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 […]
Year 2, Narrative Lectionary, Mark
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 […]
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 […]
2 Kings 22:1-10, 23:1-3–King Josiah of Judah
King Josiah of Judah Devotions for November 18-24, 2019 2 Kings 22:1-10, 23:1-3 Monday–King Josiah of Judah “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the way of his father David” (2 Kings 22:2a). Evan sat in the worship service with his wife and two young daughters. He […]
Isaiah 5:1-7, 11:2-5–The Lord’s Vineyard
The Lord’s Vineyard Devotions on Isaiah 5:1-7, 11:2-5 Monday–The Lord’s Vineyard “My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile field” (Isaiah 5:1). The beloved’s vineyard was situated on prime real estate. It was on a hill so that the vines would all get plenty of sunshine. The fertile soil assured that the vines would […]
Devotions on Hosea 11:1-9–Hope of God’s Love
Hope of God’s Love Hosea 11:1-9 Monday–Hope of God’s Love “When Israel was a child, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1a) Little Katelynn Simmons is eight months old. She is the apple of her parent’s eye. They shelter her, feed her, clothe her and change her dirty diapers. They spend countless hours playing with her and […]