Matthew 14:13-21
In Matthew 14, Jesus is grieving the death of John the Baptist. He withdraws to be alone, to pray, and to sit with the Father. Yet when the crowds follow Him, Jesus steps toward them with compassion. Even in sorrow, He continues to serve.
As evening comes, the disciples see a problem: thousands of hungry people in a remote place with no resources. Their solution is simple, send everyone home. But Jesus sees an opportunity and says, “You feed them.”
Their response reveals the heart of the passage: “We have only five loaves and two fish.”
Only. That word keeps us small. Only exaggerates the problem. Only minimizes what we already have. Only convinces us that what we carry is insignificant.
But Jesus never asks for what we don’t have, only for what we do have.
When the disciples bring their “only” to Jesus, He blesses it, breaks it, and multiplies it until thousands are fed and twelve baskets overflow. Scarcity becomes abundance in the hands of Christ.
Every one of us has a “five loaves and two fish” area of life:
“I only have a little strength left.”
“I only have a small idea.”
“I only have a few dollars.”
“I only have limited time.”
“I only have a small amount of faith.”
And Jesus responds the same way He did that day: “Bring it here.”
Bring your “only.”
Bring your not‑enough.
Bring your small.
Bring what you’ve been hiding because you thought it didn’t matter.
In the Kingdom of God:
Surrender precedes multiplication. Availability precedes abundance. Obedience precedes overflow.
So, this week, ask yourself: What “only” is God asking me to bring?
The miracle isn’t in what you wish you had, it’s in what you’re willing to surrender.
Bring it to Jesus.
And watch what He does with what you thought was too small.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Eddie
(Based on Sunday’s sermon, August 2, 2026)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, teach us to trust You with what feels small. Help us bring our “only,” our limited strength, our few resources, our simple ideas, our little faith, and place it in Your hands. Remind us that You never ask for what we don’t have, only for what we’re willing to surrender. Multiply what we offer and let our obedience become the doorway to Your overflow.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Weekly Prayer Request
Greg Barger, Richard Ewert, The Family of Michael Cade, Winne Gill, and Jane Ziehmke.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Is on Summer Break and will resume on Wednesday September 9th. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study when we return.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Interested in Visiting the Ark Encounter?:
(UPDATE) The following is the pricing for our trip to the Ark Encounter on September 11–12:
· Hotel rooms are $99.99 per night plus tax, which includes free hot breakfast, pool access, and Wi‑Fi.
· Ark Encounter tickets will be $25.00 per person.
Trip Details: We will arrive in Kentucky on Friday night (Sept. 11), spend Saturday (Sept. 12) exploring the Ark, and return home Saturday evening after dinner. If you have any questions, please see Pam M. or Tammy O.
🎉 Grace Tuxedo Park Block Club Party: The Grace Tuxedo Park Neighborhood Association is hosting a Block Club Party on August 8, 2026, from 6–8 p.m.
Our church will be hosting this event at our Community Park, and everyone is welcome to join. Come out for an evening of connection, fun, and neighborhood fellowship!
Back‑to‑School Support: We will be assisting families in need with back‑to‑school uniforms and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Supplies are limited, so early requests are encouraged. If you know of a family who could benefit from this support, please notify Carol M. so we can make sure their needs are addressed.
Do you have an idea for our monthly church Fellowship event?: Whether it’s places to go, trips to take, or a fun activity our church family would enjoy, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Please share your ideas with Harold H., Pam M., or Tammy O. A sign‑up sheet is also available at the Fellowship Desk if you’d like to get involved.
- ⚾ 🧢 Indians Baseball Outing: Friday, August 21, 2026.
- 🦁🛶 Noah’s Ark & the Creation Museum: September 11-13, 2026.
- 🎓🎉Doctoral Achievement & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 🦃 🍂 Thanksgiving w/ the Smiths Sunday, November 22, 2026.
- 🎄 ✨ Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Men’s T-Shirts (size: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
