(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)

Worship

By singing praises and hymns, awake your soul, open your heart to the Lord, and prepare yourself to welcome the presence of God and receive the Word of God that will be given to you.

Thanksgiving

Petition with thanksgiving to God for a wonderful day and pray sincerely for a focused Scripture reading time! (Do not rush into reading the Bible without starting with prayers!) (e.g., you may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what will you be speaking to me today?)

Scripture Reading

Get the following items ready in advance: your devotional notebook, paper, pen, and/or electronic devotional articles so that you can easily write down the Bible verses, questions, and thoughts you have noticed! You are encouraged to open your Bible and vocally read out the scriptures (Try to practice this reading method daily or once a week)!

Scripture Reading: Mark Ch. 8 (ESV)

Meditation

Take a moment to quietly reflect on today’s Scriptures. Through such exercises, let God’s Word be gradually written into our hearts and be inscribed to our mind.

Devotional

Read the devotional articles prepared by CBCLWA (*Read the Bible first before reading any devotional materials.)

(vv. 1-13) As written in this passage, Jesus fed four thousand people with seven loaves and a few small fish. Through his provision of loaves, once again Jesus showed compassion toward others. This crowd had gathered for three days and there was not much food left. When Jesus had taken few loaves and fish from his disciples, similar to what he had done in the past, he gave thanks, broke the food, and distributed the food to the people. After the people ate and were satisfied, Jesus sent them home. 

We tend to focus on Jesus breaking loaves and providing fish. How many loaves? How many fish? How many were fed? How much food was left? These are all good observations. Today, let us think about why so many people were willing to come from afar, even in hunger, to follow Jesus? Obviously, they were attracted by Jesus. Moreover, they were very different from the Pharisees mentioned in the following verses (vv. 11-13). Jesus had willingly performed a miracle and fed these people. But for those Pharisees asking him for a sign from heaven, Jesus said to them: “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 

As for us, are we attracted to Jesus? Are we willing to follow him? 

(vv. 14-21) Jesus cautioned the disciples to watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. With their skepticism and stubborn hearts, the Pharisees constantly appeared around Jesus and endlessly tested and questioned him! This is a good reminder to us. When we surrender to Jesus’ authority, understand his words, and let God be in charge of our lives, we will act like the people who have been attracted to Jesus, following him closely! Moreover, if we are willing to exalt Jesus and proclaim the gospel of forgiveness and repentance, we can lead people to follow Christ. Let it be heard the life-changing message of His resurrection! 

(vv. 22-26) It was right after Jesus had rebuked his disciples “Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?”, Jesus laid his hands twice on a blind man’s eyes and completely restored his sight. Our understanding of God may be incomplete and somewhat vague. Just like the disciples in this passage, we may not yet perceive or understand, have eyes but do not see, have ears but do not hear, or have experienced God but still do not remember. This blind man said this after Jesus’ first touch, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.”.  Likewise, we can be honest to God, too. There is no need for us to pretend that we knowing everything when we actually don’t. Just humbly confess to the Lord our imperfection, and ask him to open our hearts so that we can get to know him more. 

(vv. 27-38) Based on today’s scripture reading, let us review three truthful statements: 

• Unequivocal confession: Jesus is the Savior, the Christ! 
• Unequivocal gospel: Jesus is the true God who came to the world for sinners. He had suffered much pain, had been rejected and killed, and after three days, he rose again. 
• Unequivocal command: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 

Is there anything about Jesus that is still unclear to you? As you pray, confess to the Lord today. May the Holy Spirit of truth help us! May God touch our lives, so that we can be more like Christ! 

Pray

Give thanks to God for His enabling us to read the Scriptures and for our response for living out the Word of God today! (e.g., You may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what/where are you going to lead me to today?”)