February 8: Mark 1:29-34
Key Verse: Mark 1:31
So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
Devotion:
Ok, let’s be honest... how many times have you said you were going to do something for God when you were not too well or in a bad place... but when you came out the other end of the bad session, you kinds forgot about the promise you made... I know I am guilty on a few occasions, but I also know God has continued to be by my side even when I have let Him down!
When Jesus came to the house of Simon and Andrew after ‘church’ at the synagogue, He heard how Simon's mother-in-law was ill in bed. He went through to her and healed her, not to have someone to wait on them but because He had compassion on them all, for the mother-in-law and for the rest of the family too – what better way to spend the day than with the full family and not just those who are not off ill!
The Holy Spirit continues to reach out to us and wants us to join in the work for God no matter where we are and no matter how we feel. If we are at the end of our tether, He is there to give us the support we need. If we are about to explode with happiness, He is there for the party with us! God wants to be in our life at all times.
God wants us to enjoy our lives with Him and He is willing to bring healing and restoration to any of us who do ask. We should be willing to get on with doing God’s work no matter where we are in our own lives and not to have to wait until the “time is right” or “we have enough funds” or whatever other excuse we use in our human nature. Set aside human nature and live in God’s nature!
Points to Ponder:
How are you coping during these rough times?
How much are you doing with what God has given you?
February 7: Matthew 4:1-11
Key Verse: Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Devotion:
We often complain about how much we are tempted and we somehow use this as an excuse so we can give in to temptations now and again; we try not to, but we do and we say it is human nature to do so. Well, it may well be human nature to give in to temptations and sin, but we do have a choice and we can choose not to give in. Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert and He stood by the Word of God so He would not give in.
If we need to find something to help us avoid the temptations or sin, then we need not look any further than God’s Word. It has everything we need to avoid temptation and to give us strength to fight the temptation to give in to sin. We have God’s strength backing us up all the way, just as Jesus had in the desert, so we have in our lives.
God wants us to stand up and ask for help. He wants to be able to help us in all circumstances in life, but He is not willing to be taken for granted and used as a tool instead of as a partner. We can draw parallels with our human relationships here – nobody wants to be taken for granted and nobody wants to feel like they are being used... so why should we expect God to be any different...
The big difference in that God has continued to offer His help and support throughout time. He continues to tell us He is here for us and how much He wants to support us in dire times... all we need to do is to ask in the first place!
Points to Ponder:
How do you cope with relationships?
How do you treat Christ in your life?