Reading from The Gospel According Mark 8:11-21 (NLT) ~Pharisees Demand a Miraculous Sign, The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. How the Pharisees approach Jesus with challenge and no intention to listen. Being still. Actively listening. Healing out of compassion not as a display of power. We all have the potential to have our hearts hardened by pride, we all must repent.

Reading from Psalms 6 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David calling out to God for mercy in need of restoration. The discipline of the Lord, Hebrews 12:5&6. The special quality of David is his humility and his heart for God. God’s compassion and unfailing love. Asking God for rescuing because of God’s goodness not because we deserve or have earned God’s help and favor. Jesus Holding the keys.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 8:1-10 (NLT) ~Jesus Feeds Four Thousand~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The disciples not grasping the first multiplication of food and once again asking how it is going to be accomplished. Testimonies and experiences increase our faith to continue to invest in the Kingdom. God wants to show you that He supplies your needs and has so much more to give you.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 7:31-37 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Deaf Man~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Jesus taking the man away from the crowd. Jesus connecting with the deaf man and finding a way to communicate. The Humility of Jesus in contrast to the Pharisees who love praise.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 7:24-30 (NLT) ~The Faith of the Gentile Woman~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ previous interactions with the gentiles. The opportunity for offence with a response of humility and faith. How these encounters lay the groundwork for the Good News to reach the Gentiles. The Pharisees demanding a miracle while the Gentile woman begs in humility.

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.