Author: Bill Hall

Mark 7:32
   There are those who might try to point out an error here. To say that one was deaf and had difficulty speaking seems to show an ignorance of the condition of the deaf. Though to be sure this condition was not as fully understood then as it is in modern times, this wording does not necessarily betray ignorance.
   We see int he following verses that the man was healed of his deafness. But, in addition to that, he was made to speak plainly. Now, if a deaf person’s hearing were improved, they would not instantly begin to talk plainly. Some re-learning would need to take place. So, we understand the greater extent of the miracle in that this person was unable to hear, and could not speak plainly as a result, or even had a mouth or tongue malformation. In which case he was healed on both counts instantly. And the following verses are worded to indicate as much.

Psalm 68:1-70:5

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Heavenly Father, you know us better than we know ourselves. You can see through our thoughts and actions and see to what really makes us tick. Thank you for your amazing faithfulness. You never fail! I am so glad that you know us and have made a way for us to know you. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a mother and daughter that need salvation.

Journal 15272

Mark 7:31
   Many have pointed out with great effect that Jesus never strayed far from his own hometown. Given the influence he has had upon the world, this only serves as yet another illustration of his deity. He did not need Air Force One to make a worldwide difference, but only the hearts of his disciples.

Psalm 61:1-67:7

James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Heavenly Father, when we think of all that you would do through us, we are overwhelmed. But then we remember that it is not in our strength that we must do it, but by resting in you. Thank you for your enabling! You really do have the best plan for our lives. Guide us in your perfect way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man with cancer.

Journal 15271

Mark 7:30
We don’t really know much about this woman’s daughter or her. But, either the girl was still young, or she had been disabled due to her possession. Otherwise, she would likely have been married, not still under her mother’s care. In either case, her mother returns to find her resting. Evidently the ordeal had taken quite a toll on the young lady and she was now able to recover because of the power of Christ.

Psalm 55:1-60:12

James 4:15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the world-wide nature of the gospel. The gospel is true no matter where it is preached. It is not an American story. It is good for every part of this globe. The same truth that reaches my heart can save people in every corner of the world. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a family that just lost a loved one.

Journal 15270

Mark 7:29
   Because this that she had said revealed her faith, her daughter was delivered. Often as we read this story we focus very much on this woman’s faith. And that’s good, because it is indeed a remarkable story, and helps us understand that faith is important. But, I’ve also noticed another very interesting thing here, which has to do with Jesus’ power. Jesus was able to remove the demonic influence from this woman’s daughter without even being physically anywhere close to her. He did not have to speak to the demon, he did not have to command the demon anything, he simply said the demon is gone out of her.
   When it comes to demonic influence, we often think that we must do something very noticeable, something very visible in order for demons to leave someone. But I think that this mitigates against that. The Lord can deliver someone from the devil’s influence without a Christian standing right in front of them and commanding the demon to leave. Sometimes just the influence of Christians who love and care for someone can cause the devil’s hand to be removed from them. We will not know until we reach glory how many times the influence of a Christian friend has delivered someone from the power of Satan.

Psalm 49:1-54:7

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Heavenly Father, I find myself so often thanking you for telling us the truth. Our enemy, the devil, always wants to tell us a lie. Yet, so often we let him. The truth is always going to be good for us. Even if we don’t like it, or if it seems not to make sense to us, it’s what’s best. Thank you for always doing what’s best for us. Even when we don’t want it, you are faithful to us. Your mercy is great, your grace is amazing, and your love is absolute. Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ! In the name of Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Pray for a missionary from Togo.

Journal 15269

Mark 7:28
This has got to be one of the best comebacks of history! This woman understood what many so miss today. It’s not about us, it’s about him. She is recognizing the fact that, dog our child, all must be fed by the Master of the house. She does not question his identification of her, and illustrates her identification of him. She was saying, in essence, where else can I go for help, you are the only hope. Jesus want about to turn that kind of faith down.

Psalm 44:1-48:14

James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

Heavenly Father, to hear your voice in the pages of your Word is a mercy to us. How can we overestimate the blessings that we experience in our lives by hearing and obeying your voice? To know you is great, but that you take interest in us and guide or lives, well that’s just so amazing! Thank you! May we always obey you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman’s unspoken request.

Journal 15268

Mark 7:27
The children referred to here are the Jewish nation. Jesus would not do a miracle for this woman just because he was able. He was able to heal anyone at any time. But faith was required. He wasn’t going to just pass out miracles.

Psalm 38:1-43:5

James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Heavenly Father, we know that we can’t understand you by our means. You are high above us in every way. But I am so glad that you have made yourself known to us. We can interact with you and follow your leading. What a blessing! Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Journal 15267

Mark 7:26
This woman would be much like the Gentiles helped by the prophets in the Old Testament, like Naaman the Syrian and others.

Psalm 35:1-37:40

James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for us. You know how to take care of us no matter what. You always desire or best. Thank you for caring for us! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man needing surgery.

Journal 15266

Mark 7:25
This woman did some traveling to get to Jesus. She had come for a specific purpose and was not ready to go back empty handed. The genuine nature of her faith was about to become clear.

Psalm 31:1-34:22

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Heavenly Father, often we have not the earnestness to truly believe that you will provide our needs. We know, though, that you have a limitless store to draw from. We will trust your bountiful supply. You are able, and we will surrender to your dictates rather than ours. We will work out schedule to fit your timetable rather than expecting you to bless to our whims. Thank you for your patience with us! You are so gracious! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman who is not able to be home due to health concerns.

Journal 15265

Mark 7:24
   Jesus’ motives are often difficult for us to accept. He had nothing against Gentiles. He ministered to the Gentiles on many occasions. But, the fact is that he had come to the Jews. He wanted his target audience to be clear. This was not a slight to the Gentiles because it was the Jew’s general rejection of him that ‘opened the door’ to the Gentiles.

Psalm 25:1-30:12

James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Heavenly Father, thank you for always having the best plans! You always know what is best, and why. We never have to wonder if you are going to come through, if you’re going to get it right. You have the whole thing mapped out from begging to end. What we must do is trust you. We do trust you for you are faithful! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a woman’s unspoken requests.

Journal 15264

Mark 7:23
   Jesus paints a very interesting picture here. We often say that there is something wrong with this world. But, we must remember that we should be talking about people. We are the source of evil in this world. We are the ones that need to be fixed. Sin, evil, wickedness is in the heart of man.
   So, man is not an innocent angel that is simply the victim of a cruel trick. We are ourselves evil and twisted. This is why salvation is so important. Only through Christ can we escape our fate. Only by him may our evil be purged.

Psalm 19:1-24:10

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Heavenly Father, how can we ever thank you enough for all that you have done? The life we have in Christ is eternal. The love you have given us is absolute. The joy we can have from you is wonderful. The security we have in Christ is so reassuring. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Pray for a man who is in rehab.

Journal 15263