Fasting Day 12 – 1/23/2009

Adult / Teen Journal

January 23, 2009

Day 12. Desperate for God

    Mark 7:26-30

26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

It must have taken quite a bit of nerve for the woman in this story to approach Jesus for help. The Jews held no affection at all for the Greeks, they were lumped all into the same category with the likes of the Samaritan’s and Barbarians. You see this reflected as Jesus expresses not His opinion, but that of the Jews as a whole in His statement in verse 27. What would drive a person to such a bold, self-effacing action? The answer is simple, desperation. Her daughter was being possessed by a demon spirit, no real details given. It was time to set all ego and pride aside so what was of utmost importance could be tended to. How about you? Is there something you need to go to God about, but your ego or pride has held you back? Maybe it is worse than that. Maybe what God’s Spirit has shown you during your fasting involves another person, perhaps an apology, or asking for forgiveness. Those types of hindrances can be tough to handle, but they present a real, true roadblock in your growth in God. Try not to wait until you are desperate, but even if your do, you can be sure that the answer can be found with the Master. Why not deal with it right now?

Children’s Journal

January 23, 2009

Day 12. The Woman at the Well

Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well one day. He explained to her who He is. Jesus showed His disciples and the whole world that the Good News is for everyone.

Today’s Puzzle