I just found out Panera is a Christian owned business after reading a framed poster in their San Marcos store. On it was the scripture John 6:31-35

Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed”. Isaiah 53:5

Working on this illustration really made me start think about the importance of what Jesus did for me. It also convicted me a little bit, and I started examining my life.

On Sunday, we always take the Lord’s Supper at church as a memorial of Christ’s death, burrial and ressurection. We partake in the two emblems: the unlevened bread which symbolizes Christ’s body beaten and broken, and the fruit of the vine which is a symbol for Christ’s blood that was shed on the cross.

It always reminds me of God’s love for me, and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. The pain and agony he had to endure with the intensity I can’t even begin to imagine, and yet he went through it without one complaint.

And the amazing part is, he did it for me. For my sins; my shortcomings. For every lie I’ve ever told, and each time I cheated on a test. He even did it for the times I did something hurtful to someone, and everytime I’ve commited sexual immorality in my heart. In spite of all the sin in my life, Jesus died anyway, taking the punishment that should have been mine.

How blessed I truly am to know forgiveness and grace; to know a God who loves me so much he would die for me just so I could live with him forever in heaven, and share in the inheritence with his son, Jesus. And the best part is, he offers it free of charge. Now that just blows my mind.

My Prayer: Holy Father in heaven, thank you for demonstrating your love for me, that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. I’m in awe how you could offer salvation to me freely, but I am thankful that you do. I accept it with a grateful heart.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Somehow he’s still providing for my needs, and has been ever since this fiasco started. So who am I to doubt him.

I am reminded of Job’s life as he had his whole life stripped from him; his family, his wealth and his health, all gone in a single day. I can’t even imagine!

But even Job in the midst of all his trials, he would not curse God, even though the voice of his peers would try to convince him to do so. Instead he fell on his knees and offered worship to God.

Sometimes I think about questioning God and yelling at the top of my lungs with complaint: “Why me, God”? But I look around and see people in worse shape than I’m in, and realize God has a bigger plan. And who am I to question the almighty God?

I may be going through trials now, and I’m always encouraged by what James 1:2-3 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

What I’m going through now will only make me stronger, but I know it’s not by my own strength, but God’s who provides all things.

My Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, provider of all things, in the midst of trials I fall on my knees and worship my God who gives me the strength to persevere. And in these struggles may I remain faithful to the one who never fails me! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—” Jude 24

So far the book of Jude is the only book in the bible I have completely memorized. Every time I quote verse 24, I am encouraged by the thoughts behind the verse:

“To him who is able to keep you from falling…” I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly slipping and falling flat on my face when it comes to my relationship with God, but this verse somehow just brings me hope. When I think there is a God who has the power to keep me on my feet and not only that but is able to present me faultless in his sight, I am convinced that it isn’t about me, it’s about the one who is able to do all these things. Which brings me to the last verse of the book:

“-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”