BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Reminder: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!

A Greek (therefore non-Jewish) woman comes and asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus at first seems to refuse, and his answer sounds shocking. How could Jesus sound so uncaring, even elitist? How would you like to be compared with a dog (even if it is a “lap dog”/pet) while someone who disdains you is compared to a privileged child? There are several explanations that theologians give. But could it just be that even Jesus, being completely human, was so focused on being the Messiah to the Jews first, that he believed that the “time had not yet come” (cf. John 2:4; 3:30; 8:20) for including the non-Jews into the family of God as yet? Whatever the reason, even Jesus was astounded and deeply moved by the woman’s response. She was honest about her desperation and showed deep humility. She also completely trusted in Jesus’ power, compassion, inherent character, and mission to seek and save the lost, the last, and the least. Do you also believe that? Jesus did heal the little girl, but I get the impression that this foreigner touched his heart.

Prayer: Lord, your Word has often reminded me that I really do need you in every part of my life, my family, my world. I know that is true in my mind. But I do not realize the urgency in my heart, Lord. I am not desperate enough, honest enough, and humble enough to want you to meet my deepest needs. But you want me to do so. Oh, how I yearn to show the faith of that woman who not only received what she needed, but gave you pleasure even in the way she showed that need. Draw me closer to you, my Jesus, even as I learn to put you first in my life. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The essential nature of a person, like true character and spirituality, is on the inside, Jesus said. Whatever we do from the outside cannot change that essential nature. Thus, “doing” the good and right things may give a good impression to people, but doesn’t show the real “you” which is on the inside. Jesus knows what is within all of us (John 2:24) and warns us of the effect of sin-scarring that is scary and horrible. Eventually, what is inside will come out in our behavior one way or the other, and cause grief to ourselves and those around us. But that is not the only problem. Our human perception is “dull… (and we) don’t see…” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4)! Only when we discover the reality of who we really are as Jesus has shown us can we truly open our lives to accept God’s grace that can change us within.

Prayer: Lord, I’m afraid to look into myself with your eyes. Because then I will discover how “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” I am (Revelation 3:17). But you love me too much, and you will not let me exist in a world of self-deception. You show me myself again and again through the eyes of those around me who truly love me. Like the Psalmist, I’ve discovered I cannot hide from you. Come into my broken, dying inner self, Lord, I desperately need you. As that song says, “Change my heart, oh God; make it ever true. Change my heart, oh God; may I be like You.// You are the potter, I am the clay; mold me and make me, this is what I pray.” Amen.

SONG: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
There is nothing wrong with religious symbols, rituals, and traditions in themselves. However, what Jesus found offensive was that those who deemed themselves religious had made them an “end” (or goal) of religion. Instead, they were to be, at best, a means to a deeper experience of a relationship with God after you had begun one with Him. It is easy to deceive oneself into thinking that by “going through the motions” of doing religious activity, we can satisfy God and our own consciences. Because this kind of activity cannot really change the heart and one’s attitudes towards another person. One who is greedy and selfish will, in fact, use religion to avoid their responsibility to even their own family! True devotion happens from the heart. Only a Christ-changed heart can worship God and willingly show God’s love, beginning with their own family.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I’ve used you (or your church) as an excuse to not give of myself to my family. But also forgive me for using them (my family) as an excuse for not giving you my best. I satisfy myself by doing “good” things and religious activity for you – giving just enough of my time, my energy, my possessions, my abilities – believing that’s my way of being devoted to you, being obedient to you. But you are really not interested in all of that, are you, Lord? Thank you for showing your love to me; you actually gave your all. Remind me that true love and devotion, whether it is for you or my family, is when I give my best, my all, willingly, from the heart. I want to love you, my Jesus, as you first loved me. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

“Jesus made his disciples get into the boat… He saw (them) straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.” I am reminded again and again through Scripture and by experience that just because I am obedient to Jesus’ direction does not mean it will all be “smooth sailing.” There will be times of struggle for the obedient disciple. But that is no indication you (or Jesus) were wrong, or that He does not care for you, or that you just need to grit your teeth and “soldier” on by yourself. Jesus sees, cares, and comes to them in a most unique way – walking on water. It’s not about the miraculousness of the occurrence, but the uniqueness that is important. Look for Jesus to treat you as unique, and so too your circumstances, so that he gives a unique answer to that issue/problem. But more than that, he seeks to reveal himself to you in a truly unique way that draws you closer to him.

Prayer: I sometimes wonder, Lord Jesus, if it really is you who set me on this path. Why else is it so difficult? Am I in “rough water” because of my own stubbornness? But then I am reminded of the many times you met opposition even as you were obedient to your Father’s will; in fact, because you were obedient. Thank you for the reassurance that you see me in my trouble and agony. And thank you for uniquely revealing yourself to me to show your power, your love. May I treasure every experience of your salvation (saving/rescuing/delivering) that finally takes me to my (our) destination. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus feeding the 5000+ is the only miracle that is in all four Gospels. But did you notice that he chose to use someone’s meal as the raw material for his miracle? He could have spoken a word and materialized food out of nothing, but he didn’t. He could have turned stones into bread (after all, Satan did give that suggestion to Jesus when he was hungry in the wilderness), yet he didn’t do that either. Instead, he chose to take the little food of a little boy (John 6:9) that was willingly offered to him, multiply it, and feed the crowd with that. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t expect us to wait to become something big before we can touch others’ lives through us. Jesus wants us to willingly offer to him what little we are and have. We willingly supply the “ordinary”; God adds His “extra”. The result is a miracle – extra-ordinary.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I often feel so inadequate, so small, so useless. Then you remind me that it is not who I am, but whose I am that makes all the difference. Lord, I offer myself to you, with all my inadequacies. I know that I may not be all that much, but I open my life to you. Come in and fill me. Excite me with the knowledge and faith that “little becomes much when we put it in the Master’s hand.” I praise you for still specializing in miracles. Make me your miracle for someone else today. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

King Herod Antipas was rotten through and through. He had lusted after his brother’s wife, Herodias, and finally married her. He was power-hungry, loved pleasure, and could not stand opposition. Opposing such people can become dangerous – and sometimes fatal, as was the case with John the Baptist. Yet what is the follower of Christ to do? Are we meant to speak only of “spiritual things” (read as “things pertaining to heaven”)? John the Baptist was a prophet and spoke out against the blatant immorality of a public figure. He did this without any self-interest, based solely on Scripture. In fact, it was purely because of that that he was compared to Jesus. Being a follower of Christ should raise a prophetic indignation within us because Jesus was never satisfied with leaving things as they existed; He came to transform them into what God wants them (and us) to be.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know you want me to be filled with Your Presence – and that Presence is holy. You want me to be different from the rest of the world in my thinking, words, and actions. Keep me from being so self-absorbed that I cannot see what goes against Your Kingdom standards. Give the courage and passion to take a stand for what you consider important, even if it is to my own disadvantage. I love you, Lord, and more than anything else I want You, Jesus, to be known in this world. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!
This is a side of Jesus that people don’t usually talk about. This is a Master who doesn’t indulge his disciples’ preferences, but sets a standard for lifestyle choices and social behavior for them to live up to. A disciple’s life, especially as they live in obedience to Jesus’ calling, was to be marked by simplicity, faith, and resoluteness. They were to learn to take rejection without being unduly affected by it, and move on. Jesus wants his disciples to never let anything distract them from the main thing in their lives – his Calling. We are to fulfill God’s Mission of Love to a world that needs to hear and experience the healing of wounds and that evil has been overcome.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that it is you who chose me, and not the other way around. You picked me up from a life of sin and “put me on a Rock to stay” (Psalm 40:2). I know that there is much pain and evil in the world – indeed, that’s the kind of life you saved me from. Therefore, I am grateful for the privilege of your calling me to follow and be a disciple who witnesses to your Love and Power to a world in need. Help me to make that the main thing in my life, and not be distracted by anything else. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The truth of the expression “familiarity breeds contempt” is seen in the life of Jesus. Nazareth is where he grew up, which is exactly where people thought they knew all they needed to know about this “local boy” who grew up as a carpenter in a family they were so familiar with. It seemed impossible to them – and even offensive – that anything more could be thought of Jesus. And so they wouldn’t! Jesus was “amazed at their lack of faith,” which meant they didn’t have a deep enough relationship with Him to know and believe the Truth about Him, which is why very little of the divine was experienced in that town. I wonder if “familiarity breeds contempt” is true with the way we read scripture (some verses are so well known – Eg. John 3:16 – that we don’t let them speak any more to us), or the way we view people in our fellowship (“God couldn’t be speaking through so-and-so, I knew them since they were children”), or even Jesus Himself (“He’s my Savior, so what more saving do I need?”).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to know you more, and you claimed to be the Truth. Help me understand that your Truth grows in me only when I set aside my own pre-conceptions about you and surrender to your revealing yourself to me in your own way. Show me how to look for you in what seems familiar so that I may see your Presence in Scripture, in your church (even if I’ve known mine for a 100 years), and in prayer & worship. Thank you for really wanting to show up in love and power in every circumstance of life; just give me the spiritual senses (faith) to recognize you when you do. Amen.
 
Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE ONE
BIBLE PASSAGE TWO
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

All hope was lost. Jairus, with all his religion and authority, thought that Jesus would come and heal his dying daughter before it was too late. Jesus agreed but then stopped to heal the woman with the hemorrhage. And in that delay, the little girl died! It can be heartbreaking when you desperately needed something – a matter of life and death – clutched at a slim hope for relief, and then that hope is suddenly and completely snuffed out. And then Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” It is at that point Jesus asks us, “Who do you believe is the real authority here – yourself, your circumstance, people’s opinions/reactions… or me?” Belief in God and the giving up of fear are linked. To the one who has learned to trust in Jesus, his love, his wisdom, his power – that person is also willing to give up their fear of what they themselves cannot change so that he (Jesus) can bring something beautiful out of it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is when all seems lost: when the rest of the world says there is no hope – that is when I need you the most. I trust that you, in your wisdom, use everything that happens to me, your child, for your glory and my transformation. All I ask, dear Lord, is that when everything seems dark, you will let me hear your loving voice remind me, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” I know you love me. Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of your past faithfulness and reassure me of your Presence, and that will give me Peace. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

“Daughter, your faith has healed you…be freed from your suffering.” Jesus spoke these words to a woman who had suffered 12 years from what was not only an ongoing physical ailment, but also made her ritually unclean (which meant she would not have been allowed into the Temple for worship). In her desperation, she had pushed through the crowd, touched Jesus’ outer garment, and was immediately healed. We know that it was the power that came out from Jesus that healed her, but that made her faith the all-important response to what was available to her through the person of Jesus. Jesus’ love is always there in its various forms – forgiveness, peace, healing – constantly being offered to us. Faith means that we respond to that love and reach out to “touch” Him; there is no telling what healing will take place, but we will be freed from the suffering that enslaves us to a relationship that makes us “daughter” (or “son”).

Prayer: Father, I am grateful that you give me a new identity, one of being your daughter or son; all I needed to do was reach out and touch Jesus in desperation and begin a relationship with him. You did not mind if I was sinful and messed up on the inside. You still took hold of me – all I needed was to reach out to you… Lord Jesus, I don’t want to be among those who crowd You and even brush against you, yet never really experience you. Instead, may I never stop wanting you to flow into me, just like you flowed into that woman and changed her. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Whether you believe in “evil/unclean spirits” or not, you can be sure that there is evil in the world. There are two kinds of evil, really. The one that oppresses us, trying to pressurize/squeeze us from the outside until breathing becomes difficult. This is the Hitler kind of evil that is awful, and yet cannot steal your soul. But there is another kind of evil that works into the soul. This evil works inside, transforming the person into an ugly version, different from what God intended that person to be. It may begin voluntarily (i.e., with the person’s consent), but eventually the evil takes over, and the person becomes a slave to it. And that was what Jesus confronted. The man had so much evil that had become a part of him that his very identity had changed, and he was an outcast. But there are no outcasts to God’s powerful Love in Christ. And only he can do something about this kind of evil – even though he may use different means. Here, Christ brings this man freedom simply by commanding the evil to leave. It seems so simple, almost unbelievable. But do we really believe that Jesus really does love the hopeless, the helpless, that much, and possesses that kind of power that no evil can stand against?

Prayer: I am intimidated by evil, Father – it scares me. Forgive me for thinking that evil has more power than it actually has, and also for not believing that you truly are Almighty. Never let me forget that when you raised Jesus from the dead, you conquered Evil’s most potent weapon – death, and the fear that goes with it. I will hide behind your Cross, Jesus, because I know that is where I gain my confidence. Give me the faith that is based on you, the Rock, O Christ, and I know that even “the gates of hell will not be able to stand against it!” Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Was there a time when you thought you were doing just what God wanted you to do, and then everything went crazy? It felt as if you were all alone, and you wonder whether you had misread (or misheard) God, or maybe God didn’t care enough to show his presence. The disciples may have felt that way when their boat(s) was filling with water because of the storm. Jesus was with them, but he was so fast asleep (which showed even Jesus could get physically tired), it was just as bad as not being present. True, sometimes we do not “hear” correctly, and then we feel we are fending for ourselves. But not this time; it was Jesus who instructed them on this trip, and he was in the boat with them. Could it be that our fears, or pre-occupation with our own abilities, prevent us from noticing the Peace that he is, and that he can give us in times like these? Or maybe we need to understand that just because he is in “the boat” (or circumstance), that doesn’t mean that no problems will arise. He can and does calm the storms outside, but do we let his Peace rule within?

Prayer: God Almighty, it’s easy to trust you when the sun is shining, and all is well. But you direct me in your “paths of righteousness” that can be challenging sometimes. When circumstances become difficult, forgive me for thinking you didn’t care; for allowing my fears to overwhelm me. I know that you can and do calm the storms around me according to your plan and time. But come afresh into my heart and calm the storms within – I put my whole trust in you, my Jesus. May I know your Peace that passes all understanding and the truth of “…God will never lead you where the Grace of God cannot keep you.” Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!

Jesus then tells 2 parables on the nature of spiritual growth. Both of them are pictures of God’s grace (His undeserved, unconditional, and powerful love) at work. They are to reassure and encourage Christ's followers in their walk with Him. Both remind the hearer that all spiritual growth begins with God – it is always His initiative; all we do is respond in surrender and obedience. Then, with Him in control (after all, He is “King”), the first result is that He will grow us, His way: His methods, even His time (and that usually is unique to each of our relationships with Him). The second is that slowly, but surely, that growth in us will affect those who need Him in some form or another, just like the mustard plant becomes a source of refuge to birds, among other things. So, be encouraged; when God’s in charge of your life, you will grow in ways unimaginable!

Prayer: I am so grateful, Lord, that when you are in charge of my life, I don’t need to bother about the way I grow, and how much. I know you know me; you know my resistance to your working and are patient with me. You know what my fears are, so you build me up with courage. I give my life to you afresh, my Lord: be my King. And grow me the way that brings you pleasure, and draws me closer to you. Amen

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

God is generous with his (spiritual) gifts to us, as well as the fruit that He wants to grow in us. Yet there is responsibility involved in both. When God works in us, giving and growing, it is not just for our own benefit. It’s like an apple tree trying to hide its apples within its trunk. [You know that is not possible, and it is even laughable.] Yet we humans do it. God, in his grace, sends His Holy Spirit into the believer so that Jesus Christ’s Presence is experienced and His Character is formed in us. But so often we would rather keep that to ourselves – or worse still, not really believe that any of that has happened (or is happening). Jesus encourages us to let His Presence be revealed through our lives, in word and deed. The more we do, the more he fills us; the less we do, the more we allow him to diminish in us.

Prayer: Thank you for your generosity, my Lord and Savior. You have given everything we need “for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). And yet I am not satisfied, and sometimes even unbelieving. I wish you would give me what I want, not realizing that you have given me all I need. Forgive me for not wanting to reveal the fruit that you want to bring forth from me – fruit that will refresh and sustain other lives. I hear your voice, Lord, that bids me to show your love, patience, kindness, joy, peace, and all the other fruit that you are growing in me. May your fruit overflow from me, Lord Jesus, for your glory. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

1ST BIBLE PASSAGE
2ND BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The seed that fell on the good soil produced a large harvest, many times that of the original. Jesus said these were like people who opened themselves to God’s work. They actively listened. This is the kind of listening that is intentional and focused, like a mother listening for the sound of her child, and vice versa. On hearing the Word, they accepted (or gladly received) it. Like a thirsty traveler who drinks water after hours of being without it. [Luke 8:15 adds persevering after this.] And finally produces that huge crop. Amazingly, this part belongs more to God if we do the previous three. The reason for the plant is not just to grow, but also to produce fruit. Are you the “fruity” person that God made you to be, and Christ gave his life for?

Prayer: Lord, I want to bear fruit for you. Maybe I’ve been trying too hard on my own, but I don’t always see fruit in my life that other people want to enjoy. Forgive me for not being intentional in my listening to Your Word, or when I have not allowed Your Word to enter my life by obeying it consistently. Gracious Father, I will do that from now on. Bring a rich harvest through me. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

1ST BIBLE PASSAGE
2ND BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passages before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The parable of the Sower/Seeds/Soil is a familiar one, and we have Jesus’ own interpretation of it. We hear of the Word of God being sown in 4 different kinds of “soils”; being heard by 4 different kinds of people. The responses are varied, but the real result falls into 2 categories – the UN-fruitful (first 3 soils) and the fruitful (the last soil). The latter will be looked at tomorrow. The first kind of people are those who never take the Word (and God) seriously; they are those who have no intention of doing anything about what they hear (from the Word). The second are those who get sentimental/emotional when they feel God at work in their lives…but emotions/feelings fade, and so does God. The third starts really well, but they haven’t chosen to be separated from the world – they mistakenly think they can both indulge themselves/the world and have God’s presence in their lives. The result is lives that are unhappy and unfulfilled. What kind of life are you?

Prayer: O Master Sower, I know that you have sown your Word many times in my heart. And yet I don’t always see the fruit of that Word in my life that brings you glory. Show me which kind of “soil” I am. Forgive me for the times I did not take You and Your Word seriously. Forgive me for times when I allowed my faith to be based purely on feeling, so that when the feeling faded, you did too. Lord Jesus, I want to make you the sole focus of my life; let nothing distract me from you. I love you, Lord, because You loved me first. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus did much of his preaching in the form of parables.  Parables were simple stories that easily connected to everyday life, yet their intent was to convey a deeper meaning without the hearer suspecting that they were somehow part of the story – until it was too late! Jesus used parables to draw people into the story of what God is doing in our everyday lives, and by identifying with either the characters in the story or the event (or both), he forces us to make the choice of whether we want to go along with what God is doing or go our own way. Parables were meant to make the hearer uncomfortable (because they always called for the hearer to return to God in some way), or else the hearer was not really listening. Do you listen?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love your stories. Until I realize you were really talking about me. But keep making me feel uncomfortable, Lord; then I know you love me, and there’s something in me you want to transform. I am not sure I understand all your stories, but please remind me that when I am truly listening to you, there are some things you will make sure that I cannot possibly MIS-understand. Your Holy Spirit will see to that. Give me the courage, strength, and will to be obedient to do what I understand about your will. I know that’s the only way to see you more clearly, and to hear you more distinctly. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Jesus did belong to a family; we know Mary was his mother, and he had younger siblings. Joseph, Mary’s husband, was most probably dead, making Jesus the oldest male in the family. So I’m sure they had good reason to want his attention. And yet, once Jesus began his ministry, he seems to treat them with no more importance than he did his followers. Instead, he says to those around him, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (v.35). Jesus is not undermining family relationships. Instead, he is saying 3 things: First, our relationship with God is to be more important than any other relationship. Secondly, doing what God wants is to supersede what anybody else wants. (This does not mean that we can use God as an excuse to not fulfill our obligations to family and others). Thirdly, our “spiritual family” should be as real and as important as our blood relatives, or even more. Have you “rethought” your relationships the Jesus way?

Prayer: Loving God, I call you Father, and you graciously call me your child, when I begin a relationship based on faith with Jesus as my Savior. As I grow in this relationship, teach me to put you above anyone else in my life – after all, isn’t it you who put them there? Help me understand that when I do your will, I not only grow closer to you but also grow in my relationship with those I love, and, along with them, you give me spiritual sisters and brothers whom I can call my own. Thank you for making me a part of your very special family. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!
It must take a very cynical mind to imagine that spiritual (or religious) authority is used only by evil persons for evil purposes. Because that was what the religious leaders of his time accused Jesus of. And we must be careful not to fall into the same trap, whether it is Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or any other religion. According to Jesus, real spiritual authority comes only from God through the Holy Spirit, and it was to overcome evil, which was what Jesus was doing. Resistance to such authority was really a resistance to God. And when we intentionally resist God, even God cannot/will not change that, because He has chosen to limit Himself in His love. He does this so that we creatures have the freedom to either choose Him…or reject Him.

Prayer: Gracious God, forgive me for so easily judging and condemning others, either for their convictions or religious stance, because I think they are resisting You. But have I been resisting You as well by my plans, activities, thoughts, that intentionally (or unintentionally) exclude You? Lord Jesus, I realize that I live in a world of evil, and the only way I can do my part in resisting evil is to choose to surrender to You. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill my life with spiritual authority to overcome every kind of evil that surfaces at home, work, play, anywhere! Amen.

Song - CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Ever felt misunderstood – even by those closest to you? When those you love and respect thought that they could run your life better than you could? Jesus’ own family (with the exception of Mary, his mother) did exactly that to Jesus. Because he was so involved in what God was doing through him for people in need, there were times he and his disciples didn’t get time to eat. So, his family tried to “take over” his life. They even thought he was crazy to be so completely invested in people. Added to that, the religious authorities accused him of being on the side of the devil because of his apparent authority over the forces of evil. But did that stop him, do you think?? [Check out how Peter (Acts 5:29) and Paul (Galatians 1:10) responded.]

Prayer: Lord, as I follow you and your ways, I see myself looking more and more different from the others around me. It makes me uncomfortable, and I so often cave in to pressure, because I want to be liked. I don’t want to be rejected for being “different,” even if it’s because of you. Forgive me for times when I have compromised, just to merge with the crowd. Gracious God, give me the strength, wisdom, and courage to stand for the faith you have put in me, for the purpose you have called me to. And let me do it with humility and gentleness so that ultimately the world will see You glorified in me. Amen.

Song - CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus chooses (calls) 12 men from among those who followed him; they were to be his “sent out” ones (that’s what the apostle meant). He chooses them for 3 reasons. First, they had to just be with him. There’s no better way to know a person than to listen to them, see what they do, and how they do it. Maybe even participate in what they do. Without even knowing it, you even grow in a relationship with that person, especially if you are with them 24/7, like those 12 were. Are you consciously with Jesus 24/7, in (the) “Word”, prayer, thoughts, deed? Secondly, there would come a time when Jesus would send them to take his Word – somewhere (neighborhood, workplace, school, family), and to somebody (the discouraged, sad, hope-less, broken, purpose-less, hell-bound). Thirdly, they were to be intentional in their stand against every kind of evil, with His authority. The 12 are named; among them is one who would choose to betray him, another to deny him, and all who would one day desert him. Jesus knew this, and yet he chose them.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you that it is you who has chosen me, and not the other way around. Because that means you did it knowing my inadequacies, weaknesses, and brokenness. And you chose me because you knew that the only real hope for me was to be with you. Lord Jesus, I want to be a disciple that you can trust with others’ brokenness and needs; I want to stand against the evil that shows up so regularly, knowing that I have the authority as your disciple to do so. Remind me, Lord, that when you send me anywhere and to anyone, not only will you bring change there, you will change and grow me as well. Amen.

Song - CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

It’s curious, but while Jesus was on earth, he never really wanted people to talk about him or his healings. And he shut up those unclean evil spirits who knew without a doubt his identity as God’s Son. Does that mean that we shouldn’t tell others about him and what he’s done? There are three things to remember. Jesus does want us to talk about him with others, but first, he wants us to have an intimate relationship with him. Sharing about anyone based on a superficial relationship is dangerous; besides, why would we want others to know him unless we ourselves have a growing experience of the wonderful Person that he is? Second, there is a matter of “timing” – you need to know when God wants you to do it. It’s like the farmer who sows the seed only after he has ploughed and cultivated the ground. And thirdly, if that person’s life reflects the world and its evils, Christ is not interested in getting “good press” from “unreliable sources.”

Prayer: Father, I am so often afraid to talk about you. But even if I did want to talk about you, what would I say? Lord, I realize I may need to grow in my intimacy with you. Like Paul, I want my prayer to be, “I want to know you, Christ” – the depth of your love, the wonder of you as Creator, the beauty of your holiness… I want to be so excited about you that every conversation I have with others will be an opportunity for you to manifest yourself. Help me understand that when I radiate your growing Presence in me, you will prepare the ground for people to want to know the Person that makes all the difference in my life. Amen.

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BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus looks “at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…” (v.5).
Jesus’ critics were waiting to find fault with him for doing the work of healing on the Sabbath. It’s astonishing how we can completely miss the obvious because of our preoccupation with our own agendas and distorted vision. What could be more obvious than doing God’s good work on God’s holy Day? Jesus does two things; first, he shows anguish at his critics’ attitude – he knows that they are missing the point of religion, which was to experience a loving God even through the good He wants to do through us. Secondly, he heals the man, criticism notwithstanding, showing he would rather face opposition and act in mercy than let someone continue alone in their suffering.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I wonder if my attitudes seem distorted to you, and thus cause you anguish. Help me understand that your love and my prejudice cannot co-exist; there can be only one or the other. Forgive me for the distress I cause you. Heal me of my blindness when I cannot see the suffering of a sister, brother, or neighbor. And thank you for never giving up on me, because I know you keep giving me opportunities to touch people outside my “comfort zone” with your love, which has the power to change people and circumstances. And yes, myself too. Amen.

Song - CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Sabbath keeping was/is an integral part of the Jewish faith. It was a day set apart for God, mandated by the Old Testament Law, and the orthodox Jew insisted on keeping it. Unfortunately, we in the Christian world have lost the meaning of the Sabbath, much like the religious orthodox had during Jesus’ time. Jesus was reminding them (and us) that it’s not about what you should or shouldn't do on this special day. That was not why God ordained the Sabbath for His people. God “gifted” us with the Sabbath (or “set apart”/“special”/“Holy” day) so that we could use the opportunities the day provides to draw closer to him, for him to restore us and refresh us. We should want to use the Day to fulfill the desire to grow in our experience of a loving God in every way possible – worship, study, prayer, family-building, neighbor-loving… Do we use our Sundays that way?

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for a Day when I can focus exclusively on you. I know you take pleasure when I worship you with others in your house, and forgive me when I neglect to do so. But you also want me to take the Day to experience you in my family, with those you have put in my life. You want me to find ways to focus on you so much that your love spills over into everything I do that Day. Maybe then I will learn to experience you more and more the rest of the week as well. Teach me to desire you more than anything else. Amen.

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BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Note: There will be NO daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, and experience Him!
Jesus is not doing away with fasting. In fact, he says that there will come a time when fasting will be needed. However important the oft-neglected Spiritual Discipline of fasting is, Jesus is really talking about something else. With Jesus' coming into the world, people no longer need to rely on ritualistic actions to come closer to God. With Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God before us now, the question is, “Do I want to relate to him personally, directly, as MY Savior and Lord? Or do I still want to rely on doing the same thing over and over again with little meaning, and more out of habit? Things like ‘giving my dues’, or giving my attendance at worship at regular intervals, or doing a sacrificial deed now and then.” Jesus has provided a new and direct way (Hebrews 10:20) to know God, which makes the above meaningful only after we’ve given ourselves completely to Him, not the other way around.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I think that whatever I do will win favor with you, however “spiritual” they may look. I realize that all you really want is for me to accept your grace (undeserved love) in faith and grow in an ever-deepening relationship with you. Then everything I do will come out of that love relationship. Isn’t that what pleases you most, Jesus? So here I am: “break me, melt me, mold me, fill me…and use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.” Amen.

Song: - CLICK HERE