These are some devotions I wrote for Union Gospel Press, to be published next year. This was one week out of 13 weeks for that particular assignment.

FOR DAILY MEDITATION

Monday, 3 Sept. Mark 4:35-41

Jesus calmed a storm. In today’s passage the disciples were doing what Jesus had asked and trouble came. They had some faith, but when trouble came, their faith sank when they found him sleeping. Too often, we respond the same way when trouble comes. “Where is God now,” we may ask. Just as he controlled the waves then, he can control our circumstances today. Let us trust Him today to take care of us regardless of the situation.

Tuesday, 4 Sept. Matt. 14:22-27

Jesus Walked on the Water. Storms were fairly common on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus and the Disciples often were ministering. This time the storm was not so bad, but Jesus still showed his control over the situation. Why do you suppose they were surprised to see him walk on the water after he had earlier made a storm stop just by his word? Today meditate on the power of Jesus, and do not be shocked when you see His power.

Wednesday, 5 Sept. Matt. 14:28-33.

Peter’s Doubt. Peter showed great faith by being willing to walk on the water with Jesus. It was only when the things of the world, such as the waves, that his faith began to fade, distracted him. Just like Peter, when we are focused on Jesus, we too can rise above our problems. Our faith will suffer when we take our eyes off the savior and look at the things that could harm us. Trust God today with keeping you safe as you fix your eyes on Him.

Thursday, 6 Sept. Mark 8:1-13

Feeding Four Thousand. In today’s text we see two attitudes expressed toward Jesus. The crowds came to him to hear him teach, and they were fed both spiritually and physically. The Pharisees, on the other hand, came unbelieving, and tried to catch Jesus in a trap. They asked for a sign, and Jesus refused to give them one. We should always seek Jesus and not special signs, because the point should always be Jesus, not miracles.

Friday, 7 Sept. Mark 8:14-21.

Beware of Certain Leaven. Jesus warned the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and that of the Herodians. Leaven is yeast, and is a symbol for something that influences the whole of anything that it enters. The Pharisees represented false religion and the Herodians represented worldliness. Both of those things can harm a believer by influencing their lives. Let us today be on guard against modern leaven in the world.

Saturday, 8 Sept. Matt. 8:18-27.

Follow Now!. In Jesus’ day, there were those who truly wanted to follow him, but they wanted to follow on their own terms. Some made excuses, like saying they wanted to take care of this or that first. They were saying they would follow Jesus on their own terms and at their own time. Jesus called us to follow Him today. Consider how you can follow Jesus today, and see if there are areas where you are following Him on your own terms and not on His terms.

Sunday, 9 Sept. Matt. 14:14-21.

Feeding Five Thousand. There are two major stories in the New Testament where Jesus miraculously fed a large crowd. He met their physical needs because he felt compassion for them. He told the disciples to use what they had, and He miraculously supplied the rest. Today we may think we cannot make much of a difference in the world, but the Lord calls us to use what we do have, and in His way, He will supply the rest of the need.