The Eighth Commandment-Do Not Steal

Have you ever wanted something so much you stole it? Whether you shoplift a piece of candy from the bulk candy bin at the grocery store or cheat on school tests or rob a house, it's called stealing. What would you think if the store manager not only kicked you out of his store, but called the police on you? How would you feel if your best friend found out you copied her answers on to your test? No matter how much you want cool stuff or think you are entitled to it, if you have to steal it, it's wrong.

In fact, stealing is one of God's Big Ten. You may think you can get away with taking things that are not yours, but God knows. You have no secrets He doesn't know about. You can't hide from Him. Why not live your life pleasing Him? He loves you more than you could ever imagine and He wants you to have an abundant life.

Think About It
Why not make Jesus the desire of your heart? "Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."
Isaiah 26:7-9
"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:3-5

Pray About It
Thank you, Father God, for loving us and blessing us. Help us to concentrate on your life in us and not our life in the world. Amen.

The Seventh Commandment

God intended marriage to be holy. He said in the seventh commandment, "Do not commit adultery." Wouldn't it be great if married couples could keep the "in love" feeling alive throughout the years they are together? Life seems to get in the way. Children and problems, pain and suffering get in the mix and challenge the best of relationships. Only with God's help can a man and woman keep their love alive.

During difficult times, it's tempting to accept the attention of another person, but Jesus said even if a man looks at another woman with lust, he has committed adultery in his heart. We cannot trust our hearts. They will lead us astray if we are not careful.

Think About It
Guard your friendships and save serious relationships for adulthood. Write down the important things you want in the person you want to spend your life with. Pray for God to help you find the right person. Don't settle for second best.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, help us to remember that marriage is holy. Help us to keep our friendships pure for that reason. Amen.

Jesus Fed a Crowd (John 6:1-15)

John the Baptist was killed because an evil woman, Herodias (Herod's wife), held a grudge against Him. Can you imagine how the people felt? Heart broken and wanting to be alone with His disciples, Jesus tried to get to a solitary place near the Sea of Galilee. Yet He saw a crowd of people and had compassion on them. Jesus said they were like sheep without a shepherd. Maybe they were grieving the loss of the Baptist too. Jesus comforted them and healed their sick.

At the end of the day the disciples wanted to send the people away so they could get something to eat, but Jesus had a better plan. He wanted to feed them. Philip said eight months wages would not be enough to give each person a bite. The Bible says at least five thousand men gathered on the hillside that day (not including women and children). If the average family in the crowd had a man, his wife and two children, there must have been about twenty thousand people with Jesus. Can you imagine what that looks like? Think of a sports arena. Most of them hold at least fifteen thousand sports fans.

A boy offered his lunch to feed the crowd. Isn't that just like a boy? He wanted to help the Lord. Andrew said, "Here are two fish and five barley loaves." Jesus gave thanks and then asked the disciples to distribute the food. Everyone in the crowd ate until they were satisfied. Jesus didn't want anything to be wasted so the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.

Think about it
Jesus multiplied the boy's gift. Think what might happen if we are as willing as the boy to give. Yet, we can't out give God. He is ready to give back to us abundantly. The miracle of feeding five thousand (more like twenty thousand) lasted longer than one afternoon, because people ate from the baskets of fish and bread collected after dinner.

Pray about it
Thank you, Father God, for the way you bless each and every one of us. Help us to be good stewards of your gifts. Amen.