Mark 9:14-29 – Unbelief is Real

Read Mark 9:14-29

What a story! Jesus jumped immediately back into ministry mode after his mountaintop experience. The scene appeared to be getting a little tense until Jesus showed up. The disciples who had stayed behind were being challenged by the religious leaders. Doubt had crept into the disciples’ own minds at their inability to help the demon-possessed child.

Rather than focus on Jesus’ apparent frustration with the situation, there is much to learn from how Jesus responded, as well as the father’s statement of faith. Let’s unpack that and how these verses are speaking to you today. Continue reading “Mark 9:14-29 – Unbelief is Real”

1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

The advantage of this memory verse is clear—the confidence that God hears our prayers. But there is an action step for us. We need to be praying what pleases God. Other translations refer to our prayers being God’s will. So, if we ask God for things that are his will, he hears us. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I’m confident he hears all the other babbling we do, too.

Context: This verse appears during the conclusion to John’s first letter (he writes three letters total). John assumes he is writing to fellow believers, wants them to know about eternal life, and to further assure that when God hears us, he answers us. Continue reading “1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray”

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