They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.  Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
— Mark 5:1-20

~~~~~

Courage In The Face of Fear
By Jennifer Kane

In the shadowed valleys deep and wide,
I hear Your voice, my constant guide.
“Do not fear, for I am with you,” You say,
And in Your presence, fear melts away.

Be strong and courageous, rise above,
Anchored in Your steadfast love.
Though terror may threaten, it will not stay,
For You, my God, are the light of my way.

I will fear no evil, for You are near,
Your rod and staff dispel my fear.
Whom shall I fear, when You hold my hand,
In Your strength alone, I firmly stand.

The chains that bound now fall away,
Your mercy dawns a brighter day.
No power of darkness can command,
When You, O Lord, extend Your hand.

Your voice resounds, the storms subside,
The restless soul is sanctified.
The demons flee at Your decree,
For even they must bow to Thee.

Once clothed in shame, now dressed in grace,
I sit restored before Your face.
Proclaiming far what You have done—
That I am free through Christ, the Son.

~~~~~

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

On a night when fear is celebrated and darkness parades in costume, we remember the One before whom even the darkest powers tremble. In Mark 5, Jesus steps onto the shores of the Gerasenes and is immediately confronted by a man possessed by a legion of demons. No one could bind him. No chain could hold him. He lived among the tombs—a man consumed by torment and isolation.

But when Jesus arrived, the demons begged. They pleaded. They knew His authority. Even the forces of hell recognized His lordship and could not resist His command. One word from Jesus—and freedom came rushing in like light piercing a cave.

The man who had been feared by many sat clothed and in his right mind, restored and renewed by Christ’s compassion. The townspeople saw what fear never could accomplish—transformation through the mercy and power of the Son of God.

Tonight, as the world plays with images of terror, we don’t need to shrink back in fear. The same Jesus who calmed storms and commanded legions lives within us. His Spirit reigns where no darkness can dwell. We are not people of fear but of faith, not of bondage but of freedom.

When you see a symbol of fear today—ghosts, skeletons, demons—remember that Jesus has already triumphed over them all. Speak His name with confidence. Declare His victory. Let today be a reminder that no darkness can stand before the Light of the World.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You are sovereign over every power in heaven and on earth. Thank You for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness and bringing me into Your marvelous light. Help me to walk boldly in Your victory, free from fear, and filled with faith. May Your peace and presence shine through me today and always. Amen.

October 31 2025