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 Seventh Commandment

God intended marriage to be holy. He said in the seventh commandment, "Do not commit adultery." Wouldn't it be great if married couples could keep the "in love" feeling alive throughout the years they are together? Life seems to get in the way. Children and problems, pain and suffering get in the mix and challenge the best of relationships. Only with God's help can a man and woman keep their love alive.

During difficult times, it's tempting to accept the attention of another person, but Jesus said even if a man looks at another woman with lust, he has committed adultery in his heart. We cannot trust our hearts. They will lead us astray if we are not careful.

Think About It
Guard your friendships and save serious relationships for adulthood. Write down the important things you want in the person you want to spend your life with. Pray for God to help you find the right person. Don't settle for second best.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, help us to remember that marriage is holy. Help us to keep our friendships pure for that reason. Amen.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

When Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, not only did He send them power to speak the Good News and start the early church--He gave each of them and each of us power to live holy lives. That means we will have comfort in suffering, counsel and wisdom to make tough decisions, and peace and joy in all things. Living by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will become more like Jesus. It's a little too amazing to comprehend, isn't it?