Devotion for Monday, August 17, 2026

“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen” (Mark 16:14).

Does the Lord need to reproach you for your unbelieving hardness of heart?  Do not test the Lord.  He has spoken the words of eternal life, and You have received them.  Be not unbelieving, but believing, and live in the faith which You have been given.  Trust the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart if another gives you a witness of the Risen Lord, knowing that you have received the truth when the Risen Lord is proclaimed.

Lord, living in a skeptical and unbelieving generation I am hammered all day long by those who are hostile to the faith.  Sadly, it too often influences me and doubts arise.  To go to unbelief, I have to deny what I already believe is true.  Help me to learn how to hold fast to the truth that I first received.  Let the truth of Your resurrection dwell richly in my heart, soul, and mind.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save us; and we all need saving.  You have come so that we may have true life and not live in the doubts of this foolish world.  Lead me to live in the faith You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You no matter what those around me say or do.  Teach me how to be a faithful witness of Your resurrection as You conform me to Your image.  Amen.