Answered Prayer - Not a Theological Formula

S - "As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 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. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 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.” (Mark 11:20-25 ESV)"

O - Faith in God, faith that can ask for and receive anything, is not reserved for a select few nor determined by ascribing to certain theological conclusions. Jesus says "whoever says … ". What he does attach to asking anything is living out an intentional and ongoing forgiveness toward all. 

A - I am learning that the "flicker" of doubt is less about what I am asking for and more about who I'm asking. It's not that I doubt his capacity but his willingness. The answer to this conflict is not resolved by an internal vigilance which keeps its focus on a conclusion but on a person, his nearness and his willingness to engage me, my world and my requests. Children don't stress about the how of their requests … they simply ask and stay near. Jesus wants me to be like that … and I do too.

P - Lord Jesus,

The fig tree cursing is edgy to me and my way of thinking. You want me to accept a transformation in my thinking unto the nearness of your person and kingdom. I am asking for help not self-help in this and every regard as I follow you. I love you back. My answer is already yes to everything you have in mind. 

All my love,

Steve 

A Surprise Regarding Authority

S - "Jesus and his followers went to the town of Capernaum. Then on the next Sabbath he went into the synagogue and started teaching. Everyone was amazed at his teaching. He taught with authority, and not like the teachers of the Law of Moses. … Everyone was completely surprised and kept saying to each other, “What is this? It must be some new kind of powerful teaching! Even the evil spirits obey him.” News about Jesus quickly spread all over Galilee." Mark 1 TS

O -There is no doubt that the teaching of Jesus is unlike any other. It was amazing when he first spoke it and it remains just as amazing today. The people then immediately connected it with the power and authority to dispatch demons and heal the sick.  And this is a problem to this very day. Culture, religious and otherwise, looks to content alone to validate and influence. But Jesus was very clear on this point.  His authority did not come from the content or presentation of information, new or old. It came from his relationship with his Father.  He says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me"; not to the content of my teaching or the quoting of Scriptures. His teaching didn't give him authority, his authority and relationship with his Father infused his teaching and actions.  He will always be the point heaven is making, offering and honoring. 

A -Jesus is the good news from heaven, not information.  Scriptures do not reveal him or his Father, they testify them so all would come to him for life (John 5:39-40; Matthew 11:27).  The information (teaching), as wonderful and important as it may be, is not the point nor the source of power or authority. Jesus is. We are not loved, saved or included because of what he said or what we think he said.  We are loved, saved and included by Jesus who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Surprise!  The gospel is a person.  The Kingdom of God is relationships. He treats all people the same. Being near is more important than being right!   

P - Lord,

You remain surprising and amazing to this very day everywhere.  Thank you for being sent to the world - all 7.6 billion.  All authority is yours.  You are the point.  You are very near.  You love us first and most and refuse to change your mind.  Thank you for the great dignity to love you back, to come near and to follow. Nothing is too difficult, impossible or too wonderful for you -- and anyone can ask anything!

Asking according to your person,

Steve 

Friends not Fans

S - "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples. “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. … My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. This I command you – to love one another. (John 15:7-10, 12, 16, 17 NET)

O - Asking anything with the hope of receiving is not the variable with Jesus. The variable is a "remaining" which is directly connected to other humans on earth. The asking and the remaining in Jesus (and his love and words) is inseparably tied to an obedience which expresses itself in loving unconditionally his other followers … all of them. The Lord of all is not content to be loved in isolation/exclusively. He will not allow his followers to disconnect heaven from earth or his person from his followers.He's really not interested in fans, just friends, brothers and sisters together in him, his love, his words and his commands.

A - Jesus isn't offering a series of options for me to consider. He knows the virtual impossibility of his insistent instruction. In fact, it is impossible on my own and he never wants me in that condition (i.e. alone). Instead, what is impossible for humans is always possible with God. He wants me to choose to engage and he stands ready to make it very possible. Hmmm…the first (not the last) anything should be this remaining. Will I embrace his instruction? Will I choose this day and every day to ask? I will!

P - Lord,

I have some big things I want to ask you for … big. But this first one is your desire for me and I thank you for it. I ask that I will live each day in the remaining you prescribe. I don't want to deceive myself by thinking that I can disconnect heaven from earth or you from all who follow. I say yes to you, your words, your love and to loving all. Yes!

In Jesus' Name,

Steve