Mark 6:19, 24-26

Perhaps the greatest thing that we often neglect about John the Baptist is that he lived his whole life and ministry in the shadow of someone greater than him - Jesus Christ. Yet despite this, we are never told of any feelings of jealousy or resentment. Just as John the Baptist’s ministry was gaining traction, it was cut short, presumably to make way for Jesus, someone greater than him. From his birth to his death, John the Baptist lived in the shadows of Jesus. But fulfilled his ministry and pleased the Lord. This devotional is an amended extract from an upcoming book by Jean Kabasomi.

As we advance in our sophistication, humanity needs to be reminded of ancient simplicities that contain truth so potent that our lives can be enriched by their transformational power. Rest is one such ancient simplicity established by God at the beginning of His relationship with our first human parents. After working for six days, God declared the seventh day to be a day of rest – a day without boundary and equal.

It weighs you down. It keeps people out. It’s heavy and painful—it’s the grudge. Many of us may not realize it, but we’re carrying grudges that need to come out of darkness and into the light. Learn how you can find freedom through forgiveness in this 7-day Bible Plan accompanying Pastor Craig Groeschel’s message series, The Grudge.

Have you ever felt like God was inattentive, uncooperative, or late? In this 7-day reading plan, Andy Stanley shares stories from the New Testament about three different men who felt that God was not responding in their time of need. These stories teach us that we can walk through difficulties and know that God is still with us—he isn’t inattentive, uncooperative, and is never, ever late.