Reading from The Gospel According Mark 7:14-23 (NLT) ~Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. We are not defiled by what comes in our bodies, the selfishness of our hearts is what defiles us. Jesus preparing hearts to be open to gentiles receiving the Gospel.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 7:1-13 (NLT) ~Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Wash your hands. The ritual of washing as a point of focus over The Word of God. The Importance to let go of our traditions and presumptions for what Jesus says.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 6:45-55 (NLT) ~Jesus Walks on Water~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ intention to pass the disciples struggling on the water. Not having time to process everything at the pace of life. Jesus patiently bringing the disciples along helping them grow in their faith, grow their trust, and grow their understanding of who He is.

Reading from Psalms 5 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David’s example of starting each day with prayer, waiting on the Lord, setting His intentions on God and His will be done. The devotion David has to God and looks to God alone for victory, waiting on the Lord to move the mountain. The right path isn’t always easy to see to follow. Flattery is manipulative. God is a shield of love that surrounds us and is worth surrendering too.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 6:30-44 (NLT) ~Jesus Feeds Five Thousand~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ example of retreating to a place of rest to decompress. The Disciples not being allowed to rest because of the crowds and Jesus shows compassion. The disciples may have been hangry. Limiting God in our perspective of what is possible.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 6:14-29 (NLT) ~The Death of John the Baptist~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The danger of preaching truth to power. Herod was tricked in a way but is still responsible. Thinking you have noting to fear and then becoming aware that you will be held accountable. Herodias was waiting for her opportunity. The disruption truth brings to your life and your preferences.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 6:6-13 (NLT) ~Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Significant moment for the disciples who had been with Jesus for some time. Sent out in relationship. Called to be fishers of men and not just to watch Jesus fish. We can be used by God to bless those in need and be His disciples by going out in faith. The significance of sending two witnesses of the Good News.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 6:1-6 (NLT) ~Jesus Rejected at Nazareth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The drastic difference between the town He left and His experience in His hometown. God uses people we may not expect to build relationships with and hear from God. When we pre-judge, and box people into our little perspective we box in our ability to receive what everything God has for us.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 5:21-43 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals in Response to Faith~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Story going from Jairus to the woman, back to the Jairus. The barrier between us and the power of God is us. The woman was receptive to healing. When we seek healing from sources other than God we set ourselves up for failure. Jesus was not interrupted on the way, the woman’s faith was an example and an encouragement to Jairus.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 5:1-20 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The value of the man Jesus heals. It’s not in our own strength or ability that the power demons has over people is broken. The Demons recognizing Jesus and going to Him. The man going on and spreading the good news. God answering prayers.