From the Pastor's Desk

In Mark's account of the gospel, Chapter 11 verses 12-26, Jesus and the disciples have traveled a long distance and the Lord is hungry. Finding the fig tree without fruit, He says, "No man will eat fruit of you ever again."

When the disciples see it withered away the next morning, they are amazed. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach at least three principles necessary for releasing miracles. First, He says, "Have faith in God". Faith is the first principle of the Christian life, and we all have faith. That's how we got saved. So, why are we not seeing more miracles? I believe that's why Jesus didn't stop at faith.

Jesus cautions, "Do not doubt in your heart". Doubt will try to come in. Jesus said, "Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe you have them." The second principle is for us to focus on God's promise.

Finally, Jesus mentions the third principle for releasing miracles, "When you stand praying, forgive." Jesus assumes we will be praying, and He commands us to forgive. Forgiveness may be the most overlooked of the three principles. It is a requirement for the release of miracles in our lives.

Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is an act of the will. It is something we do. If it were beyond our ability, Jesus wouldn't have commanded it. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation, though that may be a result. It is simply our releasing someone of a debt we feel they owe us. I pray we would all meditate deeply on this lesson from our Lord and incorporate it into our daily lives. If we do, we will see the release of miracles.

-Chuck Matlock