🌞 Summer in the Word: A Self-Directed Bible Study Series 🌞
Dear MTZBC Family,
We invite you to join us this August for Summer in the Word, a self-directed Bible study series designed to keep us rooted and growing in God’s Word throughout the summer.
Take time each week to dive into Scripture at your own pace, reflect, and let the Spirit guide you. This series is a wonderful way to stay connected to the Word as we look forward to the return of our regular weekly Bible Study sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this Fall.

Devotional: From Chains to Freedom
Scripture: Mark 5:1–13
Theme: Jesus meets us in our darkest places and brings complete restoration.
Reflection:
In the region of the Gerasenes, Jesus steps ashore and is immediately confronted by a man tormented by demons. This man lived among tombs, cut off from society, bound by chains that could not hold him, and crying out in pain. He was the embodiment of brokenness—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
But Jesus didn’t turn away.
He saw the man not for his condition, but for his potential. With a word, Jesus cast out the legion of demons and restored the man to peace, dignity, and community.
This story reminds us that no place is too dark, no person too broken, for Jesus to reach. Whether we’re battling inner turmoil, addiction, fear, or isolation, Jesus meets us where we are. He doesn’t wait for us to be “fixed” before He engages—He brings the healing.
Application:
- Are there areas in your life that feel like tombs—places of death, despair, or isolation?
- What “chains” are you carrying that Jesus wants to break?
- Who around you might be living in spiritual or emotional torment, waiting for someone to see them with compassion?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us in our brokenness. Thank You for Your power to heal and restore. Help us to trust You with the darkest parts of our lives and to extend Your compassion to those who are hurting. May we be vessels of Your peace and freedom. Amen.