Month: March 2024

Day 88
Matthew 10:1-42; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6

In our last reading, Jesus selected twelve men and named them as apostles, but what do you do once you have your new leaders. Today’s reading is what he did next.

Our reading today is Mark 6:7-13.
It is the story of Jesus giving a commission to the newly appointed apostles.

“7 Calling the Twelve to Him, He began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing but a staff for the journey—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 wear sandals, but not a second tunic. 10 And He told them, ‘Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 So they went out and preached that the people should repent. 13 They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick by anointing them with oil.”

One of my favorite things about reading the Bible is how it reveals things to me a little at a time. In this reading, there are three amazing life principles.

We will only mention them briefly, but if you think about each of them, they will be a guiding light for your life.

1. Training involves doing. Verse 7

The apostles were newly appointed. They had learned much from following, watching, and listening to Jesus, but there is more. Learning is incomplete until one learns by doing. In telling these apostles to go out and preach. He sent them out to preach and learn. To help them best he sent them out in pairs. As Solomon said, two are better than one.

2. Verse 8, “take nothing but a staff for the journey.”

We all love more and more things, but excessive things can weigh you down and hinder your journey. Jesus did let them take a staff to aid them, but that was all they really needed. In life, we must learn to distinguish between wishes, wants, and needs.

3. Verse 10, “’Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that area.”

Jesus is telling them to build relationship as you go along the way. As we said in another lesson, everybody needs somebody. You do too!

Following these three principles, you will build a better life.
Lonnie Davis

Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16

The story for our devotional today is found in three of the Gospels, It is about the time when Jesus selected his apostles.

Luke 6:12-16
[12] In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. [13] When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: [14] Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; [15] Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; [16] Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

From this reading, reflect on two things today:

1. Being a loner is a waste of opportunity.

Movies and television glamorize the loner, the one guy who can go out on his own and do what nobody else can do. That is mostly an idea built up in fiction. If you want to accomplish something great, you are going to need others. Jesus came to die for our sins, yes, but he also came to build the church. How did he do that? He picked twelve men and trained them for the task.

I wonder what it was like when Jesus first got back to heaven. Did the angels gather around and ask, “Did you build your kingdom?” Jesus answered, “I only got it started. There is much more work to be done.”
The angels asked, “What’s the plan? With you in heaven, how will the kingdom work be done?”
And Jesus answered, “I left twelve men to do the work of spreading the kingdom.”
The angels then said, “But they might fail. What is your backup plan?”
And Jesus said, “There is no backup plan.”

Jesus needed the twelve and all those who followed after them. That is his plan. If Jesus leaned on others, then we need to do the same. Everybody needs somebody. If you don’t have them, seek and find them. They will change your life.

2. I remind you of the thing you always do before starting, It is always the same.

That thing is found in verse 12 of today’s reading. “Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.”

What was that one thing? Jesus prayed about it. Unless you have prayed about it first, then you are not ready.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-21

For our devotional today, we turned our attention to Matthew 13:54-58.

Let’s read it:
[54] Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. [55] “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? [56] Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” [57] And they took offense at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” [58] And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.

From this story, I call your attention to two great thoughts.

1. Jesus was rejected by his own hometown.

Luke writing tells us more, On hearing what he said, “all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff.” (Luke 4:28-29).

To say they were unbelieving is an understatement. In fact, the hometown folks became “enraged” at him, drove him out of town, and tried to thrown him down. They became so angry with him that they tried to kill him. This is the first time that anyone tried to kill Jesus. (Luke 4:28-29).
The people of Nazareth rejecting Jesus is especially ironic because they themselves were looked down upon. A popular saying was “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Yet, these social outcasts looked own on the Lord.

2. Think about what Jesus did on a regular basis, what his habits were. We might surmise there were many, but the Bible only mentions three.

From our story today,

1. He went to the synagogue every Saturday “as was his custom.” Luke 4:16

There are only two more things that the Bible mentions.

2. He prayed “as usual.” Luke 22:39
3. He taught others “as was his custom.”Mark 10:1.

Reflecting on these three things, I leave you with this question: When people look back on your life, what are the things that they would say you did on a regular basis?
Lonnie Davis

Matthew 9:27-31

[27] As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 

[28] After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. 

“Yes, Lord,” they answered. 

[29] Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” [30] And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!” [31] But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land. 

The First Step to Success.

You have to believe. Unless you believe it will work, you will not really try. Notice the keyword “really.” If you just think something is a good idea, you might give it a little start, but you will soon abandon it. These two blind men showed the first two tenants of achievement.

1. They felt a strong pull for what they wanted. They were blind! More than anything else, they wanted to see. So would you. 

2. Act on what you want.

Question: If ten men were sitting on a porch and 7 of them said, “I am going to go to town,” how many men do you have left on the porch? The answer is not three. The answer is ten. Just because somebody says they are going to do something doesn’t mean they actually did it. If saying were doing, we would all have a nice savings account and be at our ideal weight. Wanting to be healed, these men acted upon their plan. They followed Jesus.

3. Sticking to the task.

The old adage says, “Well begun is half done.” Yes, but only half the task. Anyone can start, but few can stick to the task long enough to be effective. The true measure of success lies not in the brilliance of our beginnings but in our unwavering commitment to seeing things through. Embrace the power of persistence, for it is the key to outrageous success.

Jesus said, “If the blind follow the blind, both will fall into the ditch.” Of course that is true, but these are not blind men. They were formerly blind. Follow them, and you will achieve your dream.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture reading for today is Luke 8:42-48

[42] As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, [43] including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her.
[45] “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter, “the people are crowding and pressing against You.”
[46] But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”
[47] Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed.
[48] “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

From this famous story there are two great observations for today.

1. We learn of the power of tenacity, trying, and trying again.
   This woman suffered for twelve years and spent everything she had on doctors, but still found no cure. Her experience tells us an important lesson about perseverance. When we truly care, we work relentlessly to find answers, knowing that success is frequently found because of the failures we experience. In life, we learn by failing. We try and fail, and try and fail until we finally try and succeed. Interestingly, after depleting all of her financial resources on treatments that yielded no results, she found healing in Jesus, who required nothing except her faith. This sharp contrast shows that true healing and answers are found not in financial abundance but in spiritual confidence and trust.
2. In the midst of a pressing crowd, a woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. Her faith was not in a mere act but in the very essence of who Jesus is—the Son of God, the Great Physician, the Healer. Her unwavering faith in Jesus’ identity brought about her miraculous healing, demonstrating that true restoration comes from encountering Jesus Himself. Her salvation came not through her own efforts but through her trust in Jesus’ power to restore.

Let me leave you with one final truth from this reading: When Jesus touches your life, your life will never be the same. We thank God for that.

Lonnie Davis

Today, our devotional is based on the time that Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl from the dead. It is found in Mark 5.

We will look at three lessons for our hearts.

1. You have to know where you can turn for help
2. Others around you may give up.
3. With God the seemingly impossible is still possible.

Part 1: You have to know where to turn for help. Mark 5:21-24

[21] When Jesus had again crossed by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him beside the sea. [22] A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet [23] and pleaded with Him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.” 

[24] So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him. 

This man, Jairus, was a spiritual and well-known Jew among Jews. He led their synagogue, their local church, we would say. As a Jew, why would he go to the itinerant preacher for help? Because he believed that is where help is found. When we are desperate for help, we go where we believe the help is.

Part 2. Others around you may give up. Mark 5:35

While He was still speaking, messengers from the house of Jairus arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; why bother the Teacher anymore?” 

They gave up because you have to know when it is over. Sometimes, however, we give up too soon. When God is involved, don’t lose hope.

Part 3.  With God the seemingly impossible is still possible. Mark 5:36-52

[36] But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

[38] When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. [39] He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.” [40] And they laughed at Him.

Yes, God can do such amazing deeds that you would laugh if someone told you about it. Never doubt God, and especially don’t laugh at his promises.

The reading continues.

 After He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child. [41] Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old, and at once they were utterly astounded.

So what is the great conclusion for our own hearts? Simply this, do not doubt the power of God to answer prayer and work in our lives. Like the synagogue ruler, simply take your trouble to God and leave him to work as he sees best.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today’s devotional is Matthew 8:28-34.

[28] When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 

[29] “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 

[30] In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. [31] So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 

[32] “Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters. 

[33] Those tending the pigs ran off into the town and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men. [34] Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

Reading this story showed me three great lessons for our hearts.

1. Even the Demons recognize the authority of Jesus.

  It is amazing that our world is so full of people who do not recognize the authority of Jesus in their lives. Here, even the demons bowed before his authority. 

2. Jesus has the power to deliver us from evil.

These two men had lives crippled by Satan. Look what Mark says about one of them, “This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:3-5)

Sin is devastating in our life, but Jesus has the power to help us escape evil.

4. Jesus respects our free will.

   When the people asked Jesus to leave, He left. Jesus will not force His presence or His will upon us; we must choose to accept Him. If you want to follow Jesus, he will stay. If you want him out of your life, he will leave.

Lonnie Davis

Our text today is Mark 4:35-41

[35] When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” [37] Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. [38] But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” 

[39] Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. 

Facing the Storms of Life

Picture this: You’re in a boat with Jesus and His disciples in the middle of the night, navigating across the Sea of Galilee, when out of nowhere, a wild storm arises. This isn’t just any storm—it’s the kind that makes experienced sailors think they might sink. They are scared!

Welcome to Mark 4:35–41, a story about more than just weather; it’s about life’s unexpected storms. This story tells us three great truths.

First: Storms are part of life’s deal. 

They come at us full throttle, one minute life is smooth, and one minute later, a storm has hit your life. The disciples were right there with Jesus, yet they were afraid. It’s like life saying, “Surprise! Let’s see how you handle this one.” 

Second: In the middle of this chaos, Jesus is as calm as can be. 

When everything’s going badly, He’s there, reminding us that panic doesn’t help. He’s got this way of bringing peace to our panic stations, showing us that sometimes, the trick isn’t about dodging the storm but finding your calm in the heart of it. It’s about knowing who’s in your boat and trusting Him to steer.

Third: Listening to the voice of Jesus

the Bible is filled with examples of this:

He spoke to the storm, and it obeyed. Mark 4:35-41
He spoke to the demons, and they obeyed. Mark 5:1-20
He spoke to sickness, and it obeyed. Matthew 8:14-17
He spoke to the fig tree, and it obeyed. Matthew 21:18-21
He spoke to death and it obeyed. John 11.

It makes you think, doesn’t it? If all these things obey His voice, what’s our excuse? 

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Matthew 13:47-52

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. 

So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Have you understood all these things?” 

“Yes,” they answered. 

The parable of the net catching all kinds of fish illustrates the truth that the kingdom of heaven is meant for everyone, regardless of their background or past actions. Whether they have pink or brown hair, bald heads or man buns, as long as a custom or tradition is not in conflict with the word of God, Christians should not judge. It is God’s desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The inclusivity of the kingdom serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.

Moreover, the passage emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the Word but also understanding and applying it in one’s life. After sharing the parable, Jesus asks His disciples if they understood, to which they reply, “Yes.” This exchange underscores the significance of grasping the meaning behind the teachings of Christ. It is not enough to simply listen to the message; one must internalize it and allow it to transform their life.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 13:33-35; Luke 13:20, 21

Our Scripture reading is Luke 13:20-21

[20] Again He asked, “To what can I compare the kingdom of God? [21] It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” 

In the this, the parable of leaven, Jesus shares a simple yet profound parable, likening the kingdom of God to yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour. This parable holds a deep lesson on patience, especially in the context of growth—both spiritual and personal.

Patience in growth is a theme that resonates deeply with our faith journey. Like yeast, which takes time to leaven the whole batch of dough, our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God’s kingdom within us require patience and time. It’s a beautiful reminder that the most significant changes often happen slowly and beneath the surface, where we can’t immediately see them.

Consider the natural world around us; everything grows at its own pace. 

A family with a new baby doesn’t expect or even want the baby to grow overnight but rather enjoys each step of the journey as the child grows. A seed planted in the ground doesn’t sprout overnight. It needs time to germinate, break through the soil, and grow towards the sun. We, too, need time to grow. All important things, from a little yeast in a bowl of flour to the deepening of our faith, happen slowly and require patience.

The process of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise is a perfect metaphor for spiritual development. Initially, the dough doesn’t seem to change much. It requires the right conditions—warmth, time, and the yeast itself—to transform. Similarly, our spiritual lives require the right conditions for growth. These conditions include prayer, reading the Word, fellowship, and acts of kindness and love. Yet, just as the dough doesn’t rise instantly, our spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. It unfolds day by day, often in ways we cannot see or understand in the moment.

This parable is a call to trust in God’s timing, knowing that He is at work even when we can’t see the immediate results. James 1:4 puts it perfectly, “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (KJV).

Lonnie Davis