Today’s Scripture: “In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. [21] Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" [22] "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. [23] "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. [24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. [25] And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:20-25 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that without faith we cannot please God. It is out of faith in God that we are able to ask confidently and know our prayers will be answered. It is vital that we as Christians understand the importance of praying in faith and equally so to understand just what it means to pray in faith. This passage above is frequently quoted but seldom understood. Especially verse 24, it is often used out of context to teach a well intentioned but false promise that Jesus guarantees that we will have everything that we ask. If we look at this in context we see that the intended focus is to accomplish a purpose. We are promised that we can move mountains, "therefore believe you receive them and you will have them." In recent days God has used this passage of scripture to encourage me to know that God will supply everything we need in order to accomplish His’ purpose in us, through us and for us. In retrospect I think with all the excitement we lost sight [me included] of the intent purpose of a new church. The need arose because of the urgent need for space and seat – then it began to be about bells and whistles, colors and carpets, rather than lives being changed [“Changed Lives” was another thing we promised that ground breaking day]. Now don’t get me wrong it “Changed Lives” was there but it quickly began to drop down the list of priorities.
So, what is the purpose of receiving what we ask as Mark writes in chapter 11? It is to glorify the Father through the Son who answers our requests. So we don't get off target, Jesus stressed the importance of loving Him through keeping His commandments. When we present our requests to God, it is necessary to understand that we are not seeking our own kingdom, but God's kingdom. No where is this illustrated better than this passage in 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 where God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, [12] therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 (NIV)
The goal of our request [prayers] must reflect God’s purpose for our lives. If we will make God’s purpose our top priority God will see to the things that will make our lives much more enjoyable. Solomon desired God’s wisdom and received much much more than he ever imagined.
The Bible tells us that without faith we cannot please God. It is out of faith in God that we are able to ask confidently and know our prayers will be answered. It is vital that we as Christians understand the importance of praying in faith and equally so to understand just what it means to pray in faith. This passage above is frequently quoted but seldom understood. Especially verse 24, it is often used out of context to teach a well intentioned but false promise that Jesus guarantees that we will have everything that we ask. If we look at this in context we see that the intended focus is to accomplish a purpose. We are promised that we can move mountains, "therefore believe you receive them and you will have them." In recent days God has used this passage of scripture to encourage me to know that God will supply everything we need in order to accomplish His’ purpose in us, through us and for us. In retrospect I think with all the excitement we lost sight [me included] of the intent purpose of a new church. The need arose because of the urgent need for space and seat – then it began to be about bells and whistles, colors and carpets, rather than lives being changed [“Changed Lives” was another thing we promised that ground breaking day]. Now don’t get me wrong it “Changed Lives” was there but it quickly began to drop down the list of priorities.
So, what is the purpose of receiving what we ask as Mark writes in chapter 11? It is to glorify the Father through the Son who answers our requests. So we don't get off target, Jesus stressed the importance of loving Him through keeping His commandments. When we present our requests to God, it is necessary to understand that we are not seeking our own kingdom, but God's kingdom. No where is this illustrated better than this passage in 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 where God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, [12] therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” 1 Chronicles 1: 11-12 (NIV)
The goal of our request [prayers] must reflect God’s purpose for our lives. If we will make God’s purpose our top priority God will see to the things that will make our lives much more enjoyable. Solomon desired God’s wisdom and received much much more than he ever imagined.
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