Mark 11:20 The disciples saw the cursed fig tree, withered away to its roots. Why would Jesus curse a fig tree then answer, "Have faith in God...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."
There was no fruit on this fig tree. None. Is there fruit in our lives? Do we forgive when we are offended, left out, overlooked, underserved, passed over, neglected, devalued, betrayed, found wanting...
Is there fruit that remains in our lives? Can I stand and forgive even when my friend doesn't mention what they did wrong. Maybe my mother or sister. Unwilling to take a look at what they have done. But what about me? Can I just deal with my own mess no matter what the rest of my world does.
Fig tree leaves were used to cover shame---the shame of Adam and Eve who hid because they were naked before God. Who told them they were naked? The same Deceiver who tells me that I am being dealt a bad hand, a raw deal from a God Who isn't listening and isn't moving in the lives of our family and friends. Whatever you ask in His Name this day, believe and stand tall and forgive...and let Christ grow first fruits in your heart. God, would you help us all stand tall?
24Therefore I tell you,(I) whatever you ask in prayer,(J) believe that you(K) have received[b] it, and it will be yours. 25And whenever(L) you stand praying, forgive,...
ReplyDeleteIt is in Eucharisteo the giving of Thanks that I find the grace to forgive. Yes and that means giving thanks for the very difficult experiences of my life...recognizing that I am on Plan A and God has this plan created just for me that I may know more of who He is and will provide. Many issues I don't understand but I do know God is Sovereign. That's when I recognize WAIT upon the LORD, He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL and TRUE. WAIT I say upon the LORD. Yes, I am so grateful for this String of Pearls who will wait with me in FAITH believing.
Deborah I pray for you as you waited so patiently for God to restore your marriage and now what is happening...I just hang on to God is FAITHFUL, no matter what.
I say that to myself right now as well. No one is FREE from HARD and very difficult trials in life on this earth but GOD IS LOVE AND GOD IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE, no matter what.
Holy Father, open my heart, mind, eyes and ears that I may see and hear God's Amazing Grace over me today. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ my LORD, I pray, Amen.
This is a Song I must Sing, Sylvia
Forgiveness, it is a big order! Standing tall, reminds me of when I was a little girl. I was naughty I had to stand tall and admit it. I knew I had to take my punishment, but the dread of the punishment was always so much worse than the relief when it was over.
ReplyDeleteIt is time to Stand Tall, forgive and move forward in faith and in love.
P.S.
Thank you for the update on Deborah. I wondered why she hadn't posted. I will keep her in my prayers.
"Ask, believing youhave already received it and it will be yours."
ReplyDeleteIt's already been done. His Work on the Cross covers it. Sickness, disease, suffering, sin, and every impurity that keeps us from good standing. It's all been taken care of in the most loving thing anyone ever did for you or me-He bore our sin and died for us. He's already given us every single thing we could possibly need. As we ask, more is unveiled. We receive His Kingdom in increments. But one glorious Day, in fullness of face to magnificent Face.
Oh and while you're there in prayer with Me, forgive others. Forgiven in the same measure that we forgive, we shall be forgiven. If that's as scary to you as it is to me, I beg for more mercy to extend to others this day! Lord, give us that kind of grace that overlooks fault, acts in love, and lets the junk go out of our lives.
Deborah, praying for you, my sweet friend. Sending hugs to you.
Michele, so hope you are feeling back to your beautiful self. We miss you on here too!
Love to all you pearls, A
Michele, how are you feeling? It has been a long road for you this spring. Britt's still struggling too. He has an appt tomorrow for possible pneumnia again. Let us know how you are doing. We love you and miss you, Bev
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