Dance of Life by D. E. McDermott

The Power of a Whisper Reading Plan
Day 18 Reading: Mark 6:30-46

Pastor Lisa’s Journal
Scripture
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. – Mark 6:30-31 (NRSV)

Observation
The disciples come to Jesus following a time of intense teaching and service. He responds by calling them to a time of rest. When they return, Jesus is moved by compassion for the crowds who have gathered. This is followed by another time of teaching (serving the Bread of Life). The disciples are also concerned for the crowd, encouraging Jesus to dismiss them for dinner. Jesus turns this moment into an opportunity for miraculous service (serving bread for the body to 5000+ from a few loaves and fish). After this, Jesus calls the disciples again to a time of rest. He also rests himself.

Application
The Christian life moves back and forth between retreating for prayer, worship and rest and heading out to share, teach and serve. Time away with Jesus gives us his heart- a compassionate heart, a servant’s heart. We must be well fed spiritually in order to feed others.

Prayer
Jesus, we hear you calling…
rest… serve…
pray… share…
worship… teach…
back and forth
retreat and response
like the waves on the seashore
like a old fashioned fan on a spring day
like breathing
move us to move with you
perfect in us the rhythm of faithful living
Amen

For a devotion based on John’s version of the feeding of the 5000, click here
http://pastorblog.cumcdebary.org/?p=926

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For more information on the Power of a Whisper campaign or for a copy of this reading plan, click here http://pastorblog.cumcdebary.org/?p=2120

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here http://www.lifejournal.cc/ or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you learn to better listen and respond to God’s whispers in your life. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page. http://pastorblog.cumcdebary.org/?page_id=1529