Help My Unbelief

S-Scripture:  Mark 9:24, “24Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (NASB)

O-Observation:  Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain.  He was transfigured before them.  When they left the Mountain, they came back to where the disciples were located.  When they arrived on the scene there was a boy who was possessed with a spirit which made him mute; whenever it seized him, it dashed him to the ground and he would foam at the mouth.  Also, he would grind his teeth, and stiffen out.  Jesus disciples could not cast this spirit out, so they called on Jesus to do it!

A-Application:  The key words in this verse is the response of the father.  The father had watched the disciples fail to cast out the spirit, so, I am sure this man lacked a little faith in Christ’s power to heal his son.  When Jesus reassured him of His power, the man responded by saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”  There are so many times in our lives where we could relate to this father.  We believe, but we definitely need help in the areas where we lack faith in the Lord.  We must learn to trust the Lord in all areas of our lives. 

P-Prayer:  Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for loving and caring for me, especially when I lack the faith to believe in Your power.  I trust You! Please help my unbelief. In Jesus Name.  Amen!

Men Were Present

Jonathon Micahiah Sheffstall was born at 3:02 a.m.  He weighed in at 6 lbs 8 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long.  I pray that he will be a Mighty Man for God! 

S-Scripture:  Mark 8:9, “About four thousand men were present…”  (NKJV)

O-Observation:  I think it is interesting that Jesus always attracted men to His gatherings.  In verse 2, Jesus saw the large crowd gathered.  He had compassion on the crowd because they hadn’t eaten for at least three days.  Jesus fed them with seven loaves of bread and three small fish.  There were four thousand men present!

A-Application:  Mark Discoll said, “We’ve got to reach men if we want to reach the world.”  This is not to discredit the diligent work of women, but to show the importance of reaching families.  If we want to reach families, we have to reach men!  Most men think that Christianity has been feminized.  Mark gives three M’s for carrying out the Great Commission.

1. The Man.  The man is vital to reaching families.
2. The Mission.  The mission is to show men that the gospel is the manliest thing a man can do to change his world.
3. The Message.  The message is the gospel.  Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can change the world. 

Men are so important!  If we can reach men, we have a greater opportunity of reaching their wives and children.

P-Prayer:  Lord, it is my prayer for StoneBridgeto be a church that reaches men!  Thank you for the opportunity to serve You.  Help StoneBridge to overcome the statistic which says, “80% of all church plants fail.”  Lord, StoneBridge is Your church!  Please do great things for Your glory!  In Jesus Name.  Amen!