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Saturday, February 15, 2014

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1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22
Mark 8:1-10

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multiplication table

"How can anyone give these people sufficient bread in this deserted spot?" —Mark 8:4

Some Christians believe God no longer multiplies food, money, or time. Other Christians believe God still does His multiplication-miracle, but that He doesn't do it for them.

Jesus' multiplication of loaves and fish for the Gentiles specifically contradicts this. In Mark 6:34-44, Jesus multiplied loaves and fish for thousands of Jewish people. In Mark 8:1-9, He does the same thing for the Gentiles, thereby showing the miracle of multiplication is for all, not just for a certain group.

We deprive ourselves of the miracle of multiplication by our lack of faith. We don't believe our heavenly Father will provide; so we provide for ourselves to the point that we leave God little opportunity to father us in practical ways. We don't believe in the Spirit's gift of miracles (1 Cor 12:10); so we confine ourselves to the natural and scorn the supernatural.

By faith and in obedience to the Lord, risk, simplify, and give to the point that you need a God Who still multiplies loaves and fish. Then you will see the miracle of multiplication.

Prayer:  Father, may I make decisions in my life which will make me dependent on You for my "daily bread."

Promise:  "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. By now they have been with Me three days and have nothing to eat." —Mk 8:2

Praise:  In one year, Jose grew in Christian maturity to the point that he was as mature as those who had been active Christians for years.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 8, 2013

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