One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him,“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” ...Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. (John 6:8-9, 11-13 ESV).There are few ministry problems that money could not fix. If there was more money, we could have an awesome website, a staff ready to serve, and scholarship money enough for all. There would be an accountant for all the mounds of paperwork and money so we could be paid (and the remodeling at our home could be finished)! Few would ever think that they had too much money for ministry.
The Gospel of John shows us Christ's important principles for all.
- Give what you have. The boy gave his whole lunch (and what boy is not hungry?). What are you holding onto that you need to give for the work of God?
- Pray over what you have been given. Jesus blessed the bread and fish...and multiplied it.
- Pray over what you give. All were blessed with more than enough to eat but the boy was also blessed...there was more food than they started with.
- Be careful with what you have been given. Jesus had the disciples pick up the extra food so that none would be wasted. They were good stewards of what had been given.
Thank you Lord for your provision!
