Topic: Beware of False Doctrines

Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Ghost as I study your word.

Scripture: Mark 8:14-26

Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?

OUTLINE

The lesson of yesterday’s passage was lost on the disciples. They thought it was about their preparation. When Jesus spoke about the leaven of the Pharisee, they assumed it was because they did not come on that journey with enough bread (vs.15-16). Thus, they totally missed the real meaning of Jesus’ warning. How often does assumption make us miss the point? What is the true meaning of “the yeast of the Pharisees” (see Mathew 16:12)? Beware of unwholesome teachings that can uproot your faith in Christ.

Our concern for what to eat or wear can also cause us to miss God’s visitation? The nine questions in vs.17-21 were meant to wake the understanding of the disciples. See the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-32. Did they eat the food prepared?

The people of Bethsaida begged Jesus to touch the blind man (vs.13, 22). He did not only touch him but restored his sight. The little we do in people’s lives can yield big results. Read Mark 8:23–25 again. Why do you think Jesus laid His hand on this man’s eyes twice? We cannot put our Lord in a strait jacket. He healed Bartimaeus instantly, this man’s healing was gradual while in another instance, He used mud.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
Lord, deliver me from assumptions and grant me wisdom and the understanding of your will.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN

PRAYER FOCUS: SATISFIED WITH JESUS
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is the fullness of joy.- Psalm 16:11

THANK GOD FOR:
His promise to continue to guide and satisfy our desires as we remain in Him, faithfully depending on Him.
God’s plan to satisfy all who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

PRAY FOR:
Grace to daily delight in the Lord our God as we pray, sing and continue to rejoice in Him.
Deliberate decision to remain content with our God and all He supplies us with daily.
Spiritual and physical strength to seek His kingdom and righteousness and believe Him to add all He has in mind to our lives.
The Nigerian voters that they preserve their votes.

PRAY AGAINST:
Being ungrateful, counting other people’s blessings and not our own.
Looking around wanting people to supply our every need instead of looking up to God to direct us.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 9:18

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 8,9, John 4

Thanks for reading Today’s Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 February 2023 | Devotional