Description

Bring some Spirit-filled peace into your hectic schedule every weekday morning with this new Daily Devotional.
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  • March 24th - Mark 10:24-25

    March 24th - Mark 10:24-25
    Mar 24 2026
    Mark 10:24-25 Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” There is a widespread disease in our society known as affluenza. It is the belief that peace and contentment can only be found in life by becoming increasingly wealthy. It is in fact not a new disease at all. The disciples were shocked by Jesus’ teaching that riches were a massive obstacle to following him. Jesus had just met a rich, young ruler. He seemed to have everything. On the surface, he had every advantage in life, but when Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor, he went away sad. It wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear. In our verse today, Jesus addressed his disciples as children. He didn’t often use that expression, and it suggests that he was reaching out to them with great gentleness and compassion. He could see how much they were struggling with his teaching about wealth. They had been brought up with the belief that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing, so the thought that it was a huge obstacle to following Jesus was a new way of looking at life. Jesus was saying that wealth will never be the way get a ticket into his kingdom. The only way to find salvation is through depending entirely upon God and throwing ourselves upon his mercy. Jesus was never opposed to wealthy people following him, and clearly many did. Through the centuries, the Church has been blessed by the presence of many rich people, but not one of them has obtained salvation through their wealth. The only way into the kingdom is by recognising our spiritual poverty and coming to the Lord with empty hands, eager to receive his gift of new life. Question In what way do you think it is particularly difficult for a rich person to follow Christ? Prayer Loving God, help me never to allow anything to get in the way of following you. Amen
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    3 min
  • March 23rd - Mark 10:15

    March 23rd - Mark 10:15
    Mar 23 2026
    Mark 10:15 [Jesus said:] “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” It wasn’t at all surprising that there were parents who wanted Jesus to bless their children. What was surprising was that Jesus had time to do so. He was on the way to Jerusalem and within a few days he would be crucified, and he knew that all of this was ahead of him. The disciples were concerned that Jesus shouldn’t be bothered by children, so they told the parents off. The disciples were simply seeking to protect Jesus, but they were absolutely and completely wrong. Even though they knew Jesus well and had spent much time with him, they completely misread the situation. Not only did Jesus welcome the children, but he went much, much further. He insisted that the only way to enter the kingdom of God was by becoming like a child. As he so often did, Jesus was turning the disciples’ thinking upside down. They saw children as a noisy distraction, but he saw them as the perfect illustration of what they all needed to be. I am sure that Jesus had many things in mind when he encouraged his followers to become like children. He was aware of their humility and urged his disciples to come to him with empty hands, ready to receive his gifts. He was also deeply aware of the trusting nature of children. Children very quickly learn who they can trust. I remember with pleasure the times when my children would leap into the air, certain that I would catch them. Now that they are adults, I am equally grateful that they don’t still do so! When a child leaps into their parent’s arms, they are expressing total confidence. They know they will be completely safe. As adults, we are wonderful at making everything extremely complicated. The previous verses tell us of Jesus being challenged about his views on divorce. I think he pointed to children by way of contrast. It was as if he was saying: “Stop making things so complicated. Just trust yourself to me.” Question In what ways do you need to become more childlike? Prayer Lord God, thank you that you are a loving Father and that I can always place my complete trust in you. Amen
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    4 min
  • March 22nd - Mark 9:50

    March 22nd - Mark 9:50
    Mar 22 2026
    Mark 9:50 [Jesus said:] “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavour, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.” Salt is incredibly powerful, and that has been known for thousands of years. It does three main things, and Jesus applied each of these to his followers. Firstly, it gives flavour. Food producers make massive use of it. Indeed, British Salt produces over 400,000 metric tonnes of salt every year from its site in Cheshire. However, salt only has any influence when it is used. Sitting in a pot, it will have no effect at all. The message is clear for us today: God does not call us to sit in our churches pontificating about the evils of the world, but to get involved and to give a good flavour to our society. Since ancient times, it has been well known that salt is a very effective preservative. In days long before fridges, salt could be relied upon to preserve fish and meat for extended periods of time. Jesus was calling on his followers to have exactly that role in society. Our calling is to stand up for moral principles. Through living a life of love, grace and forgiveness, we show the world what the kingdom of God looks like and help to spread the good news of salvation. Salt has always been valued for its purity, and I believe that’s what Jesus was encouraging in his followers. He wanted the world to see their purity through the quality of their relationship with one another. Through living peacefully and lovingly together, they would give people an insight into the new life that Christ came to bring. No wonder Jesus wanted his disciples to be like salt. Question In what ways is your community touched by the influence of Christians? Prayer Lord Jesus, help us to have the qualities of salt, so that those around us will get to know what you are like. Amen
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    3 min
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