I. Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
- Matthew 14:13-21 is the story when Jesus took five loaves and two fishes from a boy and fed 5000 people. It was written that all 5000 people not just ate, but were satisfied. When His own disciples doubted him and were worried because of the insufficient food that they possessed, Jesus multiplied it and provided for everyone. Luke 18:27 states that “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” This is a revelation that God can provide for us and He can meet all our needs. We need to trust in the Lord and bring everything that we have to Him and He will bless us, prosper us, and lead us to the right way and the only way for our salvation.
II. A Living Sacrifice
- Romans 12:1-5; God wants us to be living sacrifices instead of placing dead cows or sheeps in altars. By being a living sacrifice, we fully devote ourselves to God and the way of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Will God value a rich man who donated all his money when he died or another who gave his life to the Lord and shared his blessings to others when he was alive. I think God will view the latter one more holy because he had everything and still chose to serve God rather than the dead man who didn't have anything to lose because he was already dead and can't use his money anyways. Our obedience from our heart and our love for our brothers and sisters are more important for God than all the old religious practices. We need to leave our earthly desires, become "new creation", and follow Him so we, ourselves, can be called righteous and holy in the eyes of our creator.
III. Proverbs for Today/7:6-23 (The Crafty Harlot)
6 For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.
10 And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,[a]
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Exodus 21:22-36, Exodus 22, Exodus 23:1-13, and Psalms 29:1-11
Exodus 21:22-36, Exodus 22, Exodus 23:1-13, and Psalms 29:1-11
