FOCUSING ON GOD'S WORD
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?
When we focus on the wrong things, we miss what God is doing in our lives. We only focus on the here and now, and we miss God's long-term plan. When we think about comfort, we miss out on character. When we concentrate on happiness, we forget holiness. When we want to enjoy the moment, we do not prepare for eternity.
"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread." But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?" (Mark 8:16-17)
When we are thinking in the short term, we miss seeing God's spiritual work all around us.
“And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (Mark 8:13-15)
Jesus was teaching His disciples a lesson in pride. But they did not understand the deeper meaning. They thought Jesus was talking about lunch.
"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread." But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?" (Mark 8:16-17)
While Jesus was talking about the need for maturity, Jesus' disciples were talking about their next meal. That is short-term thinking.
Whenever we are thinking short-term, we can not see the larger picture of what God is doing in our lives. Ask God today to give us a glimpse into eternity and to help us experience the hope that comes from seeing His long-term plan.
Where are the places you see God working in your life?
Heavenly Father, I ask You to give me a glimpse into eternity and help me experience the hope that comes from seeing Your long-term plan. I want to live my life today with eternity in mind, as that is the hope I can give to others. We need You and Your love to shine through us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Whenever We Are Thinking Short-term, We Can Not See The Larger Picture Of What God Is Doing In Our Lives. Ask God Today To Give Us A Glimpse Into Eternity And To Help Us Experience The Hope That Comes From Seeing His Long-term Plan.
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