Daily Bread April 21

Connected with Christ
Brandon Neloms of Savannah, GA, USA


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13

Eighteen months after I completed my master’s degree in biology from Alabama A&M University, I was still working as a front desk clerk and bellman at the Holiday Inn in Huntsville, Alabama. I was disappointed because I had not yet landed a career job. I was borderline depressed but remained obedient to Christ despite my own personal shortcomings. I continued praying, continued tithing, and continued reading my daily meditations believing my dream job was around the corner. One day in a dream the Lord said to me, “Thirty days!” I knew it meant something but wasn’t sure what. I told my landlord I would be moving out in 30 days and told my current boss that in 30 days I would probably be leaving.

I was stepping out in faith with no idea what God meant, but I knew in my spirit that God was about to move mightily. I had an interview with the federal government a few days later on April 25, 2010. During the interview I was asked to start on May 25, exactly 30 days later. That day taught me the importance of a true relationship with Christ. I had faith in Christ to bless me because I was connected to Him through my obedience. When you are connected to Christ, He can bless you beyond belief, but it is your responsibility to keep that connection fresh and constant. 1 Chronicles 16:11 says, “Seek His presence continually.”

Continued connection allows for God’s gracious provision. The easiest way to maintain that connection is to obey God’s words. John 15:10 says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.” Strive to maintain that connection because only there is found the true fullness of joy.

Prayer Phrase

“Every breath is a resurrection” (Gregory Orr).

Spiritual Practice

Breath of Life

Take a few moments right now to breathe. Simply observe each inhale and exhale. Pay attention to how it feels in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. Notice how you breathe even when you aren’t thinking about it, how your body instinctively knows how to keep you alive without your thought or effort. In this moment, you are alive. Receive this awareness as an expression of divine grace. In joy or despair, loss or celebration, your body continues breathing. How is your breath a resurrection this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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