Lotus Flower
October, 14 - Daily Devotions
October Scripture Portion: Matthew chapter 1 - Luke chapter 22 including the Gospel according to Mark.
Chapter 3:13-21 records the calling of the twelve. Chapter 3:35 gives the qualifications of becoming a brother or sister to Christ. "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." What is the will of God? It is His will that all should come to repentance. Repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ is the basis of our salvation. Luke 13:3,5 says a man must repent lest he perish, and Ephesians 2:8 tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith...." Repentance and faith are mandatory for salvation. If you have never repented of sin or, by faith, received the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, then you are not ready for heaven!
In chapter 4:35 Jesus is crossing from Capernaum to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In this chapter we also see the human side of the disciples. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, they feared the great storm; but the power and majesty of our Master is seen as He is awakened from sleep and rebukes the winds by saying, "Peace, be still.".
Even the storms obey Him! The storms in our lives today can be calmed in exactly the same way. Too many Christians try to solve their problems through worldly means or by their own scheming. Jesus is the only One who can calm the storms of the sea or the storms of life. It is Satan's desire that we try to direct our own paths. When this happens, the storms will certainly arise and darken the way.
In chapter 4 Jesus uses parables as He teaches by the seaside. The parable of the sower deals with the reception the world gives the Word of God. Such truth was presented in a parable, so that believers might be instructed without revealing the content of instruction to those who are spiritually blind and lack spiritual understanding (verses 11,12). The vivid contrast between mere profession and genuine possession of the Word may be clearly noted throughout this parable. The Gospel must not only be appropriated; it must shine forth in testimony and grow into fruitfulness if we are to have the Christian life God intends us to have.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Righteous.
Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
