs of the sea Or walked in the recesses of the deep?
(17)  "Have the gates of death been revealed to you, Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
(18)  "Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.
(19)  "Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place,
(20)  That you may take it to its territory And that you may discern the paths to its home?
(21)  "You know, for you were born then, And the number of your days is great!
(22)  "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
(23)  Which I have reserved for the time of distress, For the day of war and battle?
(24)  "Where is the way that the light is divided, Or the east wind scattered on the earth?
(25)  "Who has cleft a channel for the flood, Or a way for the thunderbolt,
(26)  To bring rain on a land without people, On a desert without a man in it,
(27)  To satisfy the waste and desolate land And to make the seeds of grass to sprout?
(28)  "Has the rain a father? Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
(29)  "From whose womb has come the ice? And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth?
(30)  "Water becomes hard like stone, And the surface of the deep is imprisoned.
(31)  "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, Or loose the cords of Orion?
(32)  "Can you lead forth a constellation in its season, And guide the Bear with her satellites?
(33)  "Do you know the ordinances of the heavens, Or fix their rule over the earth?
(34)  "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, So that an abundance of water will cover you?
(35)  "Can you send forth lightnings that they may go And say to you, 'Here we are'?
(36)  "Who has put wisdom in the innermost being Or given understanding to the mind?
(37)  "Who can count the clouds by wisdom, Or tip the water jars of the heavens,
(38)  When the dust hardens into a mass And the clods stick together?
(39)  "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
(40)  When they crouch in their dens And lie in wait in their lair?
(41)  "Who prepares for the raven its nourishment When its young cry to God And wander about without food?

Job 40:1-5 NASB
(1)  Then the LORD said to Job,
(2)  "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it."
(3)  Then Job answered the LORD and said,
(4)  "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.
(5)  "Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more."

Now, I couldn't answer all those questions of chapter 38 and I doubt anyone will ever be able to do so (let alone chapter 39).  Then God Almighty says a few more things to Job... and HE GETS IT; JOB IS INSIGNIFICANT AND CANNOT REPLY ANY FURTHER!!!!  Which is exactly the way I felt when viewing the rainbow above!!!!!  Like I said.... Today is a day of humility (and the joke is on me- and it is a joke in the ROUND!!!!). My prayer for today is that God will teach me what I really need to know- and do it GENTLY!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading September 30

 

Bible Reading  

September 30

The World English Bible

Sept. 30

Psalms 118-120

Psa 118:1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 118:2 Let Israel now say that his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say that his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 118:4 Now let those who fear Yahweh say that his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 118:5 Out of my distress, I called on Yah. Yah answered me with freedom.

Psa 118:6 Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psa 118:7 Yahweh is on my side among those who help me. Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

Psa 118:8 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man.

Psa 118:9 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princes.

Psa 118:10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of Yahweh, I cut them off.

Psa 118:11 They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the name of Yahweh I indeed cut them off.

Psa 118:12 They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the name of Yahweh I cut them off.

Psa 118:13 You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but Yahweh helped me.

Psa 118:14 Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.

Psa 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. "The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.

Psa 118:16 The right hand of Yahweh is exalted! The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!"

Psa 118:17 I will not die, but live, and declare Yah's works.

Psa 118:18 Yah has punished me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Psa 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to Yah.

Psa 118:20 This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it.

Psa 118:21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.

Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

Psa 118:23 This is Yahweh's doing. It is marvelous in our eyes.

Psa 118:24 This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Psa 118:25 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.

Psa 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh! We have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh.

Psa 118:27 Yahweh is God, and he has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

Psa 118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you. You are my God, I will exalt you.

Psa 118:29 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 119:1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh's law.

Psa 119:2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.

Psa 119:3 Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.

Psa 119:4 You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.

Psa 119:5 Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!

Psa 119:6 Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.

Psa 119:7 I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.

Psa 119:8 I will observe your statutes. Don't utterly forsake me.

Psa 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psa 119:10 With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don't let me wander from your commandments.

Psa 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psa 119:12 Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:13 With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.

Psa 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

Psa 119:15 I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

Psa 119:16 I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

Psa 119:17 Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.

Psa 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.

Psa 119:19 I am a stranger on the earth. Don't hide your commandments from me.

Psa 119:20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.

Psa 119:21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.

Psa 119:22 Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.

Psa 119:23 Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Psa 119:24 Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.

Psa 119:25 My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!

Psa 119:26 I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.

Psa 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.

Psa 119:29 Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!

Psa 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.

Psa 119:31 I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don't let me be disappointed.

Psa 119:32 I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.

Psa 119:33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.

Psa 119:34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.

Psa 119:35 Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.

Psa 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.

Psa 119:37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.

Psa 119:38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.

Psa 119:39 Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.

Psa 119:40 Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.

Psa 119:41 Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh, your salvation, according to your word.

Psa 119:42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.

Psa 119:43 Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.

Psa 119:44 So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.

Psa 119:45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

Psa 119:46 I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.

Psa 119:47 I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.

Psa 119:48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.

Psa 119:49 Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.

Psa 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.

Psa 119:51 The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don't swerve from your law.

Psa 119:52 I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself.

Psa 119:53 Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.

Psa 119:54 Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live.

Psa 119:55 I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law.

Psa 119:56 This is my way, that I keep your precepts.

Psa 119:57 Yahweh is my portion. I promised to obey your words.

Psa 119:58 I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.

Psa 119:59 I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.

Psa 119:60 I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.

Psa 119:61 The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget your law.

Psa 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.

Psa 119:63 I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.

Psa 119:64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:65 Do good to your servant, according to your word, Yahweh.

Psa 119:66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

Psa 119:67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.

Psa 119:68 You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.

Psa 119:70 Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.

Psa 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.

Psa 119:72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Psa 119:73 Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.

Psa 119:74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.

Psa 119:75 Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Psa 119:76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

Psa 119:77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

Psa 119:78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.

Psa 119:79 Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.

Psa 119:80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.

Psa 119:81 My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.

Psa 119:82 My eyes fail for your word. I say, "When will you comfort me?"

Psa 119:83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don't forget your statutes.

Psa 119:84 How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?

Psa 119:85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.

Psa 119:86 All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!

Psa 119:87 They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts.

Psa 119:88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

Psa 119:89 Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever.

Psa 119:90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.

Psa 119:91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.

Psa 119:92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

Psa 119:93 I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.

Psa 119:94 I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.

Psa 119:95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.

Psa 119:96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.

Psa 119:97 How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.

Psa 119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.

Psa 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

Psa 119:100 I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.

Psa 119:101 I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.

Psa 119:102 I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me.

Psa 119:103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!

Psa 119:104 Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Psa 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Psa 119:106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.

Psa 119:107 I am afflicted very much. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word.

Psa 119:108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.

Psa 119:109 My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won't forget your law.

Psa 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.

Psa 119:111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

Psa 119:112 I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.

Psa 119:113 I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.

Psa 119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.

Psa 119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

Psa 119:116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Psa 119:117 Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.

Psa 119:118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.

Psa 119:119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.

Psa 119:120 My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.

Psa 119:121 I have done what is just and righteous. Don't leave me to my oppressors.

Psa 119:122 Ensure your servant's well-being. Don't let the proud oppress me.

Psa 119:123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.

Psa 119:124 Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:125 I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.

Psa 119:126 It is time to act, Yahweh, for they break your law.

Psa 119:127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.

Psa 119:128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.

Psa 119:129 Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.

Psa 119:130 The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.

Psa 119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.

Psa 119:132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.

Psa 119:133 Establish my footsteps in your word. Don't let any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psa 119:134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.

Psa 119:135 Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:136 Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don't observe your law.

Psa 119:137 You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright.

Psa 119:138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.

Psa 119:139 My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.

Psa 119:140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

Psa 119:141 I am small and despised. I don't forget your precepts.

Psa 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.

Psa 119:143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.

Psa 119:144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.

Psa 119:145 I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes.

Psa 119:146 I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.

Psa 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.

Psa 119:148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.

Psa 119:149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.

Psa 119:150 They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.

Psa 119:151 You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth.

Psa 119:152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.

Psa 119:153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don't forget your law.

Psa 119:154 Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.

Psa 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don't seek your statutes.

Psa 119:156 Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances.

Psa 119:157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.

Psa 119:158 I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don't observe your word.

Psa 119:159 Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.

Psa 119:160 All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

Psa 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Psa 119:162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil.

Psa 119:163 I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.

Psa 119:164 Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.

Psa 119:165 Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.

Psa 119:166 I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh. I have done your commandments.

Psa 119:167 My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.

Psa 119:168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

Psa 119:169 Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word.

Psa 119:170 Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.

Psa 119:171 Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.

Psa 119:172 Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.

Psa 119:173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

Psa 119:174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight.

Psa 119:175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.

Psa 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.

Psa 120:1 In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me.

Psa 120:2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

Psa 120:3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?

Psa 120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Psa 120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Psa 120:6 My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace.

Psa 120:7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.

 

Sept. 30

2 Corinthians 10

2Co 10:1 Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

2Co 10:2 Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh;

2Co 10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

2Co 10:5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

2Co 10:6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

2Co 10:7 Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's.

2Co 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

2Co 10:9 that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.

2Co 10:10 For, "His letters," they say, "are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised."

2Co 10:11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

2Co 10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

2Co 10:13 But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.

2Co 10:14 For we don't stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn't reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ,

2Co 10:15 not boasting beyond proper limits in other men's labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,

2Co 10:16 so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.

2Co 10:17 But "he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."

2Co 10:18 For it isn't he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

From Mark Copeland... Two Kinds Of Food (John 6:27)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                        Two Kinds Of Food (6:27)

INTRODUCTION

1. Among the miracles of Jesus that attracted great attention was the
   feeding of 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fish - Jn 6:1-13
   a. Many came to believe in Him as the Prophet to come - Jn 6:14; cf.
      Deut 18:15
   b. Some wanted to take Him by force and make Him king - Jn 6:15
   c. People sought to follow Him - Jn 6:22,24-25

2. Jesus, who knew the hearts of men (Jn 2:25), perceived their selfish
   motives...
   a. They were interested only in the food, not what the miracle
      indicated - Jn 6:26
   b. Prompting Jesus to warn them about the food for which they labor
      - Jn 6:27

[The words of Jesus in our text (Jn 6:27) reveal there are "Two Kinds Of
Food", one that perishes and another that endures.  As we seek to apply
Jesus' admonition to our own lives, let's consider...]

I. THE FOOD WHICH PERISHES

   A. WHAT FOOD IS THIS...?
      1. Literally, it is the food we eat
         a. It quickly perishes, even with the benefit of preservatives
         b. It fails to satisfy for long, soon we are hungry and thirsty
            again - cf. Jn 4:13
      2. Figuratively, there are other "foods" which soon perish
         a. The food of human wisdom
         b. The food of folly
         c. The food of mirth and pleasure
         d. The food of great wealth and industrious labor
         -- Which Solomon found to provide no lasting fulfillment - cf.
            Ec 1:17; 2:1-2,3-11

   B. DO NOT LABOR FOR SUCH FOOD...
      1. This does not mean we are to make no effort to supply our needs
         a. A Christian is to provide for his family - 1Ti 5:8
         b. If a man does not work, neither should he eat - 2Th 3:10-12
      2. But that we not do so to the neglect of food which endures
         a. The "food" which perishes should not be our priority in life
            - cf. Mt 6:33
         b. A lesson that Martha needed to learn - Lk 10:38-42

[Sadly, many people expend much time, energy, and money for "food" which
soon perishes.  Jesus would have people direct their life's efforts
toward...]

II. THE FOOD WHICH ENDURES

   A. WHAT FOOD IS THIS...?
      1. In other texts, it is the Word of God
         a. By which man truly lives - cf. Mt 4:4
         b. Which Job treasured more than necessary food - Job 23:12
         c. Which David valued more than gold and fine food - Ps 19:10;
            119:72,103,11
         d. Which Jeremiah found to be the rejoicing of his heart - Jer 15:16
         e. Which causes rebirth, and endures forever - 1Pe 1:22-25
      2. In our text, it is Jesus, the Word of God
         a. Jesus, the Logos (Word) of God - Jn 1:1,14,18
         b. He is the true bread from the Father in heaven - Jn 6:31-35
         c. He is the bread of life who offers everlasting life  - Jn 6:
            47-51

   B. LABOR FOR THIS FOOD...
      1. Jesus must be the primary focus of our labors, in which we
         strive:
         a. To believe in Him, for therein is everlasting life - Jn 6:
            28-29,40
         b. To follow Him, for He has the words of eternal life - Jn 6:
            66-69
         c. To know Him, for that is eternal life - Jn 17:1-3
         d. To obey Him, for to those who obey He is the author of
            eternal life - He 5:9
      2. Are we laboring for the food which endures to everlasting life?
         a. Let Paul's attitude be our example - Php 3:7-15
            1) Seeking to know the Lord more and more
            2) Never content with our current understanding, always
               pressing further
         b. Let Peter's exhortation to diligence in growing in the
            knowledge of Jesus Christ set the standard - 2Pe 1:5-8;
            3:18
            1) Seeking to become like the Lord more and more
            2) Always abounding, always growing in grace and knowledge

CONCLUSION

1. Dear friends and brethren, for what "food" do you labor...?
   a. Is your focus in life on that which is temporary?
   b. Do you strive for that which cannot truly satisfy?
   -- If so, consider what Isaiah wrote 700 years before Christ came
      - Isa 55:1-4

2. Jesus is the true bread of life, the living water, who truly
   satisfies...
   a. He alone provides the hope of eternal life - Jn 6:40
   b. He alone offers the abundant life even now - Jn 10:11

Though written by Isaiah, these words may serve as the invitation Jesus
offers to all...

   "Why do you spend money for [what is] not bread, And your wages
   for [what] does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat
   [what is] good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
   Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;
   And I will make an everlasting covenant with you - The sure mercies
   of David." (Isa 55:2-3)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011