Mark 11

I have often wondered why Jesus was so cruel to the poor little fig tree He cursed. He was the ultimate “Giver of Life,” and yet His miracle power brought death on this occasion. Why?

When Peter asked Him why it withered, He proceeded to give a lesson on faith … when you have faith, you can tell a mountain to be cast into the sea. Christ could foresee Peter’s question and used the opportunity to teach about faith.

Another point; Christ IS CONCERNED about the healthy function of everything … fig trees, eyes, ears, etc. You can be assured that He wants YOU to function in a healthy manner. Pray in faith believing for the healthy function of your life and body.

 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. [1 John 5:14, 15]

Mark 10

As Jesus and His Disciple were headed to Jerusalem, He told them what was going to happen to Him. He knew His future. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew where the colt was being held for His Triumphal Entry. He knew there would be a coin in the fish’s mouth. He knows the future.

This is why it’s so important to let Christ lead you through life. We are safe and will be fruitful if we follow Jesus.

I love the hymn “He Leadeth Me.”

Mark 9

Christ’s disciples experienced the casting out of a demon spirit from a young boy who had been possessed since childhood. It was a messy display, the boy convulsing, foaming at the mouth, and rolling around. After He had delivered the boy, His disciples asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He said, This kind can come out only by prayer.” In another context, He also mentioned fasting.

We don’t fully understand the power we have through prayer and fasting. We obviously need to do MORE OF IT.

RELEASE THE POWER OF GOD!!!

Mark 7, 8

When Jesus’ crowd had been listening to Him teach at a remote location for 3 days, He had great compassion on their need for natural food. No food trucks. No nearby McDonalds. No grubhub. What were they to do?

Christ performed one of His multiplication miracles. He fed the huge crowd with only 7 loaves of bread and a few fish. He was sensitive to their natural needs.

Jesus is aware and sensitive to your natural needs. In your devotion to Him, you can count on His help to solve the problems you encounter everyday. Just ask in the power and authority of His name. “Ask and you shall receive that your joy may be full.” [Jn. 16:24]

Mark 6

John the Baptist was a bona fide prophet. Although his voice was heard in the wilderness, it reached every aspect of the Jewish culture in his day. Herod was captivated by him and would venture out to hear him speak.

John called them like he saw them. He called out Herod because he had unlawfully taken his brother’s wife for his own. Having been put in prison, John was eventually beheaded by Herod. He gave his all.

It isn’t always popular to speak for God. In fact, you should check your message if everyone agrees with you all the time.

Mark 4, 5

Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached Jesus and requested that the Messiah would put his hands on the man’s daughter. She was dying and her loving father was desperate for her to receive a miracle.

When news reached the father that his daughter has passed, Christ said, “She is sleeping.” He reached out to her and commanded her to come back to life. She immediately got up and began walking.

Christ Jesus has imparted His healing power to us. Our hands are His hands. We likewise reach out in faith and command life and healing in Jesus’ name.

Mark 2, 3

Wherever Jesus went He seemed to gather crowds. They were probably attracted to the miraculous display of God’s power to heal and cast out demons. When He had them together, He would teach them about the Kingdom of God.

An interesting question is, “How can you gather people to a church?” The simplest answer is seek the Lord for a show of His power.

Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle says, “We don’t plan out our services. We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us. When people come in off the street, they aren’t attracted to slick programs. They want to see and experience God’s Holy Ghost power.”

Matt. 28; Mark 1

Christ Jesus must have exuded such compassion and availability as He walked the region of Galilee. After healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, many townspeople of Capernaum approached Peter’s door to seek healing. It was after dark, and yet Christ’s compassion made Him available to pray for their healing. Many were healed.

Early the next morning, He’s up before day praying and charting His plans to visit other villages to preach and perform miracles. His mission to preach and pray was obvious to all. He was there for the people.

He’s still available to us at the mention of His glorious name. He said, “ Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” [Jn. 16:24]

Matt. 27

Pilot interestingly heeded the cry of the crowd, “Crucify Him,” when asked what to do with Jesus.

We supposedly live in a democracy where the will of the people is the ruling voice. People vote on their leaders and the issues that affect their lives. My point is this; the will of the people is not always reasonable, but in the case of Jesus’ crucifixion, it was the will of the Father. Their voice, although seemingly harsh towards Christ, accomplished God’s eternal plan.

In a day when the officials we have elected seem to be so against God and His ways, God can and will use them to ultimately fulfill His purpose and will.

We pray for our elected officials.

Matt. 26

In the news today, we often hear of political resistance to Christians and the Lord Jesus. It’s NOTHING NEW. The religious leaders of Christ’s day did it too. They schemed to have Him crucified. Guess what?! Your scheme BACKFIRED!!! You just fulfilled the Heavenly Father’s plan for His Firstborn Son to sacrificially die and atone for the sin of everyone who would believe in Him and receive the cleansing of His blood.

God, in His infinite wisdom and unlimited power, can turn the schemes of men into great victories for His Kingdom. So, the believer should not entertain fear or apprehension about the days we live in. We live by faith … faith in the Son of God Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Meanwhile, the ungodly continue scheming.