Family Devotions - Coin in the Fishes Mouth

Rich picked our Bible story this morning.  He read Matthew 17:24 - 27

²⁴ When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” ²⁵ He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” ²⁶ When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. ²⁷ However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”

We talked about trusting Jesus in providing for our needs.  Not extravagant things, but our basic needs.  We told Mary a story from my childhood.  When I was very young my parents were going through a hard financial time.  They made up a list of thing to get at store.  When they got there they divided the list and each took part of the items to get.  They got their stuff and went back home.  When they got home they realized that neither one of them got milk or cottage cheese and they had spent all their money.  This was the days before credit cards, so once your money was gone, it was gone.  They were upset at not getting the items and were arguing about who was supposed to get it.  Right in the heat of their discussion, they heard a knock on the door.  They got real quiet and went to the door.  There was standing a brother in the Lord and he said that he had just been to the store and thought that we could use some milk and cottage cheese and was bringing it over to them.  They accepted with a big smile and were rejoicing that God knew their hearts and situation and had provided for them!  Mary's face lit up and loved hearing a story of God's provision in my life before I could even remember.

We found a sweet song that Mary did a little dance and motions too.

Here is the link: http://youtu.be/-LJRndQuFnQ

We also sang this song "I will make you fishers of men".

Here is the link: http://youtu.be/KL7uV5jF8Rk

This is our hearts prayer is that we will be fishers of men as we follow Jesus and his words.  We closed in prayer for all our dear brothers and sisters in the Lord and thanking Him for all that he has done in our hearts and lives.