“The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him.  Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”  Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side” (Mark 8:11-13).

No sign from heaven, only from earth.  The cross is lifted up and is the answer, but many do not want that answer.  Yes, Jesus conquers death, but we all must go through death.  The world thinks the death of the body is the final answer.  Jesus tells us otherwise.  Through, yes!  Through the cross we are given a new life and we have the promise that as He was raised from the dead, we too shall also be raised.

Almighty and merciful Lord, I have been hung up in wishful thinking.  People around me want proof.  Proof, which You have already given.  Ultimately, it boils down to whether or not I am going to trust You.  Help me learn the truth that You are the only One who is trustworthy.  All things are in Your hands and either I will trust the simple truth of this, or else continue in this generation’s wishful thinking.

Help me Holy Spirit to overcome the incessant desire to have proofs for my continued walk in faith.  You have given me the gift of faith.  Help me to dwell in faith, trusting in what I do not yet see, but know that You have promised.  Guide me to live by the truth You have revealed and walk each day toward the prize of becoming like Christ and living forever in eternity with You.  Amen.

“About four thousand were there; and He sent them away.  And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha” (Mark 8:9-10).

The crowds were satisfied and Jesus sent them on their way.  How many have gathered, been satisfied and then went on their way?  In many ways that describes the life of many who regularly go to church.  But we are not just to “go” to church, but be the church.  This new life we have been given in Christ is what we will become through who He is making us to be.  We are called to live the new life in Him.

Lord God, I do have a habit of setting things in their place and being content with routine.  I am satisfied and go my way.  Take me from simply being satisfied to the place where I long for Your goodness and mercy all the days of my life.  Lead me in the truth of the Gospel which You have given me so that I awake each morning to live the day with You; for in You alone is there true life.

Thank You Lord Jesus for walking with each one of us, even during our “satisfied with just enough for today” periods in life.  I may be satisfied, but You will continue to lead me toward the goal of being with You and being like You in eternity.  Continue to grow depth and breadth in my faith so that more and more I live this new life that You have given me.  Guide me to hold forever fast to the Good News of Your Gospel now and forever.  Amen.

“They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.  And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces” (Mark 8:7-8).

The Lord satisfies the hungry heart.  There is always more than enough.  No matter the privations of this world, our Lord can and does feed our souls.  From a little He grows His likeness and creates in all who believe a deep repository of His goodness.  He said that He was making all things new and that includes all who walk in faith.  Trust the author and finisher of our souls.

Almighty God, I stop at the place where I ask how is this possible.  I forget that You have told me that with You all things are possible.  Take me ever farther in faith so that I stop questioning Your ability, but learn how to trust that through all things, You will bring them together for good for those who love You.  Guide me in this faith You have given me and help me to learn how to faithfully walk trusting You above all things.

Come Holy Spirit and feed my soul.  Fill me to overflowing that the gifts You give may spill out to others.  Lead me so that I bear fruit befitting the kingdom.  Help me through all that will come my way this day to not lose sight of Your provision, granting me my daily bread.  Nourish me from Your bounty that I may live by faith in the grace You give and be satisfied with Your presence in me this day.  Amen.

“And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.”  And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people” (Mark 8:5-6).

How many?  Seven.  In one week, seven days, the Lord created all that is around us.  Without becoming too literal, see the connection with seven.  It is a number that is often called the number of perfection or completion.  God will complete us according to His will.  We walk by faith trusting that the Lord will accomplish all that He has purposed.  He will give us all that we need.

Lord God, Creator of the universe, not from a little, but from nothing You have created all things.  From what we may call a little, You provide for all who are in need.  Though this story is about feeding a multitude, it also applies to my life of faith.  From the little I have received, grow in me what You intend.  Help me to understand that You are creating me to be a child of the Heavenly Father.  You will make of me what You will.

Lord Jesus, Savior of my soul, guide me in this new creation which You have brought to me through faith.  Lead me to gain wisdom on the journey and learn how to walk according to all of Your ways.  Amidst the daily struggles, remind me that You, through whom all things have their being, are more than able to accomplish what You have purposed through the circumstances in which You have placed me.  Amen.

Scripture

Matthew 5:13-20

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! 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: How are you doing today, Sammy?

Sammy: I am doing great! Today we are talking about salt. I know all about salt. There is a ton of it outside.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: There’s salt all over the sidewalks and parking lot here at church. Haven’t you seen it, Pastor?

Pastor: Yes I have. It’s a special kind of salt that helps melt the snow and ice. We don’t eat it.

Sammy: Oh. That’s good to know.

Pastor: You tasted it, didn’t you?

Sammy: Yep.

Pastor: Boys and girls, we put a special salt for eating on our food. The salt on the ground outside is not good to eat, but salt that your parents and grandparents give you is good to eat. I have some salt with me here. Let’s talk about it. What are some things you notice about it?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: What kinds of foods do you put salt on? 

Pastor: I put salt on every dinner cooked at home.

Sammy: Do your dinners need salt? Aren’t they just fine the way they are?

Pastor: Yes they are wonderful.

Sammy: Boys and girls, what kinds of foods do you put salt on?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Talking about salt is really important. We all eat and use salt. Jesus is talking about salt and how his followers need to be the salt of the earth. 

Sammy: What does that mean?

Pastor: That means that we need to go into the world and spread the good news that Jesus is Lord. We are called to love God and each other.

Sammy: That’s a big job.

Pastor: Yes it is, but there are a lot of us, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us and to guide us.

Sammy: Every time I eat salt, I’ll be thinking of Jesus calling us to be the salt of the earth.

Pastor: Wonderful, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, help us to be the salt of the earth. Help us to share your message with everyone we meet. Thank you for being Lord and Savior of our lives. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! 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: Sammy, today we have scripture from the Gospel of Matthew.

Sammy: Yes, it’s one of my favorites: The Bee-Attitudes.

Pastor: The what?

Sammy: The Bee-Attitudes. You know, like honey bees, and bumblebees, and carpenter bees, and not like wasps or hornets or yellow jackets or anything like that.

Pastor: Here we go again.

Sammy: All right everyone! Can everyone help me with the Bee-Attitudes? Can you buzz like a bee? 

[Allow children time to buzz like bees]

Sammy: That was really good. But let’s do that again, but louder. Ready?

[Allow children to buzz like bees]

Sammy: Great job! That’s just the warm-up!

Pastor: Sammy, I don’t think you understand what Jesus is talking about.

Sammy: Of course I do, Pastor! We just had to warm up. Okay everyone! Are you ready for the next part?

Pastor: I can only imagine…

Sammy: Repeat after me: Be comforted. Be filled. Be merciful. Be pure. Be peaceful. Let’s try again. Ready? Be comforted. Be filled. Be merciful. Be pure. Be peaceful. Great job! See, Pastor. These are the Bee Attitudes.

Pastor: Oh I get it. The Beatitudes. Jesus is teaching us about who is and what he does. He is merciful in his forgiveness. He mourns over our sins and comforts us in our guilt. He is pure in heart and he makes peace between us and God.  What he is saying helps us to know how much he loves us. Even though we fall short of his love. People hearing these words for the first time would be surprised. 

Sammy: Why’s that? 

Pastor: Jesus says that those who are sad will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. The pure in heart will see God.

Sammy: These are big promises.

Pastor: Yes they are. They are promises that are filled by Jesus. He loves each one of us, and his love is a gift.

Sammy: The Bee-Attitudes are fun. Can everyone buzz with me one more time?

Pastor: Great job, little bees. Let’s say a prayer and then you can buzz like a bee back to your seats. Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, Thank you for teaching us how to live. Thank you for helping us with our Bee-Attitudes. We love you and praise your name. Amen.

Sammy: Buzzzzzz.

“If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.”  And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” (Mark 8:3-4)

What does Jesus know that we do not know?  Do we think of the author and finisher of our faith as someone who’s suggestions we follow or do we just ponder the possibility?  Jesus shows us time and again that He operates from knowledge, whereas we react from experience.  The question before us all is whether or not we will trust Jesus and trust His word to us.  He does know and when He asks, it is from knowledge.

Lord God, how many times have I doubted?  How many times do I not trust what You say?  Help my unbelief so that I would put into action the things that You say.  Guide me in the way of life so that I live according to Your word above all things.  You know what we need even before we ask.  You, from whom all things came into being, are more than able to do what You say You will do.

Lord Jesus, You have set into motion all that is needed so that we may be forever united with You.  Guide me so that I may learn how to obey all that You command.  Take me beyond my doubts and fears so that I may humbly walk with You all the days of my life.  Guide me in the way of salvation knowing that You will complete what You have purposed.  You, the author of my faith, finish what You have come to do and complete me according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and said to them, “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat” (Mark 8:1-2).

By now the disciples have begun to learn that to obey Jesus is always the best thing.  Yes, there were many more lessons that would be learned, but they were beginning to see that with God all things are possible.  This is a consistent message of the Gospel.  Learn to trust that with the Lord all things are possible.  If He asks you to do something, step out in faith and seek to do what the Lord asks.

Lord, help my wavering feet and uncertain mind.  I know in my mind that all things are possible with You, but I waver and doubt.  Remove the doubts so that my belief is in You and the word You have spoken.  Amidst all the conflicting thoughts that roll around in this world, guide me to abide in You and Your word and live in the faith You have given me.  You must be the One who leads me. Lord.

Lord Jesus, You had compassion on the crowds.  Help me to have compassion for others, even those who are hostile to me and to You.  Help me to always be willing to share the food of the Gospel with all whom I meet.  Help me to look to You and be led by Your example in order that I may live my life as You would have me live it.  Guide me by Your Holy Spirit all the days of my life.  Amen.

“And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it.  They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak” (Mark 7:36-37).

In the way of this world, many are unable to contain themselves and be fully obedient to the Lord.  The notoriety did get in the way.  How often in our desire to do what is pleasing to the Lord, we get in the way by not obeying His command.  “But this is good,” we say.  To obey is better than sacrifice.  Yes, we have grace but learn to obey the Lord even when it may not make sense to you.

Lord, You have a purpose in everything.  You speak Your word to me and sometimes I go to a place You would rather not have me go.  Help me to be discerning and listen to all Your word so that I may mature in this faith You have given me and obey all that You command.  There are times when You ask silence from me when I would like to shout from the rooftop.  Help me to do what You ask me and not just do what I think is right.

Lord Jesus, You have given me Your Holy Spirit, Who speaks to me each day.  I know there are times when I have gone another way from the direction You have given.  Help me in order that I may learn to be faithful in all things.  You must be the One who directs me, for You alone know all that is needed and what will happen with each of my actions.  Guide me to live following You in all things.  Amen.  

“Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!”  And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly” (Mark 7:33-34).

Very physical and very real — this is the way Jesus chose to do this healing.  What was it that was in the way and why was it done this way?  Everything Jesus does is intentional.  The Lord will walk with us and work with us in the way we need for things to be done and will do so for His reasons.  Everything Jesus did was unique for the person with whom He was dealing.  Is it not the same for each one of us?

Lord, in this world, I tend to think in terms of sameness, but I often do not see that this is true in Your dealing with individuals in the Gospel.  You dealt with each individual and often acted upon them in different ways.  Help me to understand that it should be the same with those around me.  Each person is unique and an individual.  Help me to meet others as the individuals that You have made them to be.

Lord Jesus, I have looked at You and wanted to sit in a class as You teach me, but You walk alongside me and teach me every day.  There are many lessons You have taught me and many more I need to learn.  Help me to live into the life You have given me so that I may learn and become more like You according to Your leading.  Guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Amen.