Finding Hope and Nourishment in God's Abundance

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, the Bread of Life: God’s Presence and Promise

Jesus declares Himself the living bread from heaven, offering eternal life to all who believe. This profound statement reveals both His divinity and His deep compassion for humanity, as He meets our deepest spiritual hunger with Himself. In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and loss, Jesus’ promise is that those who come to Him will never be cast out and will be raised up on the last day. This assurance unites all Christians in hope, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is to live forever with God, nourished by Christ’s own life. [12:27]

John 6:47-51 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel spiritually hungry or empty right now, and how might you invite Jesus to fill that hunger with His presence today?

Day 2: God’s Grace for Grumblers: Abundant Provision in the Wilderness

When the Israelites grumbled and doubted in the wilderness, God responded not with punishment but with grace—raining down bread from heaven and providing for their needs. This story reveals God’s extraordinary patience and willingness to meet us where we are, even in our complaints and doubts. Rather than demanding perfect faith, God invites us to bring our honest struggles and hungers, trusting that He understands our pain and will provide what we need to thrive, not just survive. [20:54]

Exodus 16:2-5, 11-15 (ESV)
And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” … And the Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”

Reflection: When have you found yourself grumbling or doubting God’s care? What would it look like to bring your honest complaints to God and trust Him to meet you with grace?

Day 3: Abundant Life, Not Just Survival: God’s Extravagant Gifts

God’s provision of manna and quail in the wilderness was not just enough to keep the Israelites alive—it was an extravagant, daily gift that allowed them to thrive. Too often, we settle for small bits of God in our lives, checking off a verse or a prayer and moving on. But God desires a deeper, more dynamic relationship with us, one that grows through small acts of faith, kindness, and wonder. Each time we receive the bread and wine, or pause to notice God’s presence in the ordinary, our faith is nourished and expanded, drawing us into a life of abundance and joy. [24:30]

Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reflection: What is one small, intentional way you can seek a deeper experience of God’s abundance today—beyond just “getting by” in your faith?

Day 4: The Gift and Command of Rest: Trusting God Through Sabbath

God’s command to rest, even in the midst of the Israelites’ wilderness journey, shows that Sabbath is not a burden but a gift—an act of trust that God will provide even when we stop working. In our busy, restless culture, we often forget the importance of true rest, believing everything depends on us. But God invites us to set aside time to simply be—with ourselves, with others, and with God—trusting that He is enough. Sabbath is a time of liberation, a reminder that we are not slaves to our work or worries, but beloved children who can rest in God’s care. [28:28]

Exodus 20:8-11 (ESV)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to set aside time for true rest and trust in God’s provision?

Day 5: Welcoming All to the Table: The Bread and Wine of Forgiveness

At Jesus’ table, everyone is welcome—no one is turned away from the gifts of bread and wine, which bring forgiveness, life, and salvation. This radical hospitality is a sign of God’s inclusive love, inviting us to receive and to share these gifts with others. As we partake in communion, we are reminded that Christ’s body was given for the life of the world, and that we are called to extend that grace, generosity, and welcome to all, both within and beyond our congregation. [46:49]

Luke 22:19-20 (ESV)
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community might need to experience the welcome and grace of Jesus’ table through you this week, and how can you extend that invitation?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a community to remember, to grieve, and to hope. We began by naming the pain and violence in our world—acts of gun violence, armed conflicts, and the loss of loved ones—holding all of this in the light of Christ, who promises that the darkness will not overcome the light. In the midst of sorrow and uncertainty, we are invited to breathe deeply, to recognize God’s presence, and to join all creation in worship and gratitude.

Reflecting on the Gospel of John, we heard Jesus’ bold claim: “I am the bread of life.” This statement, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses, is both a comfort and a challenge. Jesus is not only fully human but also fully God, offering himself as the true bread that gives life to the world. The story of manna in the wilderness reminds us that God meets us in our hunger, our doubts, and even our complaints. The Israelites grumbled, yet God responded not with punishment, but with daily bread and grace. This reveals a God who is patient, who understands our struggles, and who provides abundantly—even when our faith falters.

We are called to move beyond a shallow faith that checks boxes and seeks only small portions of God. Instead, God desires a deep, dynamic relationship with us—a faith that grows through small acts of trust, kindness, and worship, and that is nourished by the bread and wine of communion. The journey of faith is lifelong and demanding, but God meets us in the small things, multiplying them into abundance.

Sabbath rest is another gift God gives, woven into the very fabric of creation and the story of manna. Rest is not a luxury, but a necessity for thriving. To rest is to trust that God is at work even when we are still. Our pets, celebrated today in the spirit of St. Francis, model this restful trust and remind us to pause, breathe, and give thanks for all of God’s creation.

As we share communion, we remember that Jesus welcomes all to his table, offering forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are strengthened to serve, to share, and to leave a legacy of faith and generosity for those who come after us. In all things, we are held in God’s love, called to thrive, and sent out in peace.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Grace Meets Us in Our Doubt and Complaint Even when the Israelites grumbled and doubted in the wilderness, God responded not with anger but with daily bread and grace. This shows that God’s patience is greater than our frustrations, and that honest cries and questions can be acts of trust, drawing us closer to God’s heart. Our hunger—spiritual or physical—becomes a place where God’s abundance is revealed. [20:54]
2. Faith Is a Lifelong, Deepening Journey God does not desire a shallow, checklist faith, but invites us into a dynamic, ever-deepening relationship. The journey of faith is complex and demanding, requiring more than a few verses or an hour on Sunday. Each small act of trust, worship, or kindness is a seed that God grows into something abundant, reminding us that spiritual growth is both gradual and transformative. [25:21]
3. Rest Is an Act of Trust and Liberation The Sabbath is not merely a rule, but a gift of liberation and trust. God provided double manna so the Israelites could rest, teaching that thriving requires both nourishment and rest. In a restless world, true Sabbath rest means believing that our worth and security do not depend on our constant striving, but on God’s faithful provision. [27:41]
4. Communion Is God’s Abundant Welcome and Nourishment At the table, Jesus welcomes all, offering his very self as the bread of life. Communion is not just a ritual, but a tangible reminder that God’s grace is for everyone, no matter our doubts or struggles. In this meal, we are filled with forgiveness, life, and the strength to serve others, embodying Christ’s love in the world. [46:49]
5. Our Legacy Is Built on Generosity and Faithfulness We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, benefiting from their faith and generosity. The question before us is how we will invest in the future—leaving a legacy of faith, service, and welcome for generations to come. Our stewardship is not just about sustaining a building, but about nurturing a community where God’s love continues to flourish. [58:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Communion Preparation and Announcements
[01:22] - Prayers for Victims and the World
[03:21] - Opening Litany and Gathering
[05:06] - Singing and Calming Our Pets
[11:38] - Gospel Reading: John 6
[12:54] - Children’s Time: Jesus as Living Bread
[17:51] - Wrestling with Old Testament Stories
[19:09] - The Israelites’ Grumbling and God’s Response
[22:27] - St. Francis and the Bread for Thieves
[23:40] - God’s Abundant Provision in the Wilderness
[25:21] - The Call to Deep, Dynamic Faith
[27:41] - Sabbath Rest and Trust
[29:17] - Thanksgiving for Creation and Pets
[30:30] - Communion: Bread of Life for All
[34:48] - Remembering Loved Ones and Prayers
[35:17] - Blessing Vicar Anna and Ministry Partnership
[46:49] - Invitation to Communion
[49:16] - The Lord’s Prayer and Sending
[50:36] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[54:27] - Stewardship: Strive for Five
[58:19] - Legacy and Generosity
[59:52] - Blessing of Pets and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 6:41-51 (ESV) — > So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Exodus 16:2-5, 13-18 (ESV) — > And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” ... In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.

Observation Questions

In John 6, what claim does Jesus make about himself, and how do the people respond to it?
According to Exodus 16, how did God respond to the Israelites’ grumbling and complaints in the wilderness?
What instructions did God give about gathering manna, especially regarding the Sabbath?
In the sermon, what are some ways God’s grace is shown to people who doubt or complain?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus calls himself “the bread of life”? What does this mean for people who are spiritually hungry or searching?
The Israelites grumbled and doubted, yet God provided for them daily. What does this reveal about God’s character and how God relates to us in our own struggles?
The sermon says that Sabbath rest is a gift, not just a rule. How might true rest be an act of trust in God, especially in a busy or anxious world?
Communion is described as God’s abundant welcome. How does this shape the way we see ourselves and others at the Lord’s table?

Application Questions

The Israelites’ honest complaints were met with God’s patience and provision. When you are frustrated or doubting, do you feel free to bring those feelings to God? What might it look like to be honest with God this week?
The sermon challenges us to move beyond a “checklist” faith. Are there ways your faith has become routine or shallow? What is one small act of trust, kindness, or worship you could try this week to deepen your relationship with God?
Sabbath rest is described as a necessity, not a luxury. What keeps you from truly resting? Is there a practical step you can take to set aside time for rest and trust that God is at work even when you are not?
The story of St. Francis and the bread for thieves shows radical generosity. Is there someone in your life who needs grace or welcome from you, even if it feels undeserved? How might you extend that this week?
Communion is a reminder that God’s grace is for everyone, no matter our doubts or struggles. How does this truth affect the way you approach the Lord’s table, and how might it change the way you welcome others in your church or community?
The sermon asks us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations. What is one way you can invest in the faith, service, or generosity of those who come after you—whether in your family, church, or neighborhood?
Our pets are lifted up as examples of restful trust. Is there something you can learn from their simple trust and gratitude that you want to practice in your own life?

Sermon Clips

Does God feed you every day? Yeah. Through your parents who work, whose jobs are gifts from God. Everything comes from God. So yes, you are fed by God's hand every day. [00:16:33]

The Israelites weren't just grousing, though, they were downright doubting. They were sincerely questioning God. And God's actions, even after this miraculous exodus from Egypt. So what does the Lord do with all of this bellyaching? Isn't there some kind of godly punishment for all this grumbling? Like the type of punishment my parents, or if I'm really honest myself, would dish out? Nope. What does God say? Behold, I will rain bread from heaven. Bread murmurs should get discipline. But God gives grace and bread and quails for those miserable, grumbling, murmuring, doubting people. [00:19:44]

This makes me wonder about God's patience and God's willingness to meet the Israelites and us right where we are. Does God really do that? And when I think about It I've given bread to murmurers, grumblers and doubters. And as one who has murmured about the murmurers, God has abundantly rained bread on me. Maybe God understood their misery. God knows their sorrow over a lost life, no matter how brutal it had been. And God recognized that the desert can be a harsh place, especially when there's no bread and no water and no meat in sight. [00:21:03]

It makes me wonder if there's something redeemable in murmuring. Is there some level of trust involved when we cry out like that to God? This could be a revelation on our own journey, realizing that we don't need to be pray better. We just need to recognize that we are hungry. Is it better to eat meat and bread as a slave or as a free person? [00:22:04]

The manna and the quail that God provided were actually an extravagantly abundant gift. Every morning and every evening for 40 years of desert wandering, these people were fed an omer of bread per person, which means that the Israelites thrived while on their journey, not just survived. This abundance can help us realize that God is big. [00:23:40]

This abundance can help us realize that God is big. Doesn't it feel like sometimes we Christians might be satisfied with just little bits of God? Maybe, you know, read one verse a day or a snippet of wisdom and then go about our daily activities feeling confident and calling ourselves good followers of Jesus? [00:24:04]

Doesn't it feel like sometimes we Christians might be satisfied with just little bits of God? Maybe, you know, read one verse a day or a snippet of wisdom and then go about our daily activities feeling confident and calling ourselves good followers of Jesus? We put a check mark by the item on our to do list, then with God today, and then promptly put God out of our minds and out of our actions. Do you think that's God's desire? Of course not. God desires us to be this deeper kind of Christian. [00:24:11]

We put a check mark by the item on our to do list, then with God today, and then promptly put God out of our minds and out of our actions. Do you think that's God's desire? Of course not. God desires us to be this deeper kind of Christian. [00:24:30]

Our faith is a long, lifelong, gargantuan undertaking as we strive to know and understand even a little part of who God is. Yet we are called to keep striving to understand more and more and realize that this process, it is complicated, ridiculously demanding work. And it takes far more than a few verses a day or an hour on Sunday. God wants us to have this vigorous spirituality, this dynamic lifestyle of faith. [00:24:55]

God wants us to have this vigorous spirituality, this dynamic lifestyle of faith. We have to start small. And we know that God loves small things. After all, God became small for us in Jesus. [00:25:29]

We have to start small. And we know that God loves small things. After all, God became small for us in Jesus. Our faith grows a little every time we partake of those little pieces of bread that you have in your hands and those little sips of wine every week. Our faith grows when we practice small acts of kindness or do that brief moment of prayer. [00:25:35]

Our faith grows when we practice small acts of kindness or do that brief moment of prayer. Or maybe in seeing baby Jesus in Mary's arms, or watching as people touch the hem of Jesus garment, or seeing the tip of the nail in Jesus's hands, or hearing the astonishing news that Jesus is risen. [00:25:55]

Or maybe in seeing baby Jesus in Mary's arms, or watching as people touch the hem of Jesus garment, or seeing the tip of the nail in Jesus's hands, or hearing the astonishing news that Jesus is risen. Our faith life grows with Jesus as we look into the eyes of our pets, or in hearing the humble plea of each person who's ever lived. A murmured prayer, if you will. It's knowing that all of these things are gathered tenderly into God's strong hands and are held there in love. [00:26:03]

It's knowing that all of these things are gathered tenderly into God's strong hands and are held there in love. [00:26:40]

Now there's a third thing about this Exodus 16 story that intrigues me and makes me wonder how God provides those secreting bushes and busy insects. They had to work twice as hard on Friday to deposit a double dose of manna to cover the day of rest. Now you would think that in this 40 year journey, God would defer the Sabbath. I mean, after all, they're on a journey. And it takes a lot for these hungry murmurers in the middle of nowhere to eat without collecting. Yet this is not the case. God knows that rest is as essential for thriving as food and meat. [00:26:50]

God knows that rest is as essential for thriving as food and meat. So God provides once again for the Israelites to thrive and not just survive in their journey. [00:27:32]

So God provides once again for the Israelites to thrive and not just survive in their journey. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we would pick up that idea and rest like those murmuring Israelites did? We seem to have forgotten the commandment, remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Well, then it's no wonder we as a nation are tired. To rest means we have to trust, we have to believe that it's not all up to us. [00:27:41]

To rest means we have to trust, we have to believe that it's not all up to us. If only we could just let God do what God tells us to do. God will be with us as we sit down, as we turn off our gadgets, as we calm our minds and just be, be with ourselves, be with each other and be with God just one day out of seven. [00:28:12]

If only we could just let God do what God tells us to do. God will be with us as we sit down, as we turn off our gadgets, as we calm our minds and just be, be with ourselves, be with each other and be with God just one day out of seven. You know, the Sabbath isn't supposed to be a chaplain. It's supposed to be a time of liberation. Our Pets understand this. They know how to rest, and we could learn something from them. [00:28:21]

God will be with us as we sit down, as we turn off our gadgets, as we calm our minds and just be, be with ourselves, be with each other and be with God just one day out of seven. [00:28:28]

Thank you, God, because when it's all said and done, we can remember that it is a little bit of bread and a small sip of wine that brings forgiveness, life and salvation to everyone who partakes. And on this holy day of rest, we remember that Jesus gave chunks of bread to hungry crowds and chunks of bread to his best friend sitting around a table. And Jesus gives us bread and reminds us that he is here for the life of the world. [00:29:45]

So soon we will eat Jesus body together. And as we eat, we are filled with thriving life, abundant joy and amazing grace. And it is enough. [00:30:30]

You probably think about this more than me. I've only been here three days, a half years. But think of all the people who have pledged their income, their talents, their time for us to sit here this morning, right? We stand on their shoulders and we reap the benefits of their generosity and their faithfulness. What are we going to do for those who come after us? That's the question, right? Trinity's been here on this corner for 129 years. Wouldn't it be delightful to know that we're going to be here for the next 129? That's what we're thinking about today. That's what we're praying about in this next year's campaign. How will we move? Leave a legacy for those who fall? It's a great thing to think about. [00:57:34]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?