Scott Lane – Page 36 – The Everyday Prayer

Garden

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 2:4-17 (day five)

A garden is the backdrop and context of man’s original existence. Adam and Eve would begin to understand God and themselves in a garden. God had this specific design in mind. Gardens require attention. They produce “fruit”, but it comes at a slow pace. Gardens demand constant interaction (watering, pruning, soil work, protection, careful and meticulous observance. There is a connection-personal and intentional. So, as Adam and Eve began the task of gardening, they have an opportunity to learn about life on earth as well as the character and nature of the Lord God (in chapter 1 He was just named as God- “Elohim”). In chapter 2 His name is Lord God-“Yahweh Elohim” a name that is far more personal, intimate, and relational). Sometimes we might wish that life would be like a well-oiled machine (predictable, mechanical, and simple). That is not God’s design (from the beginning). It’s a garden. What insight can we gain about life on earth? How can our faith in God be strengthened from the words and message of the Genesis 2 creation narrative?

Picture

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:14-25; 2:1-3 (day five)

And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Maybe a helpful question to keep asking when we read through Genesis is, “What was God teaching the Israelites when He inspired Moses to write this book of the Bible?” In the beginning of chapter two, God presents a beautiful picture of life in Him. Scripture tells us that God rested. It’s a picture of complete satisfaction, fulfillment, and contentment. It’s a picture of the destiny of those by faith, love and trust Him. God rests after completing His work of creation. It’s also a picture of the heart that turns, trusts, and follows Jesus. Jesus taught this truth in Matthew 11. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Does your soul find daily rest in the Savior? Does your soul yearn for eternal rest in God?

Main Character

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:1-13 (day five)

In the beginning God created… v. 1

The Bible is viewed by many, as a collection of history, poetry, and moral teaching. In reality, the Bible in its entirety is a story, a true story. It’s a grand narrative that explains our existence, gives meaning to our daily lives, and encompasses every other story on earth. The first sentence of the bible introduces God as the main character (The Bible is about God). He is creating and designing the world as He wants it to be. No sin- no imperfection, everything reflecting His glory, power, and majesty.

It is tempting to read Genesis as just history (many do). Yet because of the dynamic nature of the story being told throughout scripture, this part of the story is a part of our story. However, we must know and understand who the main character is!! From there we begin to understand who we are. But we must start where the story starts. What can we learn and understand about God in Genesis chapter 1?

It’s a Heart Condiition

Re: Verse reading–Mark 15:33-41; 16:1-8 (day five)

Mark 15:31 “In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were … saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” Did they really just say that Jesus cannot save Himself? Even after seeing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? (A greater sign) Why would they think, much less say Jesus cannot save Himself? They surmised that because Jesus wouldn’t use His power, then He didn’t have it. Their love for the praise of people and self-serving power kept them from understanding Jesus. They had no point of reference or heart for mercy, love, or self sacrifice. So they mocked it. However, Jesus’ heart understood completely- “unless a grain of wheat falls” (John 12:24). Jesus knew if He saved Himself He would not save others.
Only the Holy Spirit can change a human heart to understand and value this kind of perspective. May our hearts always demonstrate and easily recognize sacrificial love, mercy, and obedience.

Prayer Lessons

Re: Verse reading–Mark 14:43-52; 15:1-15 (day five)

“Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy”.

Isn’t scripture wonderful? Every time we read it, God has a new insight or principle for us to learn. Through the study of Mark, God has placed in my heart, the role of prayer (practice and priority) in a strong and vibrant faith. Mark begins his gospel with the example of Jesus praying in chapter one. Another 25 times throughout the book, Jesus models or encourages prayer.

What if Jesus’ frustration with His disciples in the garden wasn’t because He felt they had let Him down, but rather they should have been praying because of the testing and temptations that were coming their way? Jesus didn’t count on them for sentimental support. He had already turned to God for strength, wisdom, and courage. He was still aware and concerned for their faith in their upcoming spiritual and physical dangers. Mark clearly wants his readers to learn the lesson the disciples didn’t- the ability to stand firm in trials of our faith is found in prayer. The tensions and temptations are still very real for us. Will we learn and practice the prayer lessons found in the gospel of Mark?

Fear

Re:Verse reading–Mark 14:12-31 (day five)

How quickly they must have forgotten what had just been sung. Mark’s account of the Last Supper mentions that Jesus and His disciples “sung a hymn”. Ever wonder what they sang? In all likelihood it was the second part of the Hallel (Psalms 114-118). Look at some of the words, “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes”.

No doubt fear played a part in the disciples desertion and denial of Jesus. Here are some of the dangers of fear: fear can master our hearts and minds (leaving no room for hope, trust, and joy), fear causes us to be unfocused and unloving (God and others), and fear becomes the loudest voice we hear (drowning out the still small voice of the Lord). Maybe we should sing those lyrics everyday- “The Lord is for me; I will not fear”.

Teachable Moments

Re: Verse reading–Mark 11:12-33 (day five)

As parents, leaders, and believers we look for “teachable moments” (to grow and mature in our relationship with Christ, to pass on the faith to our children and the next generations, and to make disciples of those in our influence and networks)
His time on earth is growing shorter and shorter. Jesus is well aware and uses teachable moments more than ever. What was on His mind and heart? What were His teachable moments only days before His suffering and death? Mark 11 has several.

The Lord sees past outward appearances of religion and looks for true faith (fruit) as evidence of love for the Lord. (fig tree)

Prayer is a huge part of the growth, maturity, and strength of a vibrant faith. (temple and teaching on prayer)

God has a larger and clearer view of tradition, custom, and circumstances than we do. (Jews wanted their Messiah to cleanse the temple from the Gentiles, Jesus cleansed the temple for the Gentiles)

What are we sensing, seeing, and learning??

Humble Servant

Re: Verse reading–Mark 10: 32-45 (day five)

Why would Jesus emphatically teach His disciples to be humble servants? Being a humble servant produces the exact opposite of what we might think. What are the characteristics of a humble servant?

Joy– being a humble servant removes the pressure of trying to please others and leaves the servant free to act and react with joy and gladness whatever the circumstance.

Courage– culture teaches self confidence is the best source of courage. Actually, pride produces fear. (Fear and worry of what others will think, and perceive about us) Servants know that real courage comes from God.

Energy– God’s presence in the servant’s heart leads to great energy and productivity. (It is God who works in you both to will and work for His good pleasure).

Becoming a humble servant causes the believer to be the best version of ourselves (God’s design) we can be.

Prayer was Missing

Re:Verse reading–Mark 9:14-29 (day five)

Why were the disciples unable to drive out the demon? It was a question that was haunting them. They posed the question in private. Jesus’ response, prayer was missing.

Perhaps the questioning and arguing of the scribes distracted and/or discouraged the disciples. Both can lead to doubt and uncertainty. Often times the criticism and cynicism around us have the same effects. (Jesus’ frustration could have been aimed at the scribes) Maybe the disciples were self-confident and self-reliant when dealing with the possessed boy. “We got this!” “Been there, done that!” could have been their perspective. We can get complacent and “cocky” in our relationship and in our faith with God. (Jesus frustration could have been aimed at His disciples)

Faith/belief must be constantly cultivated. Jesus modeled and taught that spiritual disciplines such as prayer are means by which our faith and belief are strengthened. Prayer places our focus and dependence on God. Both needed for the disciples and for us.

Choose Your Weapon

Re:Verse reading–Mark 8:27-38 (day five)

When Peter makes the great confession, there were assumptions that go along with it. Jesus will be a king, a shepherd, and redeemer. Yet they missed the parts of scripture that prophesied of His affliction, suffering, and death. (Isaiah 52-53) Jesus begins to teach them what it really meant for Him to be Messiah. They were thinking/believing that the weapon that would establish and grow the Kingdom of God would be the sword. Then Jesus clears their confusion. When Jesus begins talking about His own suffering and death, maybe the disciples concluded that they would probably meet the same fate. Fear, uncertainty, and self-preservation quickly took over. Peter speaks (rebukes) in strong reaction.

Jesus then describes the strategy and weapon that will establish and grow God’s Kingdom- the Cross. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” The weapon needed is not the sword (political and social revolution), but rather the Cross (humility, sacrifice, suffering, and obedience).