January 7
Faith, Praise, and God’s Power to Transform
Today's Reading
Old Testament
- Genesis 12-15
- Psalm 148
- Mark 5
Devotion
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his homeland and follow Him to an unknown land, promising to make him a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him. Abram responds in faith, trusting God’s promise despite the uncertainty of where God will lead him. Throughout Genesis 12-15, we see God reaffirm His covenant with Abram, even when doubt and fear arise. In Genesis 15, God speaks to Abram in a vision, assuring him that He will provide an heir and make his descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram’s journey is not without challenges, yet his faith is counted to him as righteousness—a model of trust and surrender.
Psalm 148 calls all creation to praise the Lord. From the heavens and the earth, to mountains, animals, and people of every age, the psalmist invites everything that exists to glorify God. This psalm reminds us that we, along with all creation, are made to worship the Creator who made and sustains us. Whether we’re experiencing joy or uncertainty, we are called to turn our eyes to God, recognizing His majesty and faithful love.
In Mark 5, we see the transforming power of Jesus in action. He casts out demons from a man who had been isolated and tormented, heals a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, and raises a young girl from death. In each story, Jesus responds to faith and transforms lives. The woman’s simple touch of His garment brings healing, and Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe,” invite us to trust Him with our deepest needs. Jesus’ power over sickness, suffering, and death itself shows us that nothing is beyond His reach.
Each of these passages highlights a different aspect of our relationship with God. Like Abram, we are called to a faith that trusts in God’s promises, even when the future is unclear. Psalm 148 reminds us to live lives of praise, recognizing that God is worthy of our worship. And Mark 5 shows us that our faith is not in vain—God has the power to heal, to redeem, and to restore.
When we trust in God’s promises, like Abram did, we position ourselves to see His faithfulness in ways we may not expect. As we praise Him, like in Psalm 148, we remind ourselves of His greatness and power. And as we bring our needs to Him, like the people in Mark 5, we experience the transformative touch of Jesus, who meets us in our pain and restores us to life.
Psalm 148 calls all creation to praise the Lord. From the heavens and the earth, to mountains, animals, and people of every age, the psalmist invites everything that exists to glorify God. This psalm reminds us that we, along with all creation, are made to worship the Creator who made and sustains us. Whether we’re experiencing joy or uncertainty, we are called to turn our eyes to God, recognizing His majesty and faithful love.
In Mark 5, we see the transforming power of Jesus in action. He casts out demons from a man who had been isolated and tormented, heals a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, and raises a young girl from death. In each story, Jesus responds to faith and transforms lives. The woman’s simple touch of His garment brings healing, and Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe,” invite us to trust Him with our deepest needs. Jesus’ power over sickness, suffering, and death itself shows us that nothing is beyond His reach.
Each of these passages highlights a different aspect of our relationship with God. Like Abram, we are called to a faith that trusts in God’s promises, even when the future is unclear. Psalm 148 reminds us to live lives of praise, recognizing that God is worthy of our worship. And Mark 5 shows us that our faith is not in vain—God has the power to heal, to redeem, and to restore.
When we trust in God’s promises, like Abram did, we position ourselves to see His faithfulness in ways we may not expect. As we praise Him, like in Psalm 148, we remind ourselves of His greatness and power. And as we bring our needs to Him, like the people in Mark 5, we experience the transformative touch of Jesus, who meets us in our pain and restores us to life.
Reflection Questions
- What is an area of your life where God is calling you to step out in faith, as Abram did?
- How can you incorporate more moments of praise into your daily life, recognizing God’s presence and power?
- What areas of your life do you need to bring to Jesus for His healing and transformation?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the gift of faith. Help us to trust You as Abram did, following wherever You lead. Open our eyes to see Your glory and power in all creation, that we might praise You wholeheartedly. We bring our needs and burdens to You, trusting that You are able to heal, restore, and renew. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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