Voice: Li Huan
Today is Wednesday, 20th of August. Let us pause to gather our scattered thoughts and focus our spirit on His presence.
We read Psalm 119:57-62
The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.
Mark Mark 1:21-28
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Teaching+
The people were astonished at Jesus’ teaching—not because it was brilliant or erudite, but because it came with authority.
This authority was made unmistakably clear in the healing of the man with an unclean spirit. With a final, desperate cry, the spirit departed at Jesus’ command. The crowd was stunned—not only had they heard His teaching, they had witnessed its power in action. They exclaimed, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” (Mark 1:27).
Good and right teaching is, of course, essential. Truth matters. Jesus Himself declared, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). But this passage shows us that His teaching carried something extra—something we could call the “plus.” His words were not merely correct; they were effective. They brought real change. They carried a seen, felt, and demonstrated authority that set people free.
This “plus” makes all the difference in our everyday living, our discipleship programs, our Sunday sermons, and our daily witness for Christ. We need more than just accurate words; we need the power and presence of God to work through them. This awareness should stir us to deeper prayer, greater dependence on the Spirit, and a more earnest seeking after Him.
It is a holy dissatisfaction with the status quo—a longing for a fresh, tangible work of the Spirit.
Brothers and sisters, keep that prayerful hunger for the “plus.” Even in seasons of spiritual dryness, press on for a fresh move of God. For it is often this very longing that opens the way for “times of refreshing” to come from the Lord (Acts 3:19).
Almighty God,
who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and the light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, i
n the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
In closing, be blessed by this song, Jesus I come, by Awaken Generation.
If you’re calling me, I will answer
If you’re bidding me to come, I will come
If you’re leading me into deeper waters
May I not refuse
Jesus I come, I surrender
All for Your glory, I give my life
Here in this moment
I’m marked forever
I am Yours
If you’re drawing me… closer
If you’re lifting me… higher
If you’re bringing me into greater purpose
May I not refuse
Jesus I come, I surrender
All for Your glory, I give my life
Here in this moment
I’m marked forever
I am Yours
Jesus I come, I surrender
All for Your glory, I give my life
Here in this moment
I’m marked forever
I am Yours
Link to today’s Morning Office
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at terrywg@gmail.com
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