Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

24 February 2025

Reading From Mark 4:21-41

“Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.”

—Mark 4:30-34

     Jesus used language and stories familiar to those who followed Him so that they could understand the truths He was teaching.  For those who were not truly seeking Him, the parables were just stories.  They walked away bewildered.  But for those who believed in Him, their spiritual eyes and ears were opened and they understood.  For us today who are born again, the Holy Spirit living inside of us guides us into all truth and teaches us more about Christ and His Word.[1]

     Faith, choosing to believe and trust in Jesus Christ, is the first step to salvation.  Even if our faith is tiny at its beginning, God meets us where we are at in our lives and takes us from there.  He loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay that way.  As we remain connected to God by following Him, He grows our faith and makes it stronger as we choose to trust Him.  His Word the Bible is filled with great and wonderful promises.  We must take Him at His Word and live our lives accordingly. 

“God, thank You for loving us and accepting us even when our faith is small and weak.  I pray that You would increase our faith.  Make us stronger so that when we face challenges in this life, we are able to endure to the end and be saved.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy.  Help us to extend Your love to others around us.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

—Hebrews 11:1

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

—Romans 10:17

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

—Hebrews 11:6

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

—Mark 9:24

 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

—Romans 1:17

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

—II Thessalonians 1:3

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[1] John 16:13