Week of August 20, 2023
Healing and Hope
The drama took place again and again throughout the ministry of Jesus. People with broken bodies and spirits, yet full of faith and high expectations, would come to Jesus and seek his healing power. They did not leave disappointed. Jesus would display his divine power by restoring bodies to health again and repairing spirits as he reconnected them to God. He continues to bring people healing and hope today.
Monday | Psalm 103:1-5
This passage mentions several reasons to praise the Lord, including His great healing. What does it say that the Lord does for us? Which of these benefits do you see in your own life? List out 5-10 personal reasons that you can thank the Lord today. What does it look like for you to respond to these things in praise?
Tuesday | Matthew 4:23-24
What things did Jesus do as He went through Galilee? Which illnesses did Jesus heal? What does this show us about God's character? How have you seen God's healing in your own life?
Wednesday | Luke 5:17-26
The friends of the paralyzed man in this story were incredibly persistent in getting their friend before Jesus. What does that say about their faiths? How persistent are you in pursuing the healing power of God? What areas in your life need His healing? Maybe it's a relationship, maybe it's your mental health, or maybe it's a physical ailment that you're struggling with. How persistent have you been in bringing it before Jesus? This passage mentions that Jesus "saw their faith" when talking about the paralyzed man's friends. How can we be like those friends and bring to God not only our struggles but also the struggles of the people we love?
Thursday | Luke 8:42b-48
How long had the woman been ill when she reached out to Jesus? This woman's story shows us how God can heal both old and new injuries and struggles. Even after so many years, she still believed healing was possible and reached out to Jesus and He healed her. She didn't give up on God! Is there any area in your life where God is reminding you not to give up on Him? Maybe there is an old issue that you feel like you've been fighting forever. If so, take some time to write it down and ask God for His healing once again. Trust that He loves you and that no matter how life looks, God has you in His hands.
Friday | James 5:13-16
What is mentioned to do in this passage when sick? How does God instruct us to pray? What effect does prayer have? What does your personal prayer life look like? What can you apply from this passage to your own prayer life? List out one or two action steps you can take this week to pursue prayer and healing in a new way.
