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Love my 95 SVT Cobra! Last year of the 5.0!

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The Three Figs: Prayer, Belief, and Forgiveness

Have you ever heard of an object lesson?

If you’ve ever taught children — in school or in ministry — the chances are high that you have, or that you’ve at least done one without knowing.

If you haven’t, an object lesson is a teaching method that uses physical items or some other visual aid as the centerpiece of a lesson. Think of using a seed to teach about faith that grows or a piece of armor to explain the armor of God.

Or a fig tree to teach about prayer, belief, and forgiveness.

That’s exactly what Jesus does in Mark 11. But the disciples don’t get it at first. It takes a question from Peter (always the talker) for Jesus to explain the meaning of the withered fig tree. Here are three takeaways from what he says.

First: Nothing is too big for God.

In Mark 11:23, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

How often do we settle for praying small prayers? Prayers that hide behind insecurity at best, or doubt at worst.

Here, Jesus is raising the bar. He tells us to pray mountain-moving prayers. We have a big God that can do big things.

Second: We should pray with total belief in God.

“... believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Notice the past tense here? Once again, Jesus is raising the stakes (spot a theme?).

Our belief in God’s power should be so strong, so absolute, that we should consider our prayer answered as we pray for it. Wow!

How can Jesus say that? Because our confidence rests not in the strength of our belief, but in the God we believe in.

And our prayers should align with God’s will. A good key for interpreting this verse is 1 John 5:14:

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Asking for a mansion and a million dollars? Perhaps you need to reconsider what Jesus was actually teaching through the fig tree and the temple cleansing that follows.

Asking for forgiveness or reconciliation? Even as you ask, Jesus says it’s already yours.

And last: Forgiveness is pivotal to prayer.

In Mark 11:25, Jesus ends His object lesson by commanding forgiveness.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Isn’t it interesting how two of Jesus’ most extensive teachings on prayer — here and in the Lord’s Prayer — blend forgiveness in as such an important piece? Here, He even ties it to the Father’s forgiveness of our sins. If prayer is a recipe, forgiveness is one of the most integral ingredients.

And if we’re going to bear the kind of fruit that is pleasing in the Lord's eyes, forgiveness can’t be missing from our branch.

[Today's devotional was written by Compassion International.]

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Living in God’s Love

Have you ever met someone who was exceptionally kind and caring? Good friends are like this—welcoming, eager to know how you’re doing, giving their undivided attention. A good friend reminds us who we are. They listen to everything, the good and the bad, with compassion and love.

God is a friend like this. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much for us, and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God.

In 1 John 4:16, we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." 

How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in your step, or you find that you have more courage to keep going. You might even find yourself loving others better because you feel so loved. The ripple effect of living in God’s love is just like this and more. You can’t help but love others when you know and experience how much God loved you.

This is the life we are invited to. A life that knows and relies on the love God has for us, and then loves others because of it. Today, how will you discover the love God has for you? When you know and experience the love God has for you, everything changes.

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

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Living in God’s Love

Have you ever met someone who was exceptionally kind and caring? Good friends are like this—welcoming, eager to know how you’re doing, giving their undivided attention. A good friend reminds us who we are. They listen to everything, the good and the bad, with compassion and love.

God is a friend like this. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much for us, and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God.

In 1 John 4:16, we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." 

How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in your step, or you find that you have more courage to keep going. You might even find yourself loving others better because you feel so loved. The ripple effect of living in God’s love is just like this and more. You can’t help but love others when you know and experience how much God loved you.

This is the life we are invited to. A life that knows and relies on the love God has for us, and then loves others because of it. Today, how will you discover the love God has for you? When you know and experience the love God has for you, everything changes.

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

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The Path to Success

There are many definitions for success in today’s culture. For some, success is defined by the number of accomplishments we’ve made, or the number of possessions we’ve attained.

Jesus’ definition of success is counter-cultural. It has nothing to do with our accomplishments or our possessions—it has everything to do with our character, and our faithfulness.

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:10 is primarily about the content of our character. He says that those who are trusted with small things will be entrusted with larger things. Those who are faithful with what they’ve been given will have even more opportunities. And those who are dishonest, unfaithful, and untrustworthy, will do the same with what they’re given.

It’s not ultimately important to Jesus whether or not we are financially successful in life. What’s more important is what we do with what we’ve already been given.

Little acts of faithfulness every day is how our character is shaped over time. The small decisions and the hard decisions are what create us into people of trust and honesty.

If you’re asking God for more in life, make sure you’re being faithful with the things He's already given you. Use the resources and opportunities you've been given to build trust and honesty with other people.

God is looking to use people of character rather than people of success. So pray for God to increase your character and to give you opportunities to become a person who is faithful and honest in every area of life.

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

[meancobra95]

The Path to Success

There are many definitions for success in today’s culture. For some, success is defined by the number of accomplishments we’ve made, or the number of possessions we’ve attained.

Jesus’ definition of success is counter-cultural. It has nothing to do with our accomplishments or our possessions—it has everything to do with our character, and our faithfulness.

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:10 is primarily about the content of our character. He says that those who are trusted with small things will be entrusted with larger things. Those who are faithful with what they’ve been given will have even more opportunities. And those who are dishonest, unfaithful, and untrustworthy, will do the same with what they’re given.

It’s not ultimately important to Jesus whether or not we are financially successful in life. What’s more important is what we do with what we’ve already been given.

Little acts of faithfulness every day is how our character is shaped over time. The small decisions and the hard decisions are what create us into people of trust and honesty.

If you’re asking God for more in life, make sure you’re being faithful with the things He's already given you. Use the resources and opportunities you've been given to build trust and honesty with other people.

God is looking to use people of character rather than people of success. So pray for God to increase your character and to give you opportunities to become a person who is faithful and honest in every area of life.

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

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What Living Well Looks Like

If you’re a good athlete, it shows every time you compete. If you’re a fantastic cook, the truth comes out in the kitchen. If you have a brilliant mind, you can’t help but solve problems. If you have a stunning voice, such talent can’t stay hidden.

 

We might present ourselves a certain way, but who we are will eventually come out. This is why James encourages Christians to prove who they are through the way they live. To prove something simply means to show that it’s true. 

Do you say that you trust God? Prove it by starting your day with a genuine confidence in Him. 

Do you say that you love your neighbor? Show it by going out of your way to notice, serve, and honor the people around you. 

Do you call yourself a follower of Jesus? Prove it by living your life in a way that reflects His heart.

This doesn’t mean you’ll be perfect, but it does mean that even when you mess up, you will still try to make things right. And not because you must work for God’s favor or earn His love, but because your actions reveal what is happening inside of you. As Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “… What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

So, how can we live an honorable life? By doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. Not worldly wisdom, but godly wisdom. When we stick close to God, who invented wisdom, He transforms us from the inside out.

So if you claim to be wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by the way you live. And when questions arise—go to the One who has answers. Even on the most overwhelming of days, trust that God is by your side.

Today, ask yourself: “Do my thoughts match what people see on the outside?” Then, ask God: “Show me how to do what You’ve called me to do, and be who You’ve called me to be.”

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

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The Empty Pursuit of More

Greed.

It wears like an invisible cloak, blending seamlessly into the fabric of modern culture. It silently seeps into our desires, clouds our judgment, and distorts our values. Greed always seeks more—more validation, more status, more comfort, more things. 

But the irony of greed is this: the more earthly possessions, status, or validation we gain, the more we are left dissatisfied.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns how this illusion of fulfillment through relentlessly collecting more blinds us to true contentment and purpose and is an empty pursuit:

“Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”

True fulfillment doesn’t happen when we store up possessions or pursue unending comfort. True fulfillment is found when we’re anchored in contentment, gratitude, and a deep relationship with God that leads to seeking His kingdom and righteousness (Luke 12:31).

Where do you have an endless craving for more—more validation, more comfort, more possessions? Are there areas of your life where the constant pursuit of more might be overshadowing the pursuit of God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Luke 12:31)?

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

[meancobra95]

The Empty Pursuit of More

Greed.

It wears like an invisible cloak, blending seamlessly into the fabric of modern culture. It silently seeps into our desires, clouds our judgment, and distorts our values. Greed always seeks more—more validation, more status, more comfort, more things. 

But the irony of greed is this: the more earthly possessions, status, or validation we gain, the more we are left dissatisfied.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns how this illusion of fulfillment through relentlessly collecting more blinds us to true contentment and purpose and is an empty pursuit:

“Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”

True fulfillment doesn’t happen when we store up possessions or pursue unending comfort. True fulfillment is found when we’re anchored in contentment, gratitude, and a deep relationship with God that leads to seeking His kingdom and righteousness (Luke 12:31).

Where do you have an endless craving for more—more validation, more comfort, more possessions? Are there areas of your life where the constant pursuit of more might be overshadowing the pursuit of God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Luke 12:31)?

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]

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Immeasurably More

What’s the boldest prayer you can think to pray? Or the most incredible thing you can dare to imagine?

Did you know that God can top it?

Paul said it like this: 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You know those quiet dreams in your heart? God put them there. You know that ache for something better than this broken world? God gave you that desire. You know the deepest longings of your soul? God knows how to fulfill them. 

Like Paul said, God can do more than we ask or imagine, but we also must remember the second part of his words: according to His power at work within us. 

It’s all God’s power and His plan. But He has invited us into it.

So what’s our part in this process? 

We can give glory to Him—knowing that it’s Him who gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). He created us, loves us, and has entrusted us with sharing His message with the world.

We can submit ourselves to His plan—knowing that it’s all God, but He chooses to work in and through His people to accomplish His purposes. He doesn’t need us to be perfect, He just wants us to be willing.

We can trust Him with the process—knowing that He is good, righteous, worthy, strong, and eternal. We don’t have to know all the answers because we already have Him, and He can do more than we can ask or imagine.

[Daily refresh from YouVersion Bible app]