Category: Daily Devotions

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) The Bible tells us: “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent…

“He was amazed at their lack of faith.” (Mark 6:6a) People often like stories about ordinary people becoming highly successful or even becoming royalty — like Cinderella. It’s not unusual to hope for an escape from poverty to be blessed with prosperity. But the people in Jesus’ hometown didn’t seem to think that way. They…

“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’” (Matthew 13:28) The Bible says: “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came…

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36) Jesus has controlled a storm, overpowered evil spirits, and healed a woman whose life was draining out of her. Now there is a greater test of Jesus’ power, because Jairus has learned that his daughter, who was sick, has actually died. But in the face of death Jesus…

“Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34) Many of us have difficult personal situations and histories that we cannot escape or change. And we would really like it to be otherwise. Somehow this woman, who was, in effect, dying for 12 years in her helpless condition, trusted that if she just…

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) God is especially close to us when we are lying on a sickbed. God will make the bed soft and will freshen it with His presence and with His tender care. He makes…

“What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mark 5:7) Yesterday we saw how Jesus dealt with a storm on the sea. Today Jesus and his disciples encounter a storm on the land. The raging man in this story is dangerous and uncontrollable, and his howling voice screams like the…

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” (Daniel 1:8) The Bible says, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which…

“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41) While the chaos of a storm threatened the disciples, Jesus slept soundly on a cushion. The disciples were just starting to get to know Jesus, and they wanted him to help. They may have thought he could help with a bucket, but…