Thought for the Week: Mark 11

God Answers Prayers of Faith

The final week of Jesus’ earthly
life occupies more space in the
gospels than any other stage
of Jesus’ ministry. His arrival
in Jerusalem coincides with
the preparations for the Feast
of Passover. Though events move
quickly, Jesus is never hurried.
There is time to clean out the
temple,watch the widow contribute
her two mites and give final
instructions to the disciples.

Lord, grant us Faith & Grace:
As they passed by, they saw the
fig tree dried up from the roots…
Jesus said: Have Faith In God.
For assuredly I say to you, whoever
says to this mountain: Be removed
and does not doubt in his heart,
but Believes that those things
he says will be done, he will have
whatever he says. Therefore I say
to you, whatever things you ask
when you pray, Believe that you
receive them & you will have them.
And whenever you stand praying,
if u have anything against anyone,
Forgive him, that your Father
in heaven may also forgive you
your trespasses (Mark 11:21-26).

Lord, I have faith in You, the
Almighty, all loving faithful God.
And I believe that You reward
those who diligently seek You.
Lord, I place this issue before
You In Faith and Without Doubt
and seeking Your face and will.
Your Word says if I ask anything
according to Your will, You hear me
and I can have what I ask of You.
Into Your hand I surrender. Amen.

Lord, I come to You with my need
and desire, asking You In Faith and
claiming the promise in Mark 11:24.
Trust that the need is within Your
will; and implore You to reward
those who diligently seek You.
I know that in Your sovereignty,
You do things Your way & Your time.
But Father God, I plead for Your
mercy for it’s been such a long
time that I have been asking You.
So grant me Your favor and favour
of men as soon as possible. Amen.

Lord, I don’t want Your Presence to
be quenched due to unforgiveness.
I don’t want to hinder Yr forgiveness
because I’ve not forgiven someone.
Instead I want to receive Yr blessing
because I have forgiven someone.
Reveal any place in my heart where
I have not yet forgiven someone.
And create in me a forgiving spirit
that sees others as You do. Amen.

Meditating on 1 Timothy 4-6

Managing God’s Household (Jul 11)

Context: Timothy, a young disciple
discovered by Paul on his second
missionary journey, enjoyed a
unique relationship with the apostle.
Referred to by Paul as his “beloved
son”, Timothy ministered alongside with Paul as a missionary and later received the challenging assignment of pastoring the church at Ephesus.
Paul’s first letter resembles a manual
for building church leadership and
principles to impact lives of others.

Dear Lord, we realise that right
behaviour, discipline & commitment
are critical for anyone who serves.
Help us manage Your household
by knowing Your Word, obey it and
help us be committed to Christ.
Help us Be Example of You Lord;
Help us Honour our Elders; and
Help us Fight the Good Fight. Amen.

Lord, we aim Be Example of You:
Be an example to all believers
in what you teach, in the way
you live, in your love, your faith,
and your purity… Give attention
to reading, to exhortation,
to doctrine. (1 Tim 4:12-13).
Lord, help me not to shy away from
using the gift that You’ve given me.
And make me Lord an example
of Your love, faith and purity.
Thankful that Your opinion of me
is more important than anyone else.
And that the work You accomplish
through me is effective whether
in my gifting or in my weaknesses.
For my weaknesses cause greater
dependence on You. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Honour Parents & Elders:
Learn to show piety at home and to
repay their parents; for this is good
and acceptable before God(1Tim 5:4)
Elders who direct the affairs of the
church well are worthy of double
honour, especially those whose
work is preaching & teaching (v17).
Lord, thank You for gift of children &
give all parents the wisdom to teach
their children in lovingkindness.
And may the children honour their
parents in gratitude for all they have
done for them. Help them realise
their faithfulness will be rewarded
by God that all be well with them.
Lord, grant our lay leaders and
those in vocational ministry joy,
wisdom, passion and courage.
Grant them the power through
Your Holy Spirit and faithful support
of those involved in the local church.
Provide for their needs and grant
them resolve to minister especially
when the going gets tough. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Fight the Good Fight:
O man of God, flee these things &
pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life
that God has given you, which
you have confessed so well before
many witnesses (1Tim 6:11-12).
Lord, I realise the road ahead is
not easy; but I purpose to hold fast.
Help me not grow weary in battles
but instead seek You continually
to fight the good fight on my behalf.
Grant me Lord faithfulness and perseverance to stay the course.
And Thank You for Your promise of
eternal life in Your presence. Amen.