Scripture

When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets... did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets... did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.”
(Mark 8:19-20)

Devotional

Whether it is five loaves or seven, a few fish or many, God is able to meet the needs of His creation. Did you notice that there was more left over from feeding the five thousand than from feeding the four thousand? Likewise, did you notice that they fed the greater number with less? The feeding of the multitudes show how God can make a little go a long way, and how an apparent abundance can be insufficient. The same applies to the tithe. How can ninety percent of my increase go further than one hundred percent of my income? While the math appears not to work, God does. A little, blessed by God, is far greater than an abundance on its own. The calculations of man can never equate to the reckoning of God. When it comes to trusting God with a little or with much, we can be assured that He will remain faithful. When we doubt His ability and sovereignty, He says, “How is it you do not understand?” (1)

(1) Mark 8:21

Thought For The Night

When complimented on her homemade biscuits the cook replied: “Just consider what goes into the making of these biscuits. The flour itself doesn’t taste good, neither does the baking powder, nor the shortening, nor the other ingredients. However, when I mix them all together and put them in the oven, they come out just right." Much of life seems tasteless, even bad, but God is able to combine these ingredients of our life in such a way that a banquet results.” Greg Asimakoupoulos in Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker)

Evening Text

Mark 8:19, 20: “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets…did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve,” “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets… did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.”

Looking for Answers

What is it that God cannot do? Consider Titus 1:2.
What can He do?
What has He done for you, and what would you like Him to do?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: It seems that God’s ability to work in our lives is directly proportionate to prayer.

Referencing: “He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude,” Mark 8:6.

Applying: Don’t forget, as the old song goes, “It is no secret what God can do, what He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.”