Pray, believe, and forgive

Tuesday’s Reading: Jeremiah 25 & Mark 11

From Jesus’ cursing and subsequent teaching about the fig tree we learn an important lesson for life. If we want to be effective in the hand of God we must pursue three things. Frist, we must pray. Pray specificially, pray daily, and pray kingdom prayers.  Second, when you pray believe.  When we pray through Christ we have confidence that the Father hears our prayers. The One who hears has the power to fulfill His will.  Pray and believe. Finally, forgive. The call to forgiveness is unexpected but desperately needed.  Pray because God has graciously made a way for you to be reconciled to Him. Believe because God is gracious to His people. Forgive others because you have been forgiven.  Laziness, unbelief, and bitterness will destroy you. Prayer, faith, and forgiveness will make you fruitful.

Father full of splendor and all power, make me fruitful. Make your church fruitful.  Make us a praying people who believe. Make us believe you intend to do great things through us for the kingdom of your beloved Son. Make us a people who forgive.  Increase my prayers. Increase my faith. Increase my forgiveness. For the glory of Your great name I pray you deliver us from our sin.  Unite Your church, recover the lost in Christ, and build your kingdom.

For Jesus

Amen

All Things Are Possible With God!

Monday’s Reading: Jeremiah 24 & Mark 10

Let’s survey Mark 10 and see what is impossible with man but possible with God.

1. A healthy gospel proclaiming marriage (Mk 10:1-12)
2. Salvation/entering into the kingdom of heaven (Mk 10:13-31)
3. Understanding and appreciating the death of Christ (Mk 10:32-34)
4. Serving each other instead of demanding our way (Mk 10:35-45)
5. Physical healing (Mk 10:46-52)

Father, I know with you all things are possible. If my salvation, my faithfulness, my family, and my future were dependent on me my future would be like Zedekiah’s when he went into exile. I would be like the bad figs, so bad that they cannot be eaten. But you have made me like the good figs. You have given me a heart to know that you are the Lord. You have planted me in Christ. I am a member of your kingdom people. You are my God and I have come to you. All of these are to your praise because they are your work.  Keep in my mind today the truth that all things are possible with You. May my heart rejoice. May I be an encouragement to others.  With You all things are possible. Thanks belong to Christ who has made this known.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen