What Jesus Did! 'Wars, Earthquakes, and Famines' — Mark 13:8

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

We're thankful for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support!

 #thankful
[Jesus continued,] "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."
— Mark 13:8 NLT

Key Thought

The sad reality of our fallen world and our sinful state is that our world will always have war and human strife as well as natural disasters and the human suffering that accompanies them. We must endure these difficult struggles as part of our human lives in a temporal world. However, when Jesus does return in glory, we will be blessed and our fallen world will be redeemed. Glory awaits beyond the gloom of suffering, brutality, and disaster.

Today's Prayer

O Father, please keep hope alive in those whose lives are overwhelmed with suffering and fear. Help me see beyond the gloom of my own challenges and problems to realize that they are part of a world that is passing away. Help me hold on in faith, trusting that the dawn is coming and that your glory awaits all those who love your Son and look expectantly for his coming! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:8 NLT — There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 19, 2024

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In the Name of the Lord'
""Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!""
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Received with Joy' (1 Th. 1:6)
"So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. "
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Citizen of Heaven' (Ph. 3:16-21)
"Dear Father, I want to join all your holy people in imitating the example of your apostle Paul, and I want to take notice of people in my own time..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Philippians 1:27-28
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!