The Small Stone
Is any ripple of water greater than another? Even a small stone makes a swell in the water It is not I that should ponder its rings and route But thank God that the stone has been cast out. - CKSharpe
Why Did Jesus Perform Miracles?
Miracles of Jesus is more than a devotional; it's where every page blooms with hope and the light of his glory.
The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
Going Deeper
The fig tree, located along the wayside, was commonly picked and eaten by travelers. This particular fig tree had lush foliage indicating fruit, but it did not have any. When we stand before the Lord, our spiritual branches will either be found bare or filled with fruit. It is up to each one of us to keep our branches nourished, and fruit filled.
God gives us plenty of time—minutes, hours, days, years— to turn from our sin, to repent. He is long-suffering; however, when time runs out we are cut down. Let’s be faithful to live a life that is consistent with our faith. Let’s exercise our power of prayer and share our fruit. So one day, when we stand before our Creator, He will see in us the fruit of the Spirit that He expects to find.
Day 9
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
The Miracle of God’s Judgment
Mark 11:12–14 NLT
The Bloom of Glory
Personal Reflection
How do you obtain the fruit of the Spirit? We can’t buy it, we can’t fake it, and we can’t borrow it. In our life, our fruit is an outpouring of the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in us. It is the Holy Spirit that has gifted us with one or more of the following fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
As we grow in our faith, our desire to share our fruit will grow. We will want to use it for God’s glory. We must ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that we might see our fruit grow to full maturity and ripe for the sharing. In that way we can let our fruit become a living testament as to who we are in Christ.
Which fruit of the Spirit do you see sweet evidence of in your life today? Which do you want to grow more?
Prayer Dear Father,
I do not want to be like the fig tree with leaves promising fruit, but failing to deliver any. Help me, through your power, to live a life of fruitfulness. Give me a hand to connect with gifted people that have fruit unlike mine so when we labor for the benefit of the Kingdom, our fruit will be a pleasing offering to you. It is my prayer that when you look for my fruit, you will not be surprised to find sweet evidence of a genuine life lived in faith. In Jesus precious name I pray, amen.
This 40-day devotional chronicles miracles Jesus performed as He lived on this earth. You will see Jesus performing instantaneous miracles in front of many witnesses... demonstrating God’s kindness and concern for the afflicted. Be moved by how Jesus interacted with people, and see how... in a moment... Jesus changed their lives and glorified His Father in heaven.
Each day you will read Scriptures that record the miracle, and then go deeper with a devotional reading, reflect personally and journal thoughtfully, and meditate on an insightful truth about the Lord Jesus.