OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY
Our Daily Bread for today is here. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).
The word of God is food to the spirit man. “Eat and digest” the word of the Lord for today and let its unchanging power nuture your faith and help in your daily walk to Christ.
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 17th April 2025 is “Straining at the Oars”
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 1-2: Luke 14:1-24
Memory Verse: Mark 6:50
Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Mark 6:45-51
When we read today’s story, we may wonder why these sturdy fishermen would be afraid of a “ghost” (Mark 6:49). But put yourself in their shoes. The disciples did see someone walking on the water—and they knew that was not possible. We may not fear the same things they feared, but we all have fears. Just like the disciples, we need the assurance of Jesus’s words: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 50). The Lord who fed the multitude with a few loaves and fishes is the same one who walked on water. The disciples did not need to fear because they knew who Jesus was and what He could do. Jesus was essentially saying, “Don’t be afraid! You know me.”
What are you afraid of today? What do you need to remember about Jesus that can help you trust Him?
By: J.R. Hudberg
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ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
It was her worst nightmare, but it was for real. Hurricane Raymond’s 150-mile-an-hour winds and fifteen-metre-high waves had tossed the thirteen-metre yacht that Tammi and her fiancé were delivering to San Diego end over end like a toy. Knocked unconscious for twenty-seven hours, Tammi reawakened to find Richard had been lost overboard. Alone, heartbroken and without radio contact in a severely damaged yacht, the obstacles seemed insurmountable. Doing whatever she could, however, she managed to reach Hawaii forty-one days later.
Tammi’s resolute perseverance reminds me of the disciples’ prolonged hours of “straining at the oars” (Mark 6:48). While Jesus prayed on a mountainside (v. 46), they battled a powerful, relentless headwind as afternoon drifted on into evening and night. But Jesus, watching their back-breaking rowing, was fully aware of their need, and at around 3 a.m. “he went out to them, walking on the lake” (v. 48), the power of His presence instilling peace over the storm (v. 51).
We often feel our strength and hope sapping when “straining at the oars” against a relentless “headwind” of problems that disrupt plans and damage health, relationships or material security. But while, like Tammi, we feel alone, Jesus continually watches over us, and he is with us in our struggles. For however long our difficulties endure, as we keep our hearts open to His presence and responsive to His Word, His peace and help diffuse fear and encourage persevering faith.
By: Anne Le Tissier
Reflect & Pray
What is the nature of the headwind that you’re currently straining against? How does knowing that Jesus cares for and is with you encourage you?
Our Daily Bread 2025 Devotional is written by Con Campbell and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
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