DAILY STUDY HABITS

The primary goal of these exercises is to teach healthy spiritual habits that will last you a lifetime. There are four basic components:

MEMORIZE:Verses to recall throughout the day reminding you of God's promises.

DEVOTIONAL:Watch or listen to a devotion to help you digest God's truths in new ways.

STUDY METHOD:Meditate on a passage until the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply it.

READING:Read scripture to know God better and to hear him speak to you through his word.

To get started, simply select the session and day that coincides with your workbook by using the numbers below.

SESSION:

DAY:

– MEMORY VERSE –

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

– TODAY’S VIDEO DEVOTION –

Today you will be watching Pastor Robert Morris from Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. Pastor Robert will be teaching on Joshua 1:8.

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– PICTURE IT! –

Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand

Refer to Session 2, page 23 in your workbook for instructions on this method of Bible meditation.

1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Mark 3:1–6

– SCRIPTURE READING –

Mark 1-7 begins with the baptism of Jesus and details the ministry of Christ. Jesus humbled himself, and acted as a servant to the lost and sick. As you read these verses, picture yourself walking with Jesus and witnessing His love and miracles. Read Mark 1-7 (NIV).

JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,t the Son of God,t2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”t—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'”t

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.8 I baptize you witht water, but he will baptize you witht the Holy Spirit.”

THE BAPTISM AND TESTING OF JESUS

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being temptedt by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

JESUS ANNOUNCES THE GOOD NEWS

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

JESUS CALLS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

JESUS DRIVES OUT AN IMPURE SPIRIT

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out,24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

JESUS HEALS MANY

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.33 The whole town gathered at the door,34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

JESUS PRAYS IN A SOLITARY PLACE

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.36 Simon and his companions went to look for him,37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

JESUS HEALS A MAN WITH LEPROSY

40 A man with leprosyt came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

41 Jesus was indignant.t He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

JESUS FORGIVES AND HEALS A PARALYZED MAN

1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves,7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

JESUS CALLS LEVI AND EATS WITH SINNERS

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth.“Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

JESUS QUESTIONED ABOUT FASTING

18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”

19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them.20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH

23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain.24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH

1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

CROWDS FOLLOW JESUS

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him.10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

JESUS APPOINTS THE TWELVE

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.14 He appointed twelvet that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach15 and to have authority to drive out demons.16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter),17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”),18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

JESUS ACCUSED BY HIS FAMILY AND BY TEACHERS OF THE LAW

20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.21 When his familyt heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”

23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”

31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”

33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.

34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said,“Here are my mother and my brothers!35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge.2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables12 so that,
“‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’t“

13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?14 The farmer sows the word.15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

A LAMP ON A STAND

21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED

30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

JESUS CALMS THE STORM

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

JESUS RESTORES A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN

1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.t2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.4 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.5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.7 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!”8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside.12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.”13 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.

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.15 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.16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well.17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.19 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.”20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolisthow much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

JESUS RAISES A DEAD GIRL AND HEALS A SICK WOMAN

21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”

24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him.25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’“

32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”

36 Overhearingt what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”

40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!”(which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR

1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.

2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,t Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

JOHN THE BAPTIST BEHEADED

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying,t “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

15 Others said, “He is Elijah.”
And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”

16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzledt; yet he liked to listen to him.

21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

22 When the daughter oft Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”
“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”
They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wagest! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.42 They all ate and were satisfied,43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,

50 because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

THAT WHICH DEFILES

1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.t)

5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”

6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
“‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.

7 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’t

8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observet your own traditions!10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’t and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’t11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”16 t

17 After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable.18 “Are you so dull?” he asked.“Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)

20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

JESUS HONORS A SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN’S FAITH

24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.t He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet.26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

JESUS HEALS A DEAF AND MUTE MAN

31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.t32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.

33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue.34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

1 Comment

Comments

  1. Posted by TravisA on 06/04/2020 at 12:00 pm

    Come up here. What a powerful word? Ten chapters of the Bible everyday. Read the Bible cover to cover three times per year. I will make that my life goal.

    Reply
Posted by Priscilla
1/31/2012 7:07:00 AM
What a great testimony for your daughter! I pray I also hear God speak to me as I seek His face.
Posted by Debbie H
1/31/2012 5:30:00 PM
Thank you…I believe I had a “Revelation”!God Bless YOU! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Matthew
2/1/2012 3:52:00 PM
Stimulating word! Isn’t His word amazing! I love how He “never speaks anything contraary to His Word”. So if Joshua 1:8 is referring to the first 5 books of Genesis, or at least the book of Deuteronomy (which is what Malachi 4 refers to), and success is DOING what is written in it, then should we be observing the sabbath, and should we be wearing tzitzit? And if we DON’T, will our way be UNsuccessful?
Posted by Lorna
2/2/2012 5:12:00 AM
I liked the image of “breathing in the word of God.” His word is truly life!
Posted by Emily
2/3/2012 5:26:00 AM
I love the idea of reading 10 chapters a day! I want a closer walk with the Lord and am not in his word enough. Thank you Jesus for this word today!
Posted by Melinda
2/3/2012 7:59:00 AM
The Word of God is our daily bread, water of life, lamp to our feet. Food-Cleansing-Direction. Inhale the presence of God. Exhale the things of this world. Breathe in and Release out.
Posted by Ruthy Sellers
2/6/2012 12:00:00 PM
“Be careful to do” indicates it does not happen by chance.
Posted by Martha Beers
2/7/2012 10:37:00 PM
The more a meditate in the Word of God the more a love It. Please God help me to be a doer of your God!
Posted by Diaka
2/13/2012 8:59:00 AM
hi everyone! i am so thankful to God..i just finished my maditation with my 6year old son,and i feel so good that i was able to share with him God”s word..God is great.
Posted by Diaka
2/13/2012 9:00:00 AM
hi everyone! i am so thankful to God..i just finished my maditation with my 6year old son,and i feel so good that i was able to share with him God”s word..God is great.
Posted by Annette Lindsey
2/14/2012 7:31:00 PM
that was an awesome meditation for your daughter, I two am learning to meditate on God’s word more…
Posted by Maria Figueroa
2/15/2012 8:44:00 PM
I love the testimony of the daughter. God is so amazing.
Posted by Keli Lucas
2/19/2012 5:48:00 AM
I love the method you taught your daughter in writing everything down, and the goal setting for 10 chapters a day. Breathing in God’s Word, what an awesome image. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by Steve Brown
3/7/2012 7:17:00 AM
Doing the word. What does it mean? It is a comfort to my soul to be loving, kind, caring and engaged in the spirit of others who need God’s love.
Posted by kathryn
3/12/2012 3:11:00 AM
Thank you Pastor Robert for your message. I certainly know that God has prospered me in so many ways. Sadly though, I feel it is a message for Western Christians. Having worked in many deprived places, I know a lot of more dedicated Christians than I am and they have no jobs and lack the means to buy food daily or medicines for their sick and dying children. What is your answer to them?
Posted by Claudia
3/24/2012 5:27:00 AM
Thank you Pastor Robert for your message and sharing your daughter?s experience and the guidance you have gave her. For so many years I have looked for a parenting advice on how to get my oldest to read God’s word and I just had a Revelation! Thank you.
Posted by Julie Hanna
3/24/2012 8:32:00 PM
Thank you for sharing that story. I am so excited to see what God has in store for my life starting with his word
Posted by Lynn Floyd
4/16/2012 10:02:00 PM
I love how it says in verse 15 that many tax collectors and sinners followed Jesus. Jesus welcomed them. It is truly the sick who need a doctor.
Posted by Tom Burrell
6/26/2012 8:14:00 PM
Jesus, did many miracles, I’m one of them, and I see that I need to pay closer attention to what comes out of me than what goes in me.
Posted by Adeleke Adegbite
8/15/2013 8:42:00 AM
An amazing WORD for the day!
Posted by Judy Ginn
12/11/2014 5:11:00 PM
I have enjoyed the videos however I missed day 7 and cannot get it to come up. Todays video I cannot get it to come up to watch or listen to, don’t if it is my computer or from your end. Thank You and Merry Christmas

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– WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING –

Jim T.

"Thank you so much Pastor Rick and Pastor Chris for this lesson. i have been getting a lot out of this 40days in the word and intend to continue these study principles for always. Had one question though, early in Chris' lesson he said that King David was the author of Psalm 119 but my study bible says that the author is unknown but some suggest that it may have been written by Ezra the Priest. Was curious if you might have some further insight on this.Not criticizing, just curious. Thanks and God bless."

alvin gardner

"Each morning I get up listening to 40 days in the word has been very helpful to me. It has given me something to look forward to each day of my life. "

Lucette

"I'e just started yesterday. Thank you for these message and to give us the encouragement to dig in the Word "

Laurie

"I am thankful for the structure to daily direct me into the mindset I need to be in. To be more aware of the lives of others, than my little daily concerns. For perspective, for visualizing Colossians 3:12-16, mindful of Phil.1:27. I am shopping as I whisper Colossians 3:16. Looking forward to 38 more days and beyond. "

Jo Bridges

"Praying that this older woman's memory bank will make room for new verses. " let the word of Christ dwell in me richly."amen. Praying that prayer."

Angela Demmans

"I have looked forward to doing this study every day!!! Not only the study but almost every day I looked up the pastors doing the verses each day and listened to and was so blessed by sermons I found of theirs at the church they are presently serving in!!! And God knew, but I didn't, that the final day would line up with very serious tests I am having at the hospital in the morning. I am so thankful for this study. I and to cancel my classes this semester for health reasons (mine and my daughters) and this was just what I needed. Thank you for your ministry and love for the Lord and His word. "

RAVI

"Dear Pastor . Your teaching is really encouraging. God blessed you with the Gift of wisdom and Gift of Knowledge . With THAT YOU ARE ENLIGHTENING MANY . I AM ONE AMONG THEM . THANK YOU PASTOR RICK WARREN"

Oscar Osabinyi

"Jesus said, 'Don't be afraid, just believe'..."

Njeri Gitau

"Hi am from Kenya and I'm doing the workbook this year. This is exciting!"

Oscar Osabinyi

"Karura Community Chapel family 40ditw starts today. We pray that we may love, learn and live the word..."

Mike quayle

"Greetings brothers and sisters from down under in Australia. G'day to you all! I have just started to do this wonderful course and I am on my 3th day. And between you and me I've been born again over 13 years and I've learned so much in the past three days more than in the past years. I am rejoicing now and I am hoping to be rejoicing even more after day 40. Thank you again. 2 Corinthians 13:14May the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ,And the love of God,And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.Farewell brothers and sistersMike"

Lyn

"Thanks Pastor Rick. Our Life Group of 6 women have started with 40 days of the word.I have prayed many times to have this opportunity to learn and understand the Word. Finally my prayers have been answered. I have been to Know your Bible but have felt like the dunce in the group. Just with the 1st day I am uplifted and know that my confidence will grow.God Bless"

Peggy

"Did not know how to do this until I did this Bible Study at Church. This has been such a help to develop understand so much more about the word of God with the questions to ask and the methods that you provide to get more out of it than just reading the verse. chapter, or book. Thank you for the work you but into this to help us to know God better and understand more fully to mature in God and work to be more like him daily."

Beverly

"Just out of the hospital, joined the 40 day bible study with my church before I got sick. So, today is day one for me. I read the book of Philippians,again, and really studied it. What a wonderful book of instruction. Thank you so much for the structure of this study. God bless us, one and all."

Kathy

"I am so enjoying hearing from the Body of Christ all over the USA...it is so encouraging to see all these pastors in unity! And to see the body working together. I feel like all the different parts or "joints" are getting oiled and we can move forward more smoothly. Amen!"

Lance

"As one who has always considered my self successfull But I read purpose driven life and my life changed. Now as I read 40 days I am encouraged that I am not only learning more but developing a close relationship with Jesus. I hear the Holy Spirit speak to me and I know that during this struggle God is building me, preparing me and working in me like never before. My whole life has turned around and As I follow Jesus I know I am living for his purpose and Not my own. Thank you Rick for using your gifts to help me follow Jesus, build a relationship and provide me tools and stories that help speak to me daily. I look forward to serving Gods purpose as he is preparing me for my next mission in life. Amen! "

Catherine

"I like how I enjoy reading the background scripture around the Bible Verse! Sometimes, I go on and on. Questions will surface and the study notes help to clarify or will lead me to other references. I may not remember it all but know it is being stored for recall just as I need it."

Nicholas

"Wow! Two poignant illustrations that capture the essence of sanctification -- looking like Jesus, and when the sirens of life signal a crisis , what words will come out of me? May they be God's words. "

Brenda

"Open my eyes open lord that I may see, open my ears open lord that I may hear and understand your law. "

Karen

"Inspiring message."

Anna

"Thank you so much for sharing the word so eloquently with us. God has been so good to me, my husband and I heard these words, you have cancer. It hit us the same way, but we grew from the experience in trusting God no matter the outcome. My dear husband is home now with the Lord. I'm at peace with the Lord, as I stay close to him, an continue in the way he has shown me by his Holy Word."

Loretta Goff

"I move toward the mark set for me in Christ and want to do/act/believe those things He want for me!"

marlene

"excited about this new journey, learning God's word"

Barbara

"we just started doing the 40 days of the word in our study group at Spring Valley Church Of God in Reading,PA ..JUST STARTED and soo far it is amazing. Thank you Rick."

Katharina

"Just started and I am already experiencing something. It's hard to explain but it is little victories that make a huge difference. Thank you for this Bible study. It is still making a difference in 2015. "

Yasha

"Thanks, Pastor Rick, for this amazing resource. We recently started this journey in our LifeGroup, and I can confess that I'm already encouraged and enriched."

Yasha

"Thanks, Pastor Rick, for this amazing resource. We recently started this journey in our LifeGroup, and I can confess that I'm already encouraged and enriched."

G Lynne Bennett

"Hi. ECCI in Walthamstow, London are just beginning this course.As a child and teen I had a quiet time everyday and God was close. As an adult I lost it. At 53, it's about time to get hungry again. Please pray for the church. Thank you."

Lucy Okonkwo

"I am from Nigeria and your daily messages have helped me a lot in strengthening my faith in this christian journey. I will like to thank you for this series of 40 days in the word. I have been needing this message for a long time because I read the word and I forget them as soon as am out the door of my house every morning. "

elizabeth sanyu nabakooza

"We are doing this as a Chruch and all i can say for now....its a journey of self discovery in the word of God and a whole new world has been opened to me...thank u"