Hungry? Eat This Life Giving Bread

While reading John 6:35-51, I thought about how the people of Jesus' time were listening to Him talk about how He is the bread of life, sent down by the Father. He goes on to tell them that anyone who eats of this bread will live forever. "This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of this world."

At that time, Jesus knew that He would be giving His life for all of us to be saved and raised again on the third day, however, no one else knew this. I can't imagine what they were thinking? I'm sure many thought He was crazy. As they argued, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat." They were looking at the literal meaning of His words.

Jesus goes further saying, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you." (Read John 6:53-59) Even the disciples, His faithful, trusting followers had a hard time with this, saying, "This is hard teaching, who can accept it?" (John 6:60)

Jesus was aware of His disciples grumbling and said, "Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." (John 6:61-64)

Jesus knew which of His disciples did not believe and who would betray Him. Hearing this particular message would be difficult for anyone to truly understand. Many of His disciples turned from Him at that time, but the twelve did not.

Jesus went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father enables Him."

This new year, let's re-commit our lives to getting to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray daily and read the word so that the Father will enable you to see the truth on a deeper level. There is so much waiting for you. So much more the Lord has for you this coming year. He wants you to seek Him on a more intimate level. He wants to speak life into you. Feed your hurting, broken soul with the life giving, 'flesh and blood' of Jesus Christ. Eat of His bread this coming year and let the Lord fill you up so that you will no longer be hungry.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18-19

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Riding Through Lifes Waves

story & pictures by: Lisa Petrarca

I road my bike to the beach to spend some time writing, seeking a quiet, peaceful place on a 90 degree Monday in late September.

A group of kids came up next to me & sat on their surfboards in front of two instructors. They were learning how to surf today. After some practical instruction on form, they laid on their boards and practiced paddling.

Next they were shown the proper way to "pop up" on the board.

They continued to do this several times before two boys felt they were ready & left the crowd.

The rest of the kids moved to the waters edge to watch.

Once they felt confident, they all made their way into the water, the instructor close behind watching out for their safety and continuing to teach them as they put what they learned to the test.


Just like life, each day we embark on a new lesson. Some of us feel ready to jump in, while others need more time to prepare.

Whatever pace you're at, your teacher and instructor is right there with you, out in the "water" of life.

Take time in the morning to listen to your "teacher's" words through prayer & daily scripture study. You will then be ready to ride the waves of your day with confidence, knowing that if you wipe out, the Lord is right there with you, instructing and guiding your way through the rough waves of life!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14