Tag: Mark 11:21-25
Forgive, believe and receive!
Scripture reading for February 24: Mark 11
“”Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also Who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”” Mark 11:21-25
As human beings, we are not accustomed to our words having power. We often make requests that are ignored and ask for certain things to happen that never come to pass. We make declarations of our intentions but fail to follow through. We develop our lack of trust over repeated failures of our own efforts and others who don’t respond as we asked. Then when it comes to God, we are full of unbelief because we are centered on ourselves. Forgiveness is needed for all.
Jesus wants to alter our view of God and life in His kingdom. In this story of cursing the fig tree, Jesus was teaching multiple lessons to His disciples as His time to be physically with them was soon coming to a close. The kingdom of God works through faith because of love. God is love and this implies a relationship where God wants the best for us. We are to have faith in God as the central relationship in our lives. He has promised to answer prayers prayed in faith. Faith believes in God and His goodness and ability to do whatever is asked. Because God has forgiven us through Jesus, we must also forgive others and maintain the loving relationship that fosters faith. Forgiveness also takes faith to give and receive. Mountains of bitterness and hills of resentment can be easily removed when faith works in love!
Have you ever felt bitterness and cynicism come into your heart because of your own or others failures? Have you asked God for something you desperately needed and felt He failed to respond? Have you forgiven others as Christ has forgiven you?
Prayer: Father God, forgiveness requires great faith in You and Your amazing goodness and justice. As I mature in Christ Jesus, help me to more freely forgive others and myself when I fail. Prompt me to ask and believe that I will receive the answers I need. Perfect Your love in me to improve my faith. Amen.
The power of Faith in God
Scripture reading for January 16th: Mark 11, Psalm 11, Proverbs 11
Mark 11: 21-25 “And Peter remembered and said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Jesus taught His disciples the power of prayer and the power of our mouth and tongue to bless or curse. He used His own cursing of the fig tree that had no fruit but only leaves to illustrate the power of faith and of our words. Like the disciples of old, we face many mountains and obstacles during our pilgrimage on earth. We often fail to ask God for help or to believe His Word and speak in faith to the mountains. Jesus used an illustration visible right there to these disciples in that Herod had literally moved a mountain over about 10 years with many slaves to build his palace. Jesus likely referred to this human feat and the Dead Sea glittering in the distance to impress a vital truth on the hearts of his disciples.
Proverbs11:11-12 “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
Prayer: Father God, I choose again today to ask for Your forgiveness for my lack of faith and sometimes my failure to forgive others and belittling them. Fill me with grace and faith in Your Word that I may ask You for strength to remove and move mountains of difficulty, bitterness, and unforgiveness. May they all be cast into the sea of Your grace! May my mouth bring blessings to my family or help me remain silent!
Psalm 11:7 “For the Lord is righteous; He loves the righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face!”