A Roman centurion had enough faith in Jesus to heal his servant that he merely requested the Messiah to give a verbal command that it be done. Jesus was impressed with his faith and understanding of how authority works.

God wants us to believe Him for similar miracles. Pray like Jesus, remain under His Authority through your obedience, and speak His Words to those in need.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, speak Your Word through me today to those who need a healing.

DAILY READING: Luke 6-8

Luke records, “(Jesus) often withdrew to lonely places to pray.”

If the Son of God Himself sought out private communion time with His Heavenly Father, how much more should we if we long to see God’s power operate through our lives.

Our generation is desperate and ripe for a Christian witness who has power with God through prayer. Let’s be that wifness.

DAILY PRAYER: Father, use us to bring souls into Your Kingdom as we pray and witness with Holy Ghost power.

DAILY READING: Luke 4,5

One of the challenges to raising children is teaching them to be concerned about others by sharing.

John the Baptist taught, “If you have two jackets and your neighbor has none, share.”

Children of all ages (30, 60?) should share. Giving is healthy.

DAILY PRAYER: Father, grace us to be more giving and less selfish.

DAILY READING: Luke 2,3

Mary, the soon-to-be mother of Jesus, gave insight into God’s preference for humility when she sang, “He has been mindful  of the humble state of his servant … He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we humble ourselves under Your might hand. Forgive us for our arrogance and pride.

DAILY READING: Luke 1

One time years ago, Patty and I bought half a beef for the freezer. On each individually wrapped package of beef, our name was printed. Somebody made the mistake of calling us “Demon” instead of Demos. We prayed. We didn’t want our family having any demon beef in us.

The scripture says Jesus cast 7 demons out of Mary Magdalene. We are wise to bind the power of demons in the name of Jesus. They are out to destroy your life.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, in the name of Jesus, we ask You to bind and cast out all demon activity today. Thank You.

DAILY READING: Mark 15,16

Jesus described to His disciples some of the resistance they would receive from government, religious, and social/cultural powers simply because they were followers of Him. It is actually a part of God’s Master Plan for the end-times.  His advice … don’t worry about what to say … the Holy Spirit will give you the words.

I still remember a song I learned in Sunday School as a child. “Why worry, when you can pray? Trust Jesus; He’ll be your stay. Don’t be a doubting Thomas. Rest fully on His Promise. Why worry … when you can pray?”

Just ask me and I’d be glad to sing it to you.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we embrace Your promise to give us the comfort and help which comes through Your Holy Spirit. We trust You. We need You.

DAILY READING: Mark 13-15

A teacher of the law came to Jesus and asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important?” Jesus essentially replied, “Love God and love your neighbor.”

At the recent birthday celebration for a member of the Trinity Church Pastoral team, it was made evident that this man lives these principles daily.

Let’s try that! Love God and love people. Most else will find its appropriate place of importance.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your way is he best way. Today, we will focus on loving You and loving our neighbor.

DAILY READING: Mark 10-12

The claims and promises Jesus made to His listeners were like nothing they had ever heard. Even now, when we read how effective Jesus says our faith can be, we ask, “Is this true?”

This possibility was given to the father of a boy who had an unclean spirit that controlled him. His father asked Jesus to heal him. Jesus replied, “Everything is possible to him who believes. At that, the father exclaimed, “I believe. Help me with my unbelief.”

God will help us diminish our unbelief as we keep looking at Jesus, keep listening to His Words, and do whatever He says.

The boy was healed.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we too humbly ask You to help diminish our unbelief so we can see great miracles through our faith.

DAILY READING: Mark 7-9

Jesus identified several thieves that can steal the Word of God from our lives. Satan always tries to take it away. Trouble and persecution robs it because we don’t allow the roots of our devotional life to grow deep. Allowing the deceitfulness of wealth and desires for carnal things choke out the Word’s effectiveness in our lives.

BEWARE. These thieves will nullify your fruitfulness and spiritual effectiveness.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we commit ourselves to being faithful to read Your Word. Speak to us by Your Holy Spirit to warn us when we allow the cares of life to choke out its power in our lives.

DAILY READING: Mark 4-6

There was something different about Jesus when He taught. Even as a 12 year old boy, the religious leaders heard the distinctive element of the Heavenly Father’s endorsement upon this young man’s voice and the content of His message.

Christ’s authority is available to us. His blood can cleanse us from our sin giving us a clear conscience. His message can be in our words as we fill our hearts and minds with the scriptures.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” [Matt. 28:18,20]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You have given the words of eternal life to us. Grace us to be faithful witnesses to everyone we come in contact with.

DAILY READING: Mark 1-3