What Joseph’s story reveals to us, and how God speaks through His Word in places we would least expect.

The story of Joseph (known for his Technicolor dream coat) is one many know well. A young man with dreams. A family fractured by jealousy. A descent into betrayal, then slavery and finally imprisonment. But there’s more to this tale than meets the eye. This was not simply a story about resilience or perseverance. It was about the way God still moves through people’s suffering to bring life to them and those in their world.

Because when you look closely, Joseph’s story is not about Joseph being a hero.

It is about the glory of God.

The Unexpected Way God Chooses

Joseph was not the obvious choice. In his family, position and honour were meant to belong to the older brothers. Yet God’s hand rested on the younger son, setting him apart for a purpose that no one else could see.

That choice stirred tension and as jealousy grew, it led to rejection.

Joseph’s own brothers turned against him, selling him into slavery and removing him from everything familiar. What followed was a season marked by loss, uncertainty and injustice.

Yet even in those moments, God had not stepped away.

This is often where the tension lies for us. We can recognise God’s calling in the good moments, but when the story takes a turn, we wonder if He is still present.

Joseph’s life answers that question with a quiet but powerful yes.

Suffering That Was Not Wasted

It would have been easy to see Joseph’s journey as a string of setbacks. Betrayed by family, falsely accused, forgotten in prison. Each moment could have felt like the end of the story.

But God was writing something bigger.

Every hardship became preparation. Each delay carried purpose. Every closed door positioned him for something that only God could bring about.

In time, Joseph rose to leadership in Egypt, placed in a position where his decisions would preserve life during a devastating famine. Nations would come to him for grain. Families would survive because of the wisdom God had given him.

From the outside, it might look like a remarkable turnaround. But through the lens Mandy shared, it becomes something greater. It was God sustaining His people. God fulfilling His purposes.

Joseph’s story reveals God’s purpose in suffering, turning what was meant for harm into something that carried life.

A Pattern Hidden in Plain Sight

Joseph’s story reminds us that Scripture is not random. The patterns we see are intentional, the stories are connected, the themes are repeated.

In the Jewish understanding of the Bible, there is an expectation that earlier accounts will mirror what is still to come. That readers would recognise familiar shapes and begin to connect them.

Joseph’s story carries that kind of shape. A chosen one who is rejected. A servant who suffers. A leader who rises, not for his own gain, but to rescue others.

This is part of how God reveals His plans across generations. He plants these moments throughout Scripture so that, when the time is right, the fuller picture can be seen.

Finding Hope for Your Own Story

Many of us know what it feels like to be in the middle of a difficult chapter, or to sit in the tension of unanswered questions. To carry disappointment, loss or uncertainty and wonder how it fits into anything good.

Joseph’s story speaks directly into that space. It reminds us that God is not absent in the waiting. He is working, shaping and positioning.

Even when the process feels hidden, God’s purpose in suffering is still unfolding.

This is the heart of Christian encouragement. Not that we avoid hardship, but that God meets us in it and leads us through it with intention and care.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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Why journaling your God conversations can change everything.

How do you maintain an ongoing conversation with God?

Let’s get practical for a moment. Hearing God’s voice is only part of the story. The real key is doing what the Spirit says– and that’s often the hard part.

Partly, it’s because we forget. Our God conversations become a fleeting moment in the day, and soon after, as the distractions and busyness of life crowd in, we’ve lost what the Spirit said.

Humanity has always been this way

I think that’s why God kept telling the prophets: write it down.

God said it to Moses. To Jeremiah. To Isaiah. To Habakkuk… “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)

Why would God say this?

So that we can run with what God said… so we can actually do it.

Words that don’t return empty

God’s words are sent to have an impact on our lives. They’re full of power and authority as well as God’s character qualities such as love, hope, peace. They’re also full of God’s creativity and the ability to bring themselves to pass.

The prophet Isaiah described it this way: God’s words don’t return empty. Like rain and snow falling from heaven, they water the earth and make it flourish before they go back up. God’s words work the same way – they accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which they were sent. (from Isaiah 55:10-11)

So hearing God isn’t just about having a nice experience with the Holy Spirit. It’s about being transformed from the inside out so that we become more like Jesus and more like ourselves. We need to let the words of God actually do their work in our hearts. And that takes more than a passing thought.

Eat the scroll

I love the imagery God gives the prophet Ezekiel. God tells him to write his words on a scroll…and then “eat them.” (Ezekiel 3:3)

So that’s exactly what Ezekiel did. He ate the scroll, and it tasted sweet as honey in his mouth.

It’s a strange picture, isn’t it? Imagine eating a scroll and trying to digest it. But God’s point is simple: take in the words you’ve been given until they become part of you.

Read them. Think about them. Meditate on them. Chew them over until you’ve fully taken them in. Don’t forget them. Let them change you – and do what they say.

God’s words are powerful. They cut through our sin and selfishness. They quietly, powerfully form God’s purpose in us – but only if we let them stay long enough to work.

Why writing it down matters

This is why it’s so helpful to write your God conversations down.

For some of us, that’s journaling in a book. For others, it’s a note on our phone. If you’re more visually minded, you might draw what God is showing you. However you do it – even if it’s just one word or one thought – don’t lose what God has spoken. Write it down. Draw the vision. Read it back again. Day after day, sit with it, digest it, until it becomes part of who you are.

Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.

About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.

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Scripture Union NSW CEO Jim Wackett shares practical advice for understanding God’s Word and growing in faith.

Jim Wackett says the Bible is best understood as a library of books that together tell one great story.

“It’s a library of 66 books,” Jim said.

“It’s a mixture of history, law, biography, poetry, wisdom literature and letters.”

While those books cover a wide range of genres and time periods, Jim believes they all contribute to one overarching narrative.

“They all form part of one great narrative arc that tells the story of humankind’s sin and brokenness and the way that God has sought to reconcile Himself with humanity, particularly through His Son Jesus.”

Start with Jesus

One of the most common mistakes new readers make is starting at Genesis and attempting to read straight through to Revelation.

While that approach works for some people, Jim recommends beginning with Jesus.

He calls it the “Star Wars approach”.

“Start with the story’s great hero first and then go into the hero’s backstory,” Jim said.

For new Christians, Jim recommends:

1. Start with the Gospel of Mark.
2. Read the Gospel of Luke.
3. Continue into the book of Acts.
4. Then begin exploring the Old Testament.

The Gospels present the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, while Acts tells the story of the early church and how the message of Jesus spread throughout the world.

Every story in the Bible ultimately points towards Jesus.

Understanding the Old Testament

Once readers understand the story of Jesus, Jim believes the Old Testament becomes much easier to understand.

From Noah and Abraham to Moses, David and the prophets, many of the Bible’s major figures point forward to the coming of Christ.

Jim recalled a line from The Jesus Storybook Bible that has stayed with him over the years:

“Every story whispers His name.”

While the Old Testament contains remarkable stories, it also highlights humanity’s need for a Saviour.

The stories of Genesis, Exodus and the historical books help readers understand both the human condition and God’s plan of redemption that ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus.

Don’t read the Bible alone

While personal Bible reading is important, Jim encouraged new Christians not to treat studying Scripture as a solo activity.

He compared it to joining a gym.

“You can go into the gym by yourself and try and work it all out, but it really helps to have a coach or trainer who can show you how things work,” he said.

In the same way, experienced Christians, churches and Bible study groups can help readers understand difficult passages and provide valuable context.

Reading with others also creates opportunities for discussion, encouragement and accountability.

Helpful tools for beginners

For those looking for practical ways to get started, Jim recommended the YouVersion Bible app, which offers reading plans, multiple translations and guided studies.

Bible reading plans can also be helpful because they break larger sections of Scripture into manageable pieces and focus on particular themes, topics or books.

Taking the first step

For those feeling intimidated by the size or complexity of the Bible, Jim’s encouragement was simple: start with Jesus and keep going.

Understanding the Bible takes time, but every chapter contributes to the bigger story of God’s relationship with humanity.

For many Christians, reading Scripture becomes not just an exercise in learning, but an important way of growing in faith and understanding the God revealed through its pages.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2.

Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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Starting something new can feel like opening a flat-pack box without the instructions, but the Bible reminds us we can always rely on God for help.

You’re hopeful, but not entirely sure how all the pieces can fit together.

The good news is, God isn’t surprised by new beginnings. In fact, new beginnings is where God does some of His best work. Here are ten tips from God’s Word to help light up the path when you’re starting your next adventure with Him.

1. Partner with God – Do His Will

Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

God doesn’t recycle old plans like leftovers pushed to the back of the fridge. He creates new things with purpose and timing. If you feel unsure, remember this: if God is doing it, it’s worth noticing.

2. God Finishes What He Starts

Philippians 1:6

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

God is not a “start and forget” kind of builder. If He began it, He’s committed to finishing it. Unlike that gym membership from last January… eek!

3. It’s OK to be Strong!

Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The world is full of people telling you to dial it back, the Bible is full of people who dialled it up for God. Go full-send, be strong.

4. Decide – Then Don’t Turn Back

Psalm 37:5

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act.”

Commit first, understand later. It feels backwards, but that’s faith in action. When you place your plans in His hands, He moves in ways you cannot manufacture.

5. God Always Has Mercy If We Mess Up

Lamentations 3:22–23

“His mercies are new every morning.”

God’s mercy doesn’t run out like your phone battery. God is not afraid of our failures, He has a mercy reset every morning.

6. God Can Be Trusted When Starting Something New

Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

Starting something new often reveals how much we don’t know. That’s not a flaw, it’s an invitation. Trust shifts the weight from your shoulders onto His. Much better posture, too.

7. Don’t Rush – Stay On God’s Timing

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything…”

If you’re starting something new, it’s not random. It’s part of God’s timing. You may not see the full picture yet, hang in there, the full picture will come into view.

8. When Starting Something New, Keep Asking For Help

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…”

Why do we get so worked up about not having the answers? We have the One who has all the answers! God gives wisdom generously. No complicated subscription required.

9. You Are A New You – Remember That

2 Corinthians 5:17

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”

New beginnings are not just about circumstances. They’re about identity. In Christ, you are not just improved, you are new. The world’s biggest level-up is yours.

10. You Work From God’s Love

1 Timothy 1:5

“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart…”

God’s love has changed those who believe from the inside out. God’s love at work in you brings purpose into even the smallest beginnings.

A Final Encouragement When Starting Something New

These ten tips when starting something new should help you to take that first step, open the box, and trust the Builder.

And if there are still extra pieces leftover at the end, don’t worry. God never wastes anything.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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Holy Week marks the highest Bible engagement days in YouVersion history for Australia, as new data reveals deeper spiritual curiosity.

In Australia, Bible engagement increased by 17.6% across the YouVersion Family of Apps during Holy Week compared to last year, with more than a quarter of a million Australians engaging in the Bible on Good Friday. In fact, Easter Friday and Saturday are ranked as the highest days for Bible engagement ever recorded nationally, and Easter Sunday also ranking among the highest days in YouVersion Australia’s history.

The surge reflects not just a seasonal moment, but a broader pattern emerging in how Australians are engaging with questions of meaning, hope and faith. The Bible App has now been installed more than 8.2 million times in Australia and is opened more than 200,000 times every day.

While Easter has long been a focal point, in 2026 it has coincided with an unusual and sustained surge in engagement. Nine of the top ten days for daily active users in Australia have all occurred this year. Even outside traditional peaks, engagement has remained elevated, pointing to a deeper shift beyond seasonal patterns.

YouVersion Australia Hub Leader Dave Adamson said the data points to a shift not always captured in headlines or census data.

“This data suggests a shift in how Australians are engaging with the Bible,” he said. “While public narratives often emphasise decline, everyday habits are pointing to something more.”

Part of this reflects the rhythm of Lent, a season historically associated with reflection and return. It also coincides with a broader global atmosphere of uncertainty, where people are often drawn to deeper questions of hope, peace and meaning.

“Faith tends to surface most clearly in lived experience and it often becomes visible in how people navigate uncertain or challenging moments. We’ve never had more access to information, yet many people feel more uncertain about what it all means,” Adamson said. 

“And increasingly, their deeper questions are showing up in search bars. In fact, four of the top five searches are positive: love, hope, healing and peace. That’s not people running from something. That’s people reaching for something deeper.”

Easter remains one of the most significant moments for Bible engagement each year, with Australians, from lifelong Christians to the spiritually curious, turning to Scripture during Holy Week. Last year, the most read verse in Australia during this period was John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In 2026, Matthew 28:6 emerged as the most popular Holy Week passage. 

Globally, 21.6 million people engaged with the Bible on Easter Sunday across the YouVersion Family of Apps, continuing a series of record-breaking days following an historic milestone of one billion installs last year.

YouVersion Founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald says: “Over the last several months, worldwide interest in the Bible has continued to increase. It’s encouraging to see people searching for and consistently coming back to Scripture for guidance, encouragement and answers. We especially see this at Easter where more people are either reflecting on their faith or trying to understand who Jesus was for themselves. Seeing people around the world encounter Scripture, many for the first time, is exactly why we exist.”

About YouVersion

Created by Life.Church, YouVersion designs free, biblically centered experiences that encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout each day. The YouVersion Family of Apps—including the Bible App, Bible App Lite, and Bible App for Kids—has been installed on more than one billion devices worldwide. The Bible App offers a Bible experience in more than 2,400 languages and helps people deepen their relationship with God. Bible App Lite is optimized for offline use and helps people access God’s Word in markets with device and data limitations. Bible engagement is measured by Daily Active Users (DAU) across these three apps, an industry-standard data point reflecting the number of unique users opening one of the apps on a given day. Developed in partnership with OneHope, the Bible App for Kids helps children engage with the Bible through interactive animations and fun activities. For more information about YouVersion, visit youversion.com. 

Article supplied with thanks to YouVersion Australia.

About the Author: Dave Adamson is the Australia Hub Leader for YouVersion. A former TV reporter turned digital ministry pioneer, he was one of the world’s first online pastors and now helps global audiences engage with the Bible in a digital age.

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Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai reflects on how Scripture and neuroscience intersect.

Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says the Bible’s description of the human mind is both poetic and profoundly accurate.

Referring to Psalm 139:14, Anna explains that our brains are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

“It’s just a beautiful passage in the Bible about how our brains are so connected and created,” Anna said.

“It was designed by God and it’s the organ of thought, emotion and decision making. So it’s God’s incredible design for relationship and growth, really.”

Throughout Scripture, the importance of the mind is repeated. Anna points to Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewing of the mind.

This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity. While it begins in childhood, it continues into adulthood. But Anna is clear – change takes time.

“That takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of practice,” she said.

“What we really ruminate on, what we think about, really matters. We actually have a lot more power over our thoughts, over our behaviour than we realise.”

Anna believes that, with intentional effort, we can learn to shape our thinking.

“Yes, we do have the power to control our thoughts,” she said.

The Bible also urges believers to guard what enters their hearts and minds. Anna says this wisdom is highly relevant in today’s world.

For those wanting a practical starting point, Anna offers a simple reflection exercise.

“Every time you think of something, every time you hear something, ask: Is that thought real? And what do I want to do with that?”

It’s a small but powerful question – one that reflects both biblical wisdom and modern neuroscience.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2. Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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I don’t know what you think of the new fad of bringing old authors to life. It’s pretty widespread, and you can now read new Poirot or Miss Marple mysteries written not by Agatha Christie but by her fans, or dive into a new Ian Fleming novel (Anthony Horowitz of Foyle’s War fame is taking this on) or read a fresh take on Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

Some fictional characters are able to capture the imagination of multiple generations, and become a permanent fixture in our collective consciousness – after all, most of us have heard of James Bond or Poirot or Sherlock’s Dr Watson – even though their original creators are long dead.

True, not everyone appreciates the changes! My wonderful wife Rosemary is amongst them, and when we watch the Marple TV series there are frequent outbursts of “that’s outrageous” as she notes how the revised interpretation deviates from the original. Having said that, we both agree that Marple: 12 New Stories – by 12 different authors, is well worth the read.

Why this start? 

I’ve often reflected on how remarkable the Bible’s ongoing popularity is. After all, it is a book that was written over a period of about 1600 years, by around 40 different authors (none of whom realised where their writing would land up) and completed almost 2000 years ago. Who would pay attention to it today – other than for a handful of scholars interested in antiquity? Yet it is comfortably the worlds all time best seller (to say nothing of the hundred of millions of free copies that have been given away). Why is it still so popular?

There are many different answers. 

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in his excellent book Morality notes that the ancient Rabbis spoke of the “70 different faces of the text” and argued that you hadn’t understood a biblical passage until you had considered at least 70 different possible meanings (or faces) for each account. It’s a fascinating insight, and one which I increasingly appreciate. Indeed, when you next read a passage from the Bible instead of saying “Hmmm, now let me remember, what is it that this passage means,” why not ask, “What is it that I have not noticed in this passage before?” I’ve been reading the Bible for well over 50 years and am stunned at how often I have a fresh answer to that question.

Another is that the Bible claims that its writing was inspired by God, or as 2 Tim 3:16 puts it, “All scripture is God-breathed…” Now given that’s a claim the Bible makes for itself I understand that some will view the claim with more than a little scepticism – in much the same way as we don’t take the promotional claims of most books seriously. But this one is worth deep thought, not so much because the claim is made, but because the history of the Bible demonstrates that at least at some level, it must be true. At the very, very least it is an inspired text in the way that Shakespeare and Dickens are inspired (they have inspired multiple generations and the genius of their writing is widely recognised) – but dig a little deeper and I think you will conclude that it is more than just that kind of inspiration. This is a book that has changed the world – and that is not hyperbole. Be it the 10 commandments, or the Sermon on the Mount, or Paul’s teaching about love in 1 Cor 13, or the story of David up against Goliath, or the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and you realise that these passages have shaped the way we view reality and how we treat one another. I think the impact statement of the Bible on the world is enough evidence to suggest that its claim to be God-breathed is “probably true” – to cite part of the title of my book on apologetics.

Now I know that some will object to these comments and quickly remind us of the more blood thirsty passages in the Bible. The Bible is an adult book, and as we read it we make choices about how we will interpret it. There are indeed 70 different faces to every text, but not each face is as good as the others. Some interpretations favour a dangerous face, or an oppressive face, and we must learn to see beyond them. I aim for a Christological reading of the text – in other words one which reads the overall biblical text in the light of the story of Jesus. The question to ask is: In the light of Jesus, how should this passage now be understood?

Not only is the Bible God inspired, but it is Spirit illuminated. Having inspired the writing of the Bible, the Spirit helps us to interpret it. In very practical ways the Spirit draws our attention to passages that are relevant to our situation. Ps 119 spends most of its 176 verses extolling the value of Scripture. A repeated refrain is that it gives light to us, most famously in v105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.” When I read this book, I get light for the path I must travel, I am guided on the steps I should take.

I could go on, but my hope is not that you would read my words today, but that if you have let your reading of Scripture fade, you would read it in a fresh new way – asking to see things you have not noticed before, confident that it speaks in hopeful new ways to ever changing circumstances. And so that I don’t just say this – let me point you to Psalm 3, which I have been contemplating recently. It was written by David when he was facing a situation that seemed near impossible. It speaks of the God who is our shield (v3), the reason we can sleep deeply (v5) and our deliverer (v8). Here it is:

Psalm 3

1 Lord, how many are my foes!

    How many rise up against me!

2 Many are saying of me,

    “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4 I call out to the Lord,

    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;

    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands

    assail me on every side.

7 Arise, Lord!

    Deliver me, my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

    break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.

    May your blessing be on your people.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

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This National Bible Month, you are invited to be part of something truly inspiring: Christians all across Australia joining together to read God’s Word through the YouVersion Bible App.

For many of us, the Bible has been a lifelong source of wisdom, comfort and hope. In a world that often feels fast and fragmented, opening Scripture reminds us that God’s story is still unfolding — and we get to be part of it.

That is why we’re partnering with YouVersion Australia to encourage everyone to take part in a national reading moment by joining the Living Open Handed plan on the Bible App. This devotional plan is a simple yet profound way to connect with God, reflect on generosity and gratitude, and rediscover the joy of living with open hands and open hearts.

When we read the Bible together, something powerful happens. Our faith grows deeper, our sense of community becomes stronger, and our perspective on life is renewed. Across the country, thousands of believers will be reading the same passages, reflecting on the same truths, and encouraging one another as part of this shared experience.

It’s also a moment of global celebration. YouVersion is nearing an extraordinary milestone – 1 billion downloads of the Bible App. This represents 1 billion opportunities for people to encounter God’s Word, in every nation and language. As we join the Living Open Handed plan this month, we’re not just reading the Bible for ourselves — we’re joining in a movement that is helping the world engage with Scripture like never before.

So why not take this step today?

Download the YouVersion Bible App, join the Living Open Handed plan, and read along with others across Australia.

Let’s celebrate what God is doing in our nation and around the world, as we open His Word together and discover once again that the Bible is truly life-giving.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Bread appears throughout the Bible. But what does it really mean? Pastor Rob Furlong. from Woodvale Baptist Church unpacks the symbolism.

Bread in the Old Testament

Bread first appears in the wilderness story of Exodus. When the Israelites complained about food, God provided manna from heaven.

“We don’t really know what the stuff was like, but God called it bread,” Pastor Rob explains. “It rained every day for six days a week during the 40 years in the wilderness.”

Bread became more than food. It symbolised fellowship. Sharing bread meant sharing life.

Bread in the New Testament

Bread takes on deeper meaning in the New Testament. Pastor Rob points to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. “There was that little guy with five loaves and two fish. Jesus took that small offering and fed a multitude.” 

After the miracle, Jesus linked bread back to the Old Testament. The people remembered manna in the wilderness. Jesus corrected them:

“It’s not Moses who was giving you the bread out of heaven. It’s my Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.”

Then Jesus declared: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”

What Does “Bread of Life” Mean?

Pastor shares the account of David fleeing from Saul. Hungry and desperate, David asked a priest for food. The only bread available was the holy bread reserved for priests.

“The priest faced a dilemma,” says Pastor Rob. “Does he stick to the rules or feed a starving man? He gave David the bread.”

For Pastor Rob, the lesson is clear. “People come to church hungry. They’re desperate. Are we going to offer religious rules, or the bread of life, Jesus?”

Bread as a Metaphor for Life

Jesus used everyday images to explain spiritual truths. “He said, I am the true vine, I am the light of the world,” says Pastor Rob. “With bread, he takes something physical and infuses it with a deeper reality. Life is found in him.”

Summing it up simply: “If you’ve got an ache in your soul, find a church that will offer you the bread of life. Jesus really is the answer.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Do you ever feel sad or a sense of grief as you reach the end of a really good book? Or the final episode of a television series you’ve come to love?

This is commonly known as the post-book blues.

It is a state of sadness we feel because we’ve reached the ending of a world we’ve come to know and characters we’ve grown attached to.

The Bible is not a book where you’ll get the post-book blues. This is because the Bible is one big story about the world God created and His relationship with it.

What’s more—its central character is Jesus, a real-life being who is still alive today!

The deeper you go in the Bible, the more clearly you’ll see that the story does not end on the last page.

God promises eternal life through Jesus. This story does not end with death, but glorious victory!

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

Feature image: Photo by Benigno Hoyuela on Unsplash