Miranda Harrell

Five Thousand Fed:

During Jesus' time on earth, he presented many miracles. One miracle we find ourselves lacking in is rest. Many of us know that on the 7th day God rested in his completed work, however, Jesus also taught us rest in his teachings. In Mark 6:30-44, we see Jesus' apostles (his main disciples) come to him after being sent on a mission to go teach the gospel. In their time ministering they had no time to "rest" not even to eat! So, Jesus told them to "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while"; Because of this the disciples went away on a boat to a desolate place! I know in my person walk with Christ, the family of God can use us and burn us out; Or you feel a pressure to do things for others because that's the expectation we think God has for us. That's not the gospel though! There are times when God wants us to serve but then after our time he rewards us with rest, just like Jesus did with his disciples! If we continue to read in Mark, we find that when the disciples reached their "desolate" destination, the people that were touched by their teachings of God had beaten them there. Jesus wasn't aggravated or annoyed by not getting alone time, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION. He saw that the people were hungry for him, they wanted God to move in their life, so he continued to teach! It was starting to get late and the disciples noticed that the people were getting hungry (they were probably hungry too since they hadn't eaten either!) So, they urged Jesus to let them loose and go get food, but Jesus said, no let's feed them! The disciples immediately thought to go buy food, but Jesus asked for what they already had and multiplied that for the people!... Rest in Christ comes in many forms, we often times associate rest with going to the desolate place and being alone FINALLY; But when we are doing God's work from a place of rest in him the provider, using the things he's already given us, and not from a place of "I HAVE to be better", we find that being obedient is the rest we've been seeking. If you haven't been feeling compassionate for those that lean on you for guidance, if you have been feeling burdened in any area of life, or if you notice your motive is not simply doing things for Christ alone, take some time to evaluate yourself. Ask God to show you how you can rest in him and change your view on ministry. It is not for our gain but for the GLORY OF GOD! And he wants us to rest in him knowing he will provide us with everything we need to accomplish his works.

Mark 6:30-44 (ESV)

Miranda Harrell

"Things to Avoid" 

While being a follower of Christ I have found myself, many times, trapped in envy/greed/jealousy/and anger. But God says he loves us and wants to give us good gifts...so why do we feel this way? James puts it clearly; We are not to be friends of worldly desires, asking God for things out of wrong motive "Out of selfish or with an unrighteous agenda" James 4:3. Not that what your asking is wrong....but maybe your motive behind it is? He goes on to say that being a friend of the world means being an enemy to God. That God is jealous (righteously) over us! Even though we fall short and turn from the Father to the world's validation, he still gives us grace...James says MORE GRACE. However, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" James 4:6. So how do we become humble? How do we turn to Christ and God's will for us? What does that look like? James tells us by saying "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8. The devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy us. I bet you've already been told that. BUT did you know there are assignments against you, evil spirits studying your every move, desires, needs, and triggers. In some manners they may know more about you than you do! This is not to instill fear, but to instill insight. To be aware of why you're sick, have a temper, or why that one person at work aggravates you! It's an assignment against you, wanting you to turn to your old patterns. Be unpredictable and resist those urges to start an argument, act out in anger, etc.. James goes on to tell us to draw near to God. In those moments when it feels like everything is coming against you draw close to him, thank him, pray, worship, do whatever brings you close to him and allow him to fight these oppressions off of you, it may seem to get worse at first but it eventually causes the devil TO FLEE, GOOD RIDENCE! James then says to mourn your sinful nature, morn the things that are not of God that you're leaning into, and repent (humble yourself). Then continue by not hypocritically speaking against a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Don't speak to others as if you are better than them. Allow God to judge according to his word, and you HUMBLY correct others in love not self-righteousness. I want you to know that this is a LIFE-LONG journey, and I personally am finding my way through it right now as well.

If you find yourself not receiving in your prayer life, do a self-evaluation. Make sure your motives are in God and not desires of the world. It may not always be because of you, but Paul says we should be repenting daily, so it never hurts to self-evaluate anyway. I pray that you persevere to reach your full destiny in Christ, and that the spirit he's given you makes way into your soul. That the blood of Jesus renews you every day. Amen

JAMES 4:1-12 (AMP)

Miranda Harrell

False Teachers....

In my bible research today, I encountered these verses. As I was reading through these, I just thought how the churches of America have been infiltrated with FALSE TEACHERS! The descriptions in 2 Peter compared to the majority of pastors and church leaders is parallel ALMOST COMPLETELY! And we are listening to their surface level sermons, receiving counsel from them when they haven't even counseled themselves. How do we overcome this world and their chains when the one counseling us is deep in it as well.... Chains being brought up constantly in church...Why have we not overcome them yet? BECAUSE YOUR LEADERS KEEP YOU THERE. They are doing what they have been trained to do by their degree, pursue greed and keep you broken coming back for more "freedom". JESUS CHRIST IS YOUR FREEDOM, and a feel-good message will not free you nor will tithing more money to their ministry ....but the blood of Jesus and submitting to his authority WILL!

2 PETER 2:1-22