Beguiled by Beauty: Cultivating a Life of Contemplation and Compassion, Wendy Farley (Westminster John Knox, Louisville, 2020). From the traveling I have done, I have discovered that tour guides are worth their weight in gold. I may have significantly researched an area I planned to visit. When I arrived at my destination, however, I discovered […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Mark 11:1-11, Jesus Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
The Crowd Welcomes Jesus Jesus Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Devotions for Mark 1:1-11 Monday, Jesus Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem “He sent two of his disciples” (Mark 11:1). Grampa and Gramma were coming and certain things needed to be done before their arrival. Extra food had to be purchased and some special treats baked. The guest […]
Mark 13:1-8, 24-37, Signs of the End Times
Signs of the End Times Devotions on Mark 13:1-8, 24-37 Monday–Signs of the End Times “’Look, Teacher, what large stones’” (Mark 13:1) Once a year the community would sponsor an open house. It was a fund-raiser for some worthy causes. For four nights people would purchase tickets that would allow them to tour ten of […]
Mark 12:28-44, Love the Lord with All Your Heart
Love the Lord with All Your Heart Devotions on Mark 12:28-44 Monday–Love the Lord with All Your Heart “’Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.’” (Mark 12:29) Abraham Lincoln is said to have coined the phrase, “You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the […]
Mark 12:1-12, Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Parable of the Wicked Tenants Parable of the Wicked Tenants Devotions for Mark 12:1-12 Monday, Parable of the Wicked Tenants “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it” (Mark 12:1a). After a pleasant afternoon of visiting vineyards and tasting wine, a person begins to realize the care, dedication and hard work that a […]
Designed to Heal
Designed to Heal: What the Body Shows Us About Healing Wounds, Repairing Relationships, and Restoring Community, Jennie A. McLaurin and Cymbeline Tancongco Culiat (Tyndale Momentum, Carol Streams, 2021) Bookshelves are lined with volumes advising readers how to end conflict, heal broken relationships and deal with the inevitable wounds of life. These books usually base their […]
Mark 10:32-52, Jesus Foretells His Death
Jesus Foretells His Death Devotions on Mark 10:32-52 Monday–Jesus Foretells His Death “They were amazed and those who followed were afraid” (Mark 10:32a) Amal loved rollercoasters. He enjoyed the anticipation of standing in line moving toward the loading platform. He relished the rush of the coaster its speed and the fact that one moment a […]
Mark 10:17-31–What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life
What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life Devotions on Mark 10:17-31 Monday–What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life “’What must I do to inherit eternal life’” (Mark 10:17)? Diego Francisco took his first breath at 9:47 in the morning. He weighed in at a hefty 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was […]
Mark 8:27–9:8, Transfiguration of Jesus
The Transfiguration Transfiguration of Jesus Devotions on Mark 8:27-9:8 Monday–Transfiguration of Jesus “’Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist … Elijah … one of the prophets’” (Mark 8:27-28). Jaylene and a couple of her friends were enjoying a cup of coffee together at the local coffee shop. The […]
Mark 6:1-29–John the Baptist Beheaded
John the Baptist Beheaded Devotions on Mark 6:1-29 Monday, John the Baptist Beheaded “On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded” (Mark 6:2). Kyle hadn’t darkened the door of a church for a very long time. Yet he found himself sitting in a pew next to […]