Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3

Devotional: Just as Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1 at the beginning of His ministry, we are reminded that God is in the business of setting captives free. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you feel imprisoned - whether by fear, doubt, or negative habits. Remember that the same Spirit that empowered Jesus to proclaim liberty is available to you. Ask God to reveal any mental or spiritual barriers holding you back, and invite Him to speak His liberating word of "Ephphatha" (be opened) over your life. How might your life change if you fully embraced the freedom Christ offers?

Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: The sermon emphasized the importance of not conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Today, examine your thought patterns. Are there areas where worldly thinking has crept in? Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight any beliefs or attitudes that don't align with God's truth. Spend time meditating on Scripture, allowing God's Word to reshape your perspective. What specific thought or belief do you need to surrender to God for transformation today?

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

Devotional: We're reminded that our greatest battles often take place in our minds. The enemy seeks to imprison us with lies and distorted perceptions. As you read about the armor of God, focus especially on the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (God's Word). How can you more effectively use these spiritual weapons to guard your thoughts and combat deception? Choose a specific Scripture verse to memorize and meditate on throughout the day, using it as a shield against negative or false thinking.


Day 4: Jesus Touches Our Troubles Reading: Mark 7:31-37 Devotional: In this passage, we see Jesus personally and intimately engaging with a man's suffering. He doesn't shy away from the man's brokenness but touches the very points of his pain. Where in your life do you need Jesus' healing touch? Are there areas of hurt or weakness you've been hesitant to bring to Him? Today, imagine Jesus standing before you, asking to touch those tender places. In prayer, invite Him into your deepest struggles, trusting in His compassion and power to bring restoration.

Reading: Mark 7:31-37

Devotional: In this passage, we see Jesus personally and intimately engaging with a man's suffering. He doesn't shy away from the man's brokenness but touches the very points of his pain. Where in your life do you need Jesus' healing touch? Are there areas of hurt or weakness you've been hesitant to bring to Him? Today, imagine Jesus standing before you, asking to touch those tender places. In prayer, invite Him into your deepest struggles, trusting in His compassion and power to bring restoration.

Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Devotional: The sermon concluded with the powerful reminder that God can transform our trials into testimonies. Paul echoes this truth, speaking of how God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Reflect on a difficult experience in your life where you've seen God's faithfulness. How has that trial equipped you to minister to others? Consider sharing your story with someone today, allowing your testimony to bring hope and encouragement. Ask God to give you eyes to see how He might be working to bring good out of your current challenges.  

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community.  Here is a short discussion  guide based on Pastor DJ's sermon "Ephphatha - Be Opened".

Opening Prayer:
Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open our hearts and minds to His message and for the Holy Spirit to guide our discussion.

Key Scripture:  Mark 7:33-37 (ESV)

Key Takeaways:

1. God specializes in "RE" - restoration, renewal, and divine reversal.
2. Jesus came to fulfill the law and release us from captivity.
3. Our minds can become our biggest prison, shaped by what we see and experience.
4. Jesus desires to release us from imprisoned mindsets.
5. Transformation comes through letting Jesus touch our troubles, turn our traps into triumphs, and transform our trials into testimonies.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that "RE" means "AGAIN" or "GREATER." Can you share an experience where God brought about a "RE" moment in your life?
2. How do you think our surroundings and what we see can shape our thinking, similar to the deaf and mute man in the story?
3. The pastor says, "The largest prison is not built by brick and mortar." What are some ways our minds can become prisons? How can we recognize when this is happening?
4. Discuss the significance of Jesus taking the man aside privately before healing him. Why do you think Jesus did this, and what can we learn from it?
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of letting Jesus "touch your troubles." What does this mean to you practically? How can we become more open to letting Jesus into our difficult areas?
6. How does renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) relate to the concept of "Ephphatha" (Be opened) in the sermon?
7. Share a time when God transformed a trial in your life into a testimony. How did this experience change your perspective?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, identify an area in your life where you feel "imprisoned" in your thinking. Commit to bringing this area to Jesus in prayer daily, asking Him to open your mind to His truth.
2. Practice being more aware of the "patterns of this world" that might be influencing your thinking negatively. Write down any you notice and compare them with what the Bible says.
3. Choose a Bible verse that speaks to an area where you need release or renewal. Memorize it and use it as a declaration throughout the week.
4. Look for an opportunity to share a "testimony" of God's work in your life with someone who needs encouragement.
5. Set aside some private time with God this week, allowing Him to "touch your troubles" through prayer and meditation on His Word.

Closing Prayer: End the session by praying for each other, asking God to continue the work of opening our hearts and minds, releasing us from any captivity, and transforming our lives for His glory.