Fear Not Only Believe Devotions on Mark 5:21-34 Monday — Fear Not Only Believe “Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jarius came and, when he saw him he fell at his feet” (Mark 5:22). Jill entered the small hospital chapel and sat down. It had been a long time since she had […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Mark 5:1-20, Jesus Heals the Demoniac
Jesus Heals the Demoniac Devotions on Mark 5:1-20 Monday, Jesus Heals the Demoniac “They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes” (Mark 5:1). First Church of the Sun Cities was a thriving congregation in an active adult (55 years-old+) community. The congregation had a vibrant mid-week Bible […]
Clayton’s Chronicles
Clayton’s Chronicles, Jere Steiner (FriesenPress, Altona, MB, 2023) A Celestial Biography We have all read biographies and autobiographies. Unless they are purposely written by the author to vilify the character, typical biographies usually downplay foibles, dramatize struggles, and highlight successes. Clayton’s Chronicles, by Jere Steiner is a quite different type of biography. One might say […]
Mark 4:1-34, Parable of the Sower
Parable of the Sower Devotions on Mark 4:1-34 January 13-19, 2020 Monday, Parable of the Sower “He began to teach them many things in parables” (Mark 4:2) Multiple choice or essay, which kind of exam do you prefer? Most of us will go with the multiple choice. On the whole it is an easier test. […]
Mark 2:1-22–Forgiveness of Sins
Forgiveness of Sins Mark 2:1-22 Monday–Forgiveness of Sins “Then some people came bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them” (Mark 2:3). Marsha and two of her co-workers, Karyn and Jayleen, sat down for coffee and conversation at the coffee shop across from the office. The past few months had not been […]
Mark 1:1-20–The Kingdom of God Has Come
The Nativity of John the Baptist The Kingdom of God Has Come Devotions for Mark 1:1-20 Monday–The Kingdom of God Has Come “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). They did things different in Jesus’ day. Books (or scrolls) didn’t have their title printed on the outside […]
Luke 1: 5-80–The Birth of John the Baptist
The Birth of John the Baptist Luke 1:5-13, 57-80 Monday–Birth of John the Baptist “In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah” (Luke 1:5). Luke could have started his account of Jesus’ ministry with the words, “Once upon a time, in a land far, far away.” Luke didn’t do […]
Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13- Rebuilding the Temple
Rebuilding the Temple Devotions for December 9-15, 2019 Ezra 1:1-4, 3:1-4, 10-13 Monday–Rebuilding the Temple “The Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia” (Ezra 1:1). It had been a tough week and Kim felt like she needed some shopping therapy. While browsing through a rack of sweaters, Kim bumped into a tall […]
Isaiah 40:1-11–Comfort
Comfort Devotions for Isaiah 40:1-11 Monday–Comfort “Comfort, O comfort my people, says the Lord” (Isaiah 11:1) Parents with seriously sick children are a wonder to behold. Most of them, after watching all of the medial procedures their children had to endure and seeing their children sick and in pain, would change places with their children […]
Jeremiah 33:14-18–Fulfilling a Promise
Fulfilling a Promise Devotions for Jeremiah 33:14-18 Monday–Fulfilling a Promise “The days are surely coming, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 33:14a). Life coaches frequently instruct us to focus on the present—live today. There is good reason for this. We struggle with time. Frequently we live in the past, struggling with the guilt and shame of […]