May 8

Mark 11:20-26 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 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. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 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.

Observation

1) The fig tree can symbolize Israel; can it also symbolize what happens if a "believer" doesn't bear fruit?
2) The fruit of genuine faith is prayer and forgiveness.

Application

The power of faith, efficacy of prayer, and need for believers to forgive.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

Please help me to have the kind of faith that will allow the desire to pray consistently and before I act. Search deep within me and bring to the surface those things I need to confess to you and ask for forgiveness. Allow me to have a forgiving heart. Please don't allow me to be a stagnant Christian, but one that wants to bear fruit and bring glory to you.

These things I pray in Your Son's Precious Name,

Amen.

--Michael Hong