John 12:37-50; Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48; Mark 11:20-33; Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8
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Matthew: Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."" This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it... Do you believe Jesus' teaching here? Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer? I do believe this... but then there is always in the back of my mind - "but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed. But then they weren't..." I don't have any easy answer on this one. I have to believe there are probably some good resources out there for this tough question? If you know of any resources / books on this subject of prayer - or, more specifically, unanswered prayers - please post up in the Comments section below? Thanks.

Today we read in Mark 11 verse 17: "Jesus taught them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves.""

Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today's readings:

Worship God: Today's readings remind me of the song "In Christ Alone." Here's a great live version sung by Natalie Grant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8
Who alone do you trust? Click here for Christ alone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would believe in Jesus unfailingly each and every day. Ask for things in prayer that you believe are the will of the Father.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Matthew 21:18-22
18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry.
19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
I always wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree for not having fruits at the wrong time of the year. I have fig trees that only produce fruits certain time of the year.
The answer is in Matthew 21:21-22. During Jesus ministry on earth, he taught His disciples all along with parables and examplrs.
Matthew 21:21-22
21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Now I ask why God at times does not answer our prayers e.g not healing the sick when we pray for them. I suppose my prayer should include "Thy will be done". God knows why some prayers are answered and some are not no matter how hard we pray. I believe that God uses all situations to further His kingdom on earth. Sometimes unanswered prayers are the answer to my prayers.
Posted by: Lily | October 24, 2013 at 02:00 PM