Devotions

Jesus had given His disciples the power and authority to cast our demons, heal the sick and all diseases. They had just come back and were reporting to Jesus of all they had done and what they taught.

The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is found in all four Gospel accounts. Yet, Mark gives us a complete insight into the heart of our Savior that no other Gospel writer gives. Mark 6:34 reads, “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them,

Can you imagine being taken from your home and made a slave in a foreign land? Everything you have known is gone. Daniel and his friends had this very thing happen to them.

Did you know in China, Olympic athletes are chosen when they are as young as six years old? From the time they are chosen, each athlete will go to special schools where they will be trained to compete and win. Everything about their lives will revolve around this. Truly, they are living sacrifices for their country.

Have you ever struggled with your Christian walk? Has doing what the Bible says seemed to be boring and tedious? You know what is right, but you just don’t want to? If you said, “Yes” to any of these questions, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this and more. However, even though you are not alone, God doesn’t want us to stay there, doubting His goodness and strength.

Drew Brees is one of the greatest Quarterbacks in NFL history, but his comeback story makes him even greater. During the 2005 season, Brees was on fire. In Week 4, he led his team to victory over the mighty New England Patriots, he threw 19 of 24, including two touchdowns and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He had a career high passing yards of 3,576 during the season. However, in the last game against the Denver Broncos, Brees tore his labrum while trying to pick up his own fumble causing a season ending and possibly career ending surgery. 

How would you like to be known for losing? One of the most amazing feats in NFL history is the Buffalo Bills making it to the Super Bowl four times in a row, yet losing each time. From 1991-1994, the Bills were an incredible team, beating opponents and making it to the biggest game of their lives. Yet, they couldn’t pull out a win. Four Super Bowls, four defeats. How devastating this must have been. We always want to win and not lose anything. 

Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 was one of the most memorable Super Bowls of all-time. It was a coaching match between two brothers, Jim and John Harbaugh. But, what made it even more memorable was what happened in the 3rdquarter. 

Can you believe it? The Creator God, The Infinite One, The Almighty, wants to, no desires to, have a real, passionate, intimate relationship with you! No really, can you believe it?! At times it’s hard to fathom this. Yet, the Bible is clear that God yearns to have daily fellowship with you. He hungers to commune with you. Incredible!

This statement of Jesus is so simple, yet so challenging to accomplish. “If you love me,” He says. “If I love you?” “Of course, I love Jesus.” Why would He question our love for Him? A phrase we say often is, “I love you.” Yet, does our life back up our words? True love is not just verbal; it always shows itself in some form.