From the Tombs (Mark 5:1-20)

Demons controlled the man who lived in the tombs. Because of them, he cut himself on rocks, and their combined strength in him caused him to break the chains men put on him. How he must have suffered!

Mark 5:21-43

One day Jesus arrived on a boat, and the man ran to Him and fell at His feet. The demons spoke, and Jesus commanded them to go into a herd of pigs. The people who owned the pigs saw the man dressed and in his right mind. They saw their pigs going over a cliff into the river below. Alarmed, they asked Jesus to leave their vicinity, but the man Jesus delivered begged to follow Him.

Jesus told him to go home and tell all God had done for him. I remember when Jesus rescued me from my despair. Like the man from the tombs, I never wanted to be outside of Jesus' love and presence, but He called me to go and tell all He has done for me.

The good news is, He is always with me. By going and telling, I have not left His presence. Instead, it seems to be manifested when I do what Jesus wants me to do.

Think About It
Have you or someone in your family been sick, sad or lonely? Jesus' love is the answer. I felt the warmth of His love as soon as I said His name from my depression. You can experience new hope and faith too by speaking Jesus' name.

Pray About It
Thank you, Father God, for loving me and sending Jesus into my life. Every day I want more of Him and less of me. Help it be so. Amen.

What Does Your Cross Look Like?

Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:34-36

Many think when suffering comes along that God isn't paying attention, that He doesn't hear their cries for healing. Did you know He was the beginning of Job's problems? He said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:8. Satan was sure Job would fall away from God if he had to suffer. Not so! God allowed Job to lose seven sons, three daughters, his health and wealth, but Job remained faithful.

God also allowed Naomi to suffer. She and her family left Bethlehem during a famine and found a living in Moab. Her sons married Moabite wives and all seemed well for a while, yet not for long. Naomi's husband and two sons died, but she kept her faith in God.

God's perfect plan for us meant His own Son would suffer persecution, crucifixion and death. Thanks be to God, that is not the end of the story. Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the grave, rolled away the stone and lived among His people for forty days before He ascended into Heaven. More than five hundred people witnessed seeing and hearing Him. He is now preparing a place for us to be with Him forever. A place for Job and Naomi too. However, even when they were on earth, God more than restored them from their losses. Job had ten more children, good health and more wealth than he could imagine. Naomi became a grandmother and God took care of her the rest of her life on earth.

Think About It
What does your cross look like? Is your family going through a tough time with bad health or financial stress? Whatever problems you may have, Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20 that He would always be with us. Because He suffered much, we can trust Him to be with us in our in our suffering. By remaining faithful as Job and Naomi did, God will build strong character in us too.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, whatever problems we face, help us stand firm and trust You. Thank you that in our weakness you work your strength and give us hope.

The Jesus Believin' Roman Centurion

Dressed in his armor, a Roman Centurion,

Called on Jesus in the town of Capernaum.

He said, “My servant lies sick, at home in his bed,

Please come and heal him from his toes to his head.”

Well, the compassionate Lord Jesus got ready to go,

When suddenly the Centurion said, “Oh, Jesus no!

“I’m not worthy for you to come where I dwell;

Just say the word and my servant will be well.

“For I myself am a boss in command,

Of hundreds of soldiers at my right hand.

“I say to this one “come” and he comes;

And I say to another, “Do this” and he does.” 

Well, the Centurion’s words amazed the Lord Jesus;

He said to His followers, “Such faith I’ve not witnessed.

“Many will come from the east and the west,

To stand in their places at my heavenly fest.

“Some, surprisingly, will be left outside,

Where from pain and suffering they cannot hide.

Jesus said to the Roman Centurion,

“Go! Just as you asked, it will be done.”

Each one of us has a choice to believe,

Or to be left outside with hurting and grief.

So follow the faith of the Roman Centurion,

Believe in the Father, Holy Spirit and Son.