DEVOTIONS
Monday: (Mark 1:36-39) The disciples searched frantically for Jesus. “Everyone is looking for You!” they said. Instead of returning to the crowd, Jesus moved on to preach in other towns. His mission wasn’t to meet every expectation but to fulfill the Father’s plan. We think we know exactly what Jesus should do for us. Yet, His ways are higher. He goes where the Father sends, even if it surprises us. Trust that when you can’t find Him, He’s working somewhere else…often how we don’t expect. God, keep surprising us. Help us learn to simply follow and expect some crazy good things to happen. In Jesus, amen.
Tuesday: (Mark 1:40-42) A leper knelt before Jesus, breaking every social and religious rule. “If You are willing, You can make me clean,” he pleaded. Jesus didn’t step back—He stepped closer. He touched the man, instantly healing him. This shocked everyone. Touching a leper made you unclean… unless you were Jesus. He flips our ideas of purity and holiness. His compassion moves Him toward the broken, not away from them. No one is too far gone, too dirty, or too untouchable for the Savior’s healing hand. Pray that we learn to love and serve like He did. Lord, forgive me. Help me touch and help. In Jesus, amen.
Wednesday: (Mark 1:43-45) After healing the leper, Jesus told him not to tell anyone. But how could he keep such joy quiet?! News spread quickly, and soon crowds pressed in from every direction. Sometimes Jesus asks for silence, not because He doesn’t want to be known, but because He knows timing matters. We live in a culture of instant sharing, but Jesus reminds us that not every blessing is meant to be broadcast right away. Trust His timing. Sometimes the quiet moments with Him are just as powerful as the public ones. Father, help me be silent at times and simply soak it in. In Jesus, amen.
Thursday: (Mark 2:1-4) When the paralytic’s friends heard Jesus was in town, they carried him to the crowded house. Unable to get through the door, they tore open the roof and lowered him down. This was bold, even desperate. Jesus saw their faith…not just the man’s. Sometimes our greatest ministry is to carry someone else to Jesus when they can’t get there themselves. Faith is not always neat or polite; sometimes it’s messy, risky, and willing to break through barriers just to get to Him. O, God, help me tear the roof off if necessary in order to get my friends and family in Your presence. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday: (Mark 2:5-7) Everyone expected Jesus to heal the paralytic’s body. Instead, His first words were, “Your sins are forgiven.” Whaaaat?!?! The scribes bristled. Only God could do that! But Jesus was revealing something greater: our deepest need is spiritual, not physical. We often come to Jesus with urgent earthly needs, but He sees the eternal ones first. His authority over sin proves His divinity. Healing bodies is wonderful, but forgiving sin is the miracle that changes everything. The crowd was startled, but they were about to be even more amazed. Lord, help me pray harder to keep sinners out of hell than saints from heaven. Help me learn spiritual needs are most important. In Jesus, amen.
Saturday: (Mark 2:8-12) Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asked the scribes: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?” To prove His authority, He did both—He forgave and He healed. The man rose, walked out, and everyone was amazed, glorifying God: “We have never seen anything like this!” Jesus still amazes today. He’s not just a healer or a teacher…He’s God in the flesh, with power to restore both body and soul.