“And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets.  There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:20-21).

Our Lord satisfies the hungry heart.  He provides for all our needs.  The Lord does this for billions of people every day, but we often give it no thought.  The Lord has promised salvation which comes by living a life of faith.  Everything you know and experience either leads to a deepening relationship with the Lord or else drives you farther into yourself and apart from the Lord.

Lord, You know me better than I know myself.  You know where my doubts and fears reside.  Guide me, Lord, to live into the new life You give me knowing that only in You will I become what You will make of me.  Remove the hindrances from my heart so that I continue the Gospel road that You have set before me.  I have already experienced the greatest miracle in being given Your grace, mercy, and love.

Lord Jesus, You have come to rescue us from this world of constant rebellion.  Guide me in the upward call You have given me.  Lead me today through all the obstacles that will come and help me to look to You for all things.  You are more than able to provide all that is needful.  Help me to move outside of myself and serve others in the way I would want to be served.  Amen.

“And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looked up toward heaven. He blessed the food and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14:19).

The disciples were not in the place to ponder what the Lord was doing, they just did what He said and started passing out food.  Sometimes the Lord will have us do something we understand and in the midst of it, do something we do not understand, even miraculous.  Begin the task with humble submission and do what the Lord gives you to do.  Learn to obey all that the Lord commands.

Lord, You know that I have a stubborn independent streak that runs deep within me.  Like a small child, I swat Your hand away and say, “I can do it myself.”  I often do not know what I am doing, let alone know how to do what needs to be done.  Teach me to trust You in and through all things that I may be faithful to Your command.  Take me away my doubt to understand truly that with You, all things are possible.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, through this day You have set before me.  What is past is gone and what lies before me is another day of learning how to be faithful to You.  Abide in me that Your love may pour out of me for others who are around me.  Lead me in Your goodness to do what needs to be done, even if I do not fully understand what You are doing.  Guide me today in Your grace to be a person acting by Your direction, doing what You give me to do.  Amen.

“But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go; you give them something to eat!”  They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.”  And He said, “Bring them here to Me” (Matthew 14:16-17).

“All we have Lord, is this.”  How often do we look at the limitations and think to ourselves that there is no point?  Our Lord has set up such circumstances to deepen our faith.  Do we really believe and know that with God all things are possible?  God created everything.  What is impossible for Him?  Listen to the direction of the Lord.  If he tells us to bring something, then bring it.  It is not always easy to learn how to obey all that the Lord commands.

Lord, I often have doubts.  But what do those doubts have to do with Your ability?  Teach me wisdom so that in all circumstances I look to You to lead me to be a part of what You are doing.  I may not understand, but You do.  You will work all things together through me if I will turn to You and trust that You are the God who can do all things through me.  When You tell me to do something, help me to obey.

Lord Jesus, with You, all things are possible.  Help me this day to be rid of my unbelief so that I humbly do as You command.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to be charitable with others as You have been charitable with me.  When confronted with what I think is impossible, teach me to pray, trusting in Your provision.  Help me to know that if You direct me to act on what I think impossible, help me do so knowing that You can do it.  Help me to act boldly by Your direction.  Amen.

“Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is secluded and the hour is already past to eat; send the crowds away, so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves” (Matthew 14:15).

We often look for the most expedient way to take care of a problem.  What will Jesus do?  Sometimes, the least obvious solution is what the Lord has in mind.  Do not go to the Lord with Your solution, come to Him and ask what He would have You do.  We are being taught the simple truth that He alone is Lord of all.  Have a willingness, when you come in prayer, to listen to all of the commands of our Lord.

Lord, I often want to do the easiest thing, but without Your guidance, how can I know what You would have me do?  Lead me beyond myself so that I am willing to listen to all that You command.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to learn how to listen.  Grant me compassion for others such that I seek to serve them in their need as You have always served me in my need.

Lord Jesus, I know that what I accomplish in this life is nothing compared to what You are doing in and through me.  Keep this thought always in my mind so that I turn to You for all things.  Guide me this day to do what You would have me do, even if it is inconvenient or even beyond my comprehension, knowing that with You all things are possible.  You are Lord.  Help me to live knowing that You are the Master, and I am Your servant.  Amen.

“Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He came ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:13-14).

We all mourn for the loss of family and friends. Did Jesus withdraw to mourn? We do not know. Fully man, this world troubled Him as well. Yet, in His compassion, He did not stay by Himself but met the crowd and loved them. We have this example to remind us to not withdraw into ourselves, but to always be willing to be compassionate to others. This world is filled with those who long to meet Jesus.

Lord, grant me the ability to remember that our time here is short and that every moment provides an opportunity to share the Good News of salvation with others. Lead me in Your way of compassion so that I may have a willingness to share Your compassion even when I do not feel like it. Guide me in all the steps of this life so that, like You, I am willing to move beyond my feelings and do what needs to be done.

Without You, Lord Jesus, this would be impossible. Through the Holy Spirit which is in me, guide me to always take every opportunity to be gracious, compassionate, merciful, and kind to others. By Your grace, forgive me when I ignore what needs to be done, but always bring me to repentance to sustain the hope within me as I live this life which You have given me. Lead me on the narrow path. Amen.

“He sent word and had John beheaded in the prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus” (Matthew 14:10-12).

The wicked delight in wickedness. They carry out their schemes and like all of us, meet death and leave everything behind. The righteous, like John, may receive dishonor in this life, but Jesus said there was no one born of women greater than John. John’s disciples told Jesus, for the lesser goes to the greater. This sinful world may perplex us, but the Good News has conquered death.

Oh death, where is thy victory? Oh death, where is thy sting? Through the Gospel we are called to know that because Jesus lives, we too shall live. What kind of life should you live knowing these things? The world spends a few decades gathering, only to have it all quickly dispersed amongst those who take up the call to gather. We are called to give away and watch as the Lord gathers His own.

Lord Jesus, there are many sad things that happen. Yet, You are weaving together the bride, Your church, as the righteous ones. No matter the indignities this world may heap upon us, Your presence and promise in us is greater. Lead me to see things as they are and trust You above all things. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to be compassionate even to those who do such wickedness. Amen.

“And after being prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and his dinner guests” Matthew 14:8-9).

One never knows what prompts are in the background. You need not fear them; but be aware of them. There are often the wicked who have another thing in mind than what You might anticipate. Live in such a way that you avoid being cornered by wickedness. If it happens, turn back to the place where You are not trapped by those who seek things that are not pleasing to the Lord.

Guide me, Lord, by Your word so that I understand the circumstances around me. Help me to be aware and intentional in all that I do. Help me to understand fully what it means to love my neighbor. When I am confronted with a sinful choice, help me to live in love such that I would graciously refuse that which is evil. Grant me strength but, I pray, first awareness, to avoid such circumstances.

Lead me, Holy Spirit, in the way I need to go so that I stay on the narrow path of salvation. Guide me in Your goodness to live in that goodness all the moments of my day. Show me the pits that are before me so that I do not fall into them. Help me to help others when they have fallen into a pit so that I may live out the command of loving my neighbor as myself. Teach me to be gracious and kind as You are gracious and kind. Amen

“But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked” (Matthew 14:6-7).

Herod loved his hedonistic ways. Watching another dance stirred his feelings. How much of our culture stirs us to non-thinking feelings? Be on guard to not be led by the things of the world, but to be led by the Holy Spirit which is in you. Our reactions to such leading are equally important. Herod was willing to give whatever she asked. Be on guard with what you say to others. Make no promises you are unwilling to keep.

Lord, teach me to be on guard with what I promise. Guide me to live according to Your goodness and mercy. Lead me into the life You have promised so that I am always aware that I serve for One, namely You who knows all that I say and do. Guide me to live in such a way that I reflect Christ in all that I do. Lead me, Lord, according to Your goodness and mercy to love others as You love me.

Holy Spirit, I need Your help constantly. Help me to be on guard not only with what I say, but where and when I say things. Guide me to understand that in You alone is there all hope. Lead me this day to choose the better portion and to be thankful for what I am given. Through all that will happen this day, be the One who is leading me in all things. Thank You for Your presence and the direction You will give me. Amen.

“For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet” (Matthew 14:3-4).

Hatred and vengeance are often driving motivators. The wicked, caught in their wickedness, want to eliminate both the accuser and the accusation. The accusation is from the law and God, who knows all things, and has established what is right for all times and places. Herod wanted to be rid of John, but that would not rid him of the truth that he was a sinner. Ultimately, Jesus was killed in attempt to be rid of Him. But His death was God’s plan all along.

Lord, I am often confused by the constant defensiveness of people in this age. Help me to be quick to confess, slow to self-defend, and always willing to repent. I too fall into the trap of sin. The only way out is by Your grace and mercy. Help me to receive Your grace, make amends for my actions, and move into a right relationship with You. Guide me in Your goodness so that I walk the path of one who follows You always.

Holy Spirit, lead me in my inner life. You know where I play the games like Herod of wanting to be rid of the accusation the law makes. Guide me to repent, receive Your grace, make amends, and move on by following Your lead. Help me to be gracious with others as You have been gracious with me. Guide me to live the life to which You have called me in order that I may become more like Christ each day that You give me in this life. Amen.

Scripture

Mark 12:38-44

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

Pastor: Does anyone here have jobs to do at home? Are you ever able to earn money for doing a job for your family?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: When I was growing up, I was able to earn some money if I…

Sammy: We have lots of helpers at the farm. They earn money for cleaning stalls and feeding my family and I.

Pastor: What we do with our money shows where our hearts are.

Sammy: What do you mean, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, for example, sometimes people spend a lot of money on really expensive clothes or cars.

Sammy: Farmer Mark has a red pickup truck and lots of flannel. Is that what you mean?

Pastor: No, Sammy. Sometimes people buy really expensive cars and clothes because their goal is to impress others. Or sometimes people spend a lot of money on traveling. There’s nothing wrong with these things, but we have to remember to also give to others.

Sammy: I like sharing!

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Jesus asks us to give to others and share what we have. These gifts we give to others might be money, food, a nice card, or our time. Many people are poor, sick, sad, or lonely, and they rely on others to help them.

Sammy: Hey Pastor, isn’t our church doing something right now to feed people?

Pastor: Yes we are! We are collecting food for our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. There’s information about what we need in the bulletin. Whether you can contribute one item or many items, we are grateful for your gift.

Sammy: Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding us to give to others. Thank you for helping us see the needs of others. Help us to give our gifts to serve you. Amen. Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!