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Bring some Spirit-filled peace into your hectic schedule every weekday morning with this new Daily Devotional.
Épisodes
  • March 25th - Mark 10:29-30

    March 25th - Mark 10:29-30
    Mar 25 2026
    Mark 10:29-30 [Jesus said:] “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.” As Jesus moved towards Jerusalem and his death on the cross, he spoke increasingly about the costliness of discipleship. He did nothing at all to make following him sound glamourous and attractive. However, he also wanted to make it clear that the costly path of following him would be generously rewarded. Our generous God is no one’s debtor. Jesus’ words became literally true for those early disciples. Many of them would be rejected by their families, but as they entered the family of God, they suddenly discovered brothers and sisters wherever they went, and homes were flung open to greet them. This was the apostle Paul’s experience. In his final greetings in the letter to the Romans, he spoke of Rufus’ mother as being like a mother to him (Romans 16:13). In another place, he referred to Onesimus as his son (Philemon 10). The certainty of reward was also matched by the guarantee of persecution. Jesus saw it as inevitable. This was the experience of his own life, and he was sure that it would characterise his followers’ lives as well. This may all sound very heavy and forbidding, but we need to remember the words of Hebrews:12:2: it was for the joy that was awaiting him that Jesus endured the cross. There is nothing pleasant about persecution, but it was the certainty of joy that kept him going. The ultimate reward is eternal life. Life here on earth is very brief. As James put it in his letter, “your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14). God offers us a new life which begins now and which will never come to an end. When we see our lives as part of the big landscape of eternity, we can view our present challenges and difficulties in their proper context. Following Christ will be tough at times, but when we keep our eyes on the big picture, we can be full of joy and hope. Question How does the promise of eternal life affect your thinking about today? Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for your generosity to me today and for all eternity. Amen
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    4 min
  • 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
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