Afraid To Ask – November 1, 2008

Afraid To Ask

Mark 9:32

Jim Stephens

11-01-08

 

Scripture:

 

They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. (Mark 9:32 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Jesus’ disciples seemed to miss a lot.  Even though in today’s reading it’s clear he made special times to get alone with them and teach and explain, they sometimes just didn’t understand.  In this case, they remained in their lack of understanding because they were afraid to ask.

 

Application:

 

Why are we afraid to ask?  Sometimes because we are afraid of what we will hear.  Sometimes because we don’t want to appear stupid in front of our peers.  Sometimes because we’re lazy and don’t want to act on what we will hear.  Sometimes because the one with the information isn’t very approachable.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, there will always be reasons to be afraid to ask.  Help me to never remain ignorant because I don’t ask for an answer.  Amen.

 

Afraid – October 29, 2008

Afraid

Mark 4:40

Jim Stephens

10-28-08

 

Scripture:

 

Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?” (Mark 4:40 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Jesus’ closest followers were just coming off a season of miracles and healings and teachings that got them really excited and faith-filled.  Then they faced danger in the boat in the storm and they panicked.

 

Jesus’ question implied that the faith that was stirred up by the things they had already seen and experienced should carry over into the present challenge.

 

Application:

 

I need to hear this question from Jesus pretty often.  I have most of a lifetime of seeing the faithfulness and ability of God demonstrated in large and small ways and still I find myself saying, “Jesus, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?”

 

My lesson for the day:  “God’s past power, protection, and provision should inspire faith in today’s storm.”

 

Prayer:

 

Father forgive me for doubting you.  I believe you have the power to do all things.  I believe you have the wisdom to know what needs to be done and how and when to do it.  I believe you love me with unconditional love and want the very best for me.  I trust you in today’s storm.  I will trust you in tomorrow’s storm.  Amen.

 

Fear Bad News – August 16, 2008

Fear Bad News

Psalm 112:5-9

Jim Stephens

08-16-08

 

Scripture:

 

5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. (Psalm 112:5-9 NLT)

 

Observation & Application:

 

Verse 7 from this section is one of my verses for daily reading.  Each morning as I start my day, I let God’s Word remind me that I don’t have to fear the unknown and uncertain future.  As I read and reread these verses today, I took comfort from God’s faithfulness.

 

Last night we got a phone call that Jean’s mom is failing pretty fast and that she probably wouldn’t last through the night.  We began to think through how to change our schedule to be able to respond to whatever happened.  When we woke this morning, we got the call that she was better, resting more comfortably and that we didn’t have to rush to get there.

 

The next call could be the one that notifies us of her death.  But those who trust in the Lord don’t fear bad news.  He will care for them – for us.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, thank you that Jean’s sister and brother and we are united in our approach to how to deal with their mom’s last days and hours.  Thank you that whatever happens and whenever it happens, you will care for us and for the details of how we must respond to it.  Thank you that we don’t have to fear bad news.  Amen.