Key Thought

Jesus' followers were basically saying that they didn't have the resources to meet the needs of the people around them. Sound familiar? So often, we don't pursue opportunities to serve others because we lack the resources. Clearly, we should count the cost before we begin a ministry so we won't have to pull back half way through our commitment. However, we must minister in situations that extend beyond our ability to meet people's needs. This allows us the opportunity to see the Lord at work as he displays his power where our strength, resources, and insight are so limited. In our time of weakness and insufficiency, we should realize that all effective service is done by the Lord's power and grace.

Today's Prayer

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Father, please forgive me for having such small dreams of serving others. Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me the courage to step out in faith trusting in you to provide those resources that are needed to bless those in need. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Another time there were many people {with Jesus}. The people had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his followers to him. Jesus said, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been with me for three days. And now they have nothing to eat. I should not send them home hungry. If they leave without eating, they will faint while going home. Some of these people live a long way from here." Jesus' followers answered, "But we are far away from any towns. Where can we get enough bread to feed all these people?" Then Jesus asked them, "How many loaves of bread do you have?" The followers answered, "We have seven loaves of bread." Jesus told the people to sit on the ground. Then Jesus took the seven loaves and gave thanks to God. Jesus divided the bread and gave the pieces to his followers. Jesus told the followers to give the bread to the people. The followers obeyed him. The followers also had a few small fish. Jesus gave thanks for the fish and told the followers to give the fish to the people. All the people ate and were full. Then the followers filled seven baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten. There were about 4,000 men that ate. After they ate, Jesus told them to go home. Then Jesus went in a boat with his followers to the area of Dalmanutha.

— Mark 8:1-10 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.