And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. John 6:11 KJV
Jesus then took the barley loaves and the fish and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to the disciples to distribute to the people. Miraculously, the food multiplied, with everyone eating as much as they wanted! John 6:11 TPT
Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and the fish. Jesus gave thanks prior to the abundance not after the abundance came.
Perhaps at this point in your life, what you have is “just a few loaves and fish”, it does not look like anything great. It is apparently not enough, but will you be ready to thank the Lord in advance? Jesus did not waste time arguing with the disciples as to why they did not make prior arrangements for food. He was not depressed or sad that his reputation may be ruined if a miracle did not happen. He just lifted his eyes to the ONLY one that gives the increase. He thanked the Lord instead. Thank Him in advance for the abundance that He has planned for you in 2022. Thank Him for that salary that is not enough to pay all your bills; He knows how to sustain you in 2022. If the Lord can feed the sparrows (Matthew 6:26), what about you?
What the Lord needs from you and me is that seed that He can multiply. Those five loaves and two fish is too much for God to work with but are you grateful? Some do not have what you have. So be grateful. That miracle job, that miracle baby, that miracle promotion, that miracle privilege, is hinged on gratitude.
The principle of thankfulness, thanksgiving, gratitude to God before multiplication is one of the principles Jesus taught us here. For your abundance in 2022, let this be your guiding principle.
And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. John 6:11 KJV
We distribute our time, finances, skill, etc to people or things everyday knowingly or unknowingly. When we show sincere gratitude to the Lord, the Lord opens our eyes and grants us the needed wisdom for proper distribution – the right relationships, right things, right personalities, and right places to distribute or invest our time or resources in.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 KJV
And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. James (Jacob) 1:5 TPT
Jesus then took the barley loaves and the fish and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to the disciples to distribute to the people. Miraculously, the food multiplied, with everyone eating as much as they wanted! John 6:11 TPT
Jesus gave the blessed meal to the disciples, which they in turn distributed to the people that needed it and multiplication continued. Ingratitude will cheat you of all the multiplication and wisdom steps needed for 2022.
Will you be willing to pray with me on what you just read?
Father Lord, I receive a heart of gratitude. No more complaints. I receive wisdom steps for the correct distribution of the resources that you have given me Lord. Wisdom for the right companions, peers, and associates. As I thank you, Father, I receive the wisdom that will birth multiplication in my life in Jesus’ name. I receive the needed wisdom to navigate the year 2022. Father, I am grateful for the spirit of wisdom that you have deposited in my life today. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Written by: Dr. Tolulope Victoria Balogun
Excellent Life 2021!