Daily Devotional

March 2, 2019

“For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.” (Mark 7:8)

“Tradition” is a word that has diverse meanings to different people. Some traditions, such as specific ways of celebrating holidays, or recipes that are handed down from one generation to the next, are a special aspect of being part of a family. 

Some traditions are humorous, such...

March 1, 2019

“And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.” (Mark 6:51-52)

When I was about fourteen years old, my dad took me to a trout fishing resort in Canada. Near our destination, a man met us in an open boat to take us to the lodge. He...

February 28, 2019

“And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7)

When my husband and I bought our house a little over a year ago, we had a list of “improvements” we wanted to make. We believe that when we sell the house, the improvements will make it more appealing to potential buyers, and will hopefully increase its market value. 

The first...

February 27, 2019

“And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, and besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.” (Mark 5:22-23)  

Sometimes we are in a position where we need to pray for miracles. A man...

February 26, 2019

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” (Mark 5:19-20)

During the last year of my high school days, I was in a backslidden state and was not a good example to...

February 25, 2019

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Several years ago, I had the privilege of going to Israel and seeing the places where Jesus ministered while He was here on earth. The day our group visited the Sea of Galilee was bright and sunny, and during our boat ride, as we recounted the story of Jesus calming the sea, the lake was calm...

February 24, 2019

“And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.” (Mark 4:8)

My garden book has this to say about soil: “Entirely satisfactory garden soils are rare indeed, and when they exist they usually represent careful preparation and careful management over a period of years.”1 I know where they are coming from. In the yard surrounding our previous home, we...

February 23, 2019

“And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)

For years, slavery was prevalent in the southern portion of the United States. Plantation owners in the South depended upon slaves for their livelihood, while many in the northern states opposed the concept of one human owning another. In 1853, a policy was initiated that was to settle the slavery debate. However, five years later, agitation over slavery had only increased.

During the...

February 22, 2019

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach” (Mark 3:14).

Our focus verse talks about Jesus choosing twelve followers to be His disciples. These men were not chosen because of their amazing abilities or potential; they were ordinary people. The attributes that caused them to be called were willingness and obedience. Their association with Jesus, His instruction, and God’s power were what qualified them. 

Today, Jesus...

February 21, 2019

“And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.” (Mark 3:2)

My six-year-old son is a stickler for following directions. I do not mean directions given to him, but rather those given to others! In the heat of a disagreement with one of his siblings, he will begin to cry that they are not following my prior directions.

This is not only a problem in our home. His...