Devotions
Faith Over Doubt
Faith is a word we hear often, yet it is also something we struggle to live out fully. In Matthew 17:14-27, we see a series of encounters that challenge the way we understand faith—faith in the face of doubt, fear, and even deficiency. Jesus reminds us that faith must always be rooted in Him and not in our own strength or abilities.
Glorious!
The Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17:1-13 is a powerful moment that reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. It teaches us about Christ’s identity, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the transformation that comes from encountering God. Below, we explore key aspects of this passage, with reflections on how they apply to our faith today.
Soul Value
Jesus presents a powerful challenge to His disciples, calling them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This passage highlights the eternal value of the soul and warns against the deception of worldly success.
Who do you say I am?
In Matthew 16:13-23, we encounter a powerful moment in Jesus’ ministry that highlights both the revelation of His identity and the challenge of truly following Him.
Develop Discernment
Jesus challenges His followers to move beyond surface-level thinking and develop spiritual discernment. He calls them to recognize Him not just for His miracles but for who He truly is—the Messiah, the Son of God.
True Faith Perseveres
The passage highlights the nature of persistent faith, the inclusiveness of Jesus’ ministry, and the sufficiency of His provision. Through three key events, we are taught how faith that perseveres can overcome obstacles, grow deeper through trust in God, and glorify Him in every circumstance.
Heart Condition
We all have family or cultural traditions—some meaningful, others merely habitual. Similarly, in church life, traditions often become so routine that we rarely question their biblical basis. Jesus challenges us to examine whether our traditions align with God’s truth or distract us from genuine worship.
Trust in Him!
As evening approaches, the disciples suggest sending the people away to buy food, seeing no way to provide for such a large crowd. Jesus challenges them: “You give them something to eat.” When they focus on their lack—only five loaves and two fish—Jesus instead demonstrates abundance, blessing and multiplying the meal until everyone is satisfied.
Who do I say He is?
We see two contrasting yet deeply connected events—Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth and the death of John the Baptist. These passages highlight the reality of spiritual blindness, the consequences of rejecting truth, and the importance of standing firm in faith.
Share the Treasure
In Matthew 13:24-52, Jesus reveals the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven through parables. These stories invite us to reflect on its growth, influence, value, and ultimate judgment.
Use the gifts given to you
In this devotion, we will explore the hidden gifts of God through an in-depth study of key Bible passages. These scriptures reveal God's plan for growth, understanding, and sharing His word.
Rescue and Response
This devotion traces the journey of the Israelites from Abraham to the time they migrated to Egypt, influenced by Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's story of being sold into slavery was a part of God's plan to fulfill His promise to Abraham.
Prioritizing the Greater Good
Jesus' encounters with the Pharisees reveal a tension that is often present in our own lives—the balance between legalism and mercy, tradition and compassion. The Pharisees were deeply committed to their interpretation of the law, yet their rigidity blinded them to the needs and suffering of those around them. They were so focused on rule-keeping that they missed the essence of the law: to love God and to love others.
