OCTOBER 15 – DEVOTIONAL
JOY & PEACE IN BELIEVING — DON'T LET THE STORM SILENCE YOUR FAITH!
Scripture: Mark 4:37–40 | Isaiah 26:3
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
— Mark 4:39, KJV
Beloved, have you ever wondered why Jesus could sleep peacefully in a boat while a violent storm threatened to destroy it? The disciples were terrified, the waves were crashing, and the boat was filling with water. Yet Jesus rested! The same storm that disturbed the disciples could not disturb the peace of the Master!
Jesus was not unaware of the storm; He simply knew that the storm had no authority over Him. Before they began the journey, He had declared, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). His Word had already established their destination!
Beloved, sometimes life’s storms become so loud that we forget what God has spoken. Fear magnifies the problem, but faith magnifies the greatness of our God! When Jesus arose, He rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still!” Immediately, there was a great calm. The disciples were in the storm with Jesus! His presence did not prevent the storm, but it guaranteed that they were not facing it alone. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds remain fixed on Him because they trust Him.
Today, refuse to let fear speak louder than God’s promises. Whatever storm surrounds you, remember that the One who commands the winds and waves is still Lord over your life!
May His peace silence every anxious thought, His joy strengthen your heart, and His presence reassure you through every challenge.
Have a victorious day! Keep believing, keep trusting, and remember—your storm is never greater than your Saviour! Shalom!
Bible Reading Summary
Jeremiah 26:1–27:22
God commands Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah to turn from their evil ways so that judgment may be avoided. Jeremiah faces threats of death for delivering God’s message, but some leaders defend him. God also instructs the nations to submit to Babylon’s rule and warns them against listening to false prophets who promise a different outcome.
Key Themes: Repentance, obedience, courage, speaking God’s truth, false prophets, God’s sovereignty, and consequences of disobedience.
2 Thessalonians 3:1–18
Paul asks believers to pray for the spread of God’s Word and for protection from evil. He encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord and follow his example of hard work. He warns against laziness and refusing to work while depending on others. Paul also teaches believers to correct disorderly behaviour with love and not grow tired of doing good.
Key Themes: Prayer, faithfulness, hard work, responsibility, discipline, loving correction, and perseverance in doing good.
Psalm 85:1–13
The psalmist remembers how God forgave His people and restored them in the past. He asks God to show mercy again and revive them. The psalm expresses hope that God will bring salvation, peace, and righteousness. It reminds us that God’s love and faithfulness work together, and His guidance leads His people toward peace.
Key Themes: Forgiveness, restoration, mercy, revival, peace, righteousness, faithfulness, and hope.
Proverbs 25:16
This verse teaches the importance of moderation and self-control. Just as eating too much honey can make us sick, enjoying even good things excessively can bring harm. We should learn to recognise when we have enough and avoid allowing our desires to control us. Wisdom helps us enjoy blessings without becoming excessive.
Key Themes: Moderation, self-control, wisdom, contentment, discipline, and avoiding excess.
Final Reflection
Today’s passages remind us that God calls us to live with faithfulness, discipline, and a heart that is willing to change. Jeremiah shows us the importance of obeying God even when speaking the truth is difficult. Paul encourages us to work responsibly and continue doing good. Psalm 85 reminds us to seek God’s mercy and restoration, while Proverbs teaches us the value of moderation. May we remain faithful to God, take responsibility for our actions, and pursue His peace and righteousness in our daily lives.
🌿 A NOTE OF GRATITUDE 🌿
BOA sends heartfelt thanks and blessings to everyone who joined our first intergenerational discipleship and mentorship training with CAYM last Saturday.
We are excited to see God raising mothers and fathers of nations—equipped to nurture faith, guide the next generation, and positively impact our communities.
I warmly invite potential mentors to consider joining next month’s training. You do not need to be a minister to mentor. Your story still has purpose, and your experience can make a difference!
Whatever your circumstances, God can use your life experiences, wisdom, and even your pain to help someone navigate their journey. Just as He used Naomi, despite her loss and grief, to guide Ruth into a new beginning, and Paul, despite his past, to nurture Timothy in faith and leadership, He can use you too!
Your wisdom and experience in career, business, marriage, parenting, education, ministry, and everyday life can help someone grow, overcome challenges, and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
Plan to join next month’s training on Zoom as a prospective mentor or mentee. There is room for each of us to learn, grow, serve, and help build a lasting legacy of faith!
With love and gratitude,
Rev Joyce King
Beauty For Our Ashes Christian Network
💜 A WORD FROM APOSTLE DR. PATIENCE OTI
Watch this beautiful recap of Apostle Dr. Patience Oti’s powerful message on “Beauty for Ashes!” 🔥🙌🏾
What an impactful and inspiring message! A timely reminder of God’s transforming power to bring beauty out of brokenness, hope out of despair, and purpose out of painful experiences.
Beauty for ashes is not just a promise—it is a testimony of God’s restoring grace! (Isaiah 61:3)
To God be all the glory!🙌🏾
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