Day 1

Mark 8:1-21

The story of Jesus feeding the 4,000 with seven loaves and a few small fish is a powerful reminder of God's provision. While this miracle speaks to God's ability to meet our physical needs, it also highlights a deeper spiritual truth—our need for Jesus to heal our hardened hearts. Despite witnessing Jesus perform such miracles, the disciples still struggled to understand His message because they were spiritually blind and deaf.

In these verses, Jesus challenges us to consider our own hearts. Are we spiritually tuned in to what Jesus is revealing to us, or are we missing His message because of our hardened hearts? Like the disciples, we must turn to Jesus, knowing that He is the answer to our spiritual blindness and deafness.

• In what areas of your life are you not fully trusting God's provision?

• How can you become more aware of God's presence and work in your daily life?

• Pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and ears to God's word.

• Ask Jesus to reveal any areas of hardened heart within you.

Day 2

Mark 7:24-30

In this passage, we read about a woman whose daughter is made clean because of her faith in Jesus. This emphasizes the transforming power of faith and how it can bring about miraculous changes in our lives. Faith in Jesus, not the outward acts, is what cleanses our hearts and souls.

Her unwavering belief contrasts with the disciples' struggle to grasp Jesus' message. This story calls us to examine the depth of our faith. Are we approaching Jesus with genuine faith like the woman, or are we like the disciples, battling doubt and misunderstanding?

• Reflect on a time when your faith in Jesus led to a significant change in your life.

• What areas of your heart need cleansing by Jesus' grace?

• Pray for a steadfast faith that remains strong in the face of trials.

• Ask God to cleanse your heart and make it pure.

Day 3

Mark 7:31-37

This passage recounts the healing of a deaf man, showcasing Jesus' power to restore and heal. Just as Jesus gave this man the ability to hear, He can open our spiritual ears, allowing us to receive and understand His words.

Jesus' actions here serve as a metaphor for us—He can help us hear His voice amidst the noise of life and self if we come to Him in faith. Are we open to listening to Jesus, or do we allow the distractions of this world to drown out His voice?

• When have you felt like you couldn't hear God's voice? 

• When have you been able to hear God's voice? What made the difference? 

• Pray for the ability to hear and recognize God's voice in your daily life.

• Ask Jesus to remove any spiritual deafness and help you be more attentive to His guidance.

Day 4

Mark 8:22-26

In this passage, Jesus heals a blind man, demonstrating once again His power to restore what is broken. This divine act of healing symbolizes the opening of our spiritual eyes, allowing us to see and understand the truths God wants to reveal to us.

Just as the man's physical sight was restored, we must seek Jesus to restore our spiritual sight. 

• Think about a time when you gained a new spiritual insight. What led to that moment?

• What practices can help you maintain clear spiritual vision?

• Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and help you see with clarity.

• Pray for continual spiritual growth and renewed vision in your faith journey.

Day 5

Mark 5:36b

Pastor Eric closed the sermon with a reminder of Jesus' words: "Do not fear; only believe." This call to faith is a reassurance that despite our struggles and imperfections, Jesus remains steadfast and true. His love is unwavering, and He invites us to trust in Him completely.

We are encouraged to cast aside our fears and doubts, placing our full belief in Jesus. This is a lifelong journey where we continually learn to trust and believe in Christ more deeply each day.

• Reflect on what fears and doubts are holding you back in following Jesus.

• When you struggle following Jesus, what practical things can you do? (Scripture you can read? Friends you can call? etc)

• Pray for the courage to overcome fears and doubts with faith.

• Ask Jesus to help you believe in His promises.